PAK vs AUS: Pakistan's Predicted Playing XI Against Australia, Pakistan vs Australia, 1st Test 

Pakistan are set to host Australia for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20 international, starting from 4^th March. This will be the first time when Pakistan would host Australia for a Test series since 1998. The first Test is slated to be played from 4^th to 8^th March 2022. Here’s a look at Pakistan’s predicted playing XI for the first Test.

PAK vs AUS: Pakistan’s Predicted Playing XI Against Australia, Pakistan vs Australia, 1st Test

Openers: Shan Masood and Shafique

Abid Ali is currently in rehabilitation after being diagnosed with a heart condition in December last year. Shan Masood has replaced him for the side. He is likely to open in the first Test against Abdullah Shafique. The 22-year old scored 150 runs in 2 Tests at an average of 50.00 in the last Test series against Bangladesh.

Middle-Order: Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, and M Rizwan

Pakistan have a pretty solid middle-order, which comprises the likes of Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, and M Rizwan. All are in pretty good form and you expect them to turn up with useful contributions in the series. Babar Azam scored 99 runs in 2 Tests against Bangladesh, while Azhar Ali made 80 at an average of 40.00.

All-rounder: Iftikhar Ahmed

Faheem Ashraf is currently recovering from an injury and is unavailable for the first Test. This is a big blow for the team as he provides a great balance to the side. Pakistan have called up Iftikhar Ahmed as his replacement and he is likely to make it into the playing XI for the first Test. M Wasim too should make it into the playing XI.

Bowlers: Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, M Wasim, Shaheen Afridi

The left-arm seamer, Shaheen Afridi will lead the pace-bowling department. He is a must-have in the playing XI. His partner, Hasan Ali, is recovering from the injury and won’t be available for the first Test.

Haris Rauf was in line to replace him but has been contracted with Covid-19 and thus has been ruled out of the first Test. Thus, the likes of Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali and M Wasim are likely to complete the playing eleven.