Pakistan playing XI for 1st ODI against Australia announced, Babar Azam features

Pakistan announced their playing XI for the opening game of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia on Sunday (November 3). The first ODI between Australia and Pakistan will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on November 4.

After the hosts Australia cricket team unveiled their line-up for the MCG encounter, the men’s national selection committee has also confirmed Pakistan’s playing XI for the first ODI. The tourists have recalled the right-arm pacer Mohammad Hasnain to the side for the first time since his last ODI appearance against New Zealand in January 2023 at Karachi.

Pakistan names Playing XI for ODI series opener against Australia at MCG

Muhammad Irfan Khan is all set to make his ODI debut at the iconic MCG, as Pakistan bolstered their middle order by handing the debut opportunity to the 21-year-old. Irfan played only three T20Is for Pakistan earlier this year, but his stunning performance in domestic cricket earned him an ODI call-up.

Read Also: AUS vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- Hong Kong Sixes 2024, 1st Semi-Final

Well, the rest of the line-up is expected, with Pakistan heading into the three-match ODI series opener with an all-pace attack against Australia. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi will be assisted by Mohammad Hasnain in the pace department at the MCG.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the innings for Pakistan, while Babar Azam will bat at the crucial batting position No. 3, followed by the newly-appointed captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, and the vice-captain Salman Ali Agha.

Here’s Pakistan's playing XI for the MCG ODI:

Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

The men’s national selection committee has confirmed Pakistan’s playing XI for the first ODI against Australia.#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/kxiX9E2OGc

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 3, 2024

Notably, Pakistan is making their return to ODI cricket with the Australian series after almost a year since their last outing at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Now led by new captain Mohammad Rizwan and guided by interim coach Jason Gillespie, the Pakistan team is looking for a fresh start as they gear up for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Pat Cummins return as Australia captain for Pakistan ODIs

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins is ready to return as Australia’s ODI captain with the opening ODI against Pakistan at the iconic MCG on November 4. Cummins will be returning to the ODIs for the first time since lifting the ODI World Cup 2023 in India, and all eyes are on him in the home series.

Read Also: 'He cried': Sajid Khan reveals Azhar Mahmood's emotional apology over 'Pakistan don't have quality spinners' remark

Australia heads into the home ODI series against Pakistan without many key players. With star all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head on paternity leave and Cameron Green sidelined by injury, new faces are set to make an impact, with exciting young talent Jake Fraser-McGurk confirmed as the opener alongside Matthew Short.

The fast-bowling department will also miss Josh Hazlewood in the first ODI against Pakistan, with speedster Lance Morris stepping in to support the Pat Cummins-headed pace attack. Notably, the first ODI match will be telecasted on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India.