PAK vs AUS Match Preview-Australia Tour of Pakistan 2022, 2nd Test 

The first Test match of the three-match series between Australia and Pakistan resulted in a draw. The cricket pundits weren’t too pleased with the pitch laid out in the first Test. There was little help for the bowlers as both teams managed to score huge totals on the board without much fuss.

The second Test match is scheduled to be played at National Stadium in Karachi from 12^th to 16^th March 2022. Here’s a look at how both teams have performed thus far in the first Test.

PAK vs AUS Match Preview-Australia Tour of Pakistan 2022, 2nd Test

Australia:

Australia would be pleased with their batting performances. All four batsmen in the top-four looked at ease on a batting paradise at Rawalpindi Stadium. Usman Khawaja missed out on a hundred by just 3 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne was only 10 runs short of a hundred.

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David Warner, on the other hand, managed to score 68 runs in 114 balls, while Steve Smith amassed 78 off 196. Australia would be hoping that they continue their good form with the bat heading into the next Test match. As far as batting goes, one doesn’t see any changes in taking place.

However, there are issues to be addressed in the bowling department. Both Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood went wicketless in the first Test. Lyon and Cummins, on the other hand, picked one wicket each. Given the fact the pitch in Karachi will help the spinners, either one of Starc or Hazlewood might make way for Mitchell Swepson for the second Test match.

Pakistan:

Pakistan would be riding high on confidence. They were a better side in the first Test despite the fact the pitch didn’t offer any help to the bowlers. Babar Azam and Co. managed to post a huge total of 476 runs in the first innings. Shafique scored 44 off 105, while the likes of Imam Ul Haq (157) and Azhar Ali (185) went on to score their respective centuries.

In their second innings, Pakistan didn’t lose a single wicket. Both the openers scored centuries and stayed unbeaten till the end of the fifth day’s play. Imam Ul Haq scored consecutive tons in the Test match and he will be riding high on confidence. One should get surprised if Pakistan decides to change or drop a player in the top four for the next Test match.

With the ball, Nauman Ali will be the biggest bet. He was outstanding with the ball in the last Test match. The left-arm spinner managed to pick 6 wickets for 107 runs. And, given the pitch will aid spinners in the next Test, you could expect a similar performance from him in Karachi as well. His counterpart Sajid Khan didn’t enjoy a great outing but he could come up with a promising performance in Karachi.

Pakistan’s all-rounder, Faheem Ashraf has cleared the rapid antigen test and will be available for the second Test. Besides, the likes of Hasan Ali and Haris Raif both are likely to be fit to play and will be in contention for the second Test.