What Will Be Australia's Playing 11 for Pakistan Test? Andrew McDonald Provides Massive Update

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald shared insights into the team’s lineup for the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan. McDonald confirmed that the combination hasn’t been finalized yet, suggesting that they may stick with the lineup from their last Test.

The defending champions will face Pakistan in their second series of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The Pat Cummins-led team drew the five-match Test series 2-2 against England. They will be hoping to gain crucial points in the upcoming series.

It’s Look The Same As What It Has Before Now – Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald expressed satisfaction with the team’s return to training at the WACA Ground, highlighting the ideal conditions for a competitive practice. McDonald hinted that the team selection for the series opener might resemble the previous lineup.

“They have all returned in good order, as we saw, and it was fantastic to have a centre wicket at the WACA Ground, to be able to go out and train there,” McDonald said.

“It was perfect conditions to have a really good contest between the bat and ball and I saw Lance put a few under notice there, in particular ‘Marn’, so it was a good contest, a good get out, and as I said, all the quicks returned in good order.”

“In terms of what that means for selection, we’ll work through that over the next couple of days but I think, how do I put this, it’ll look the same as what it has before now,” he added.

Nathan Lyon is set to make his return to Test cricket in Perth after recovering from a calf injury. The veteran off-spinner is on the verge of reaching the 500 Test wicket mark, aiming to become the third Australian bowler to achieve this significant milestone.

Pakistan Tour of Australia Schedule

• 1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
• 2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• 3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Australia squad for first test against Pakistan: Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.

Also read: Andrew McDonald Names Cameron Green As David Warner’s Potential Replacement In Tests