Pakistan vs Australia 2018: 1st Test Match, Dubai - Match Preview

Pakistan and Australia will lock horns in the first Test match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. After a dismal performance in the Asia Cup, Pakistan will look to come up with a better performance against wounded Australia. Pakistan was not able to make most of the adopted home conditions in the Asia Cup. However, they would aim to turn the tables against Australia.

Meanwhile, Australia will be without the services of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Thus, Mitchell Starc will lead the pace battery attack. However, Peter Siddle is going to return to playing XI after a long time. In fact, Nathan Lyon is going to hold the key. Lyon has done well in the recent past and the onus will be on him.

Lyon had scalped 41 wickets in the combined six Test matches against India and Bangladesh. Therefore, Lyon will like to roar like a Lion in the favorable conditions of the UAE. In fact, Lyon had a disappointing previous tour of the UAE as he had scalped only three wickets. Thus, he would like to turn the corner on this tour.

Similarly, Pakistan will rely on the shoulders of Yasir Shah. The leg-spinner has savored great success in the UAE conditions and will once again look to repeat his performance.

Meanwhile, Aaron Finch is all set to make his Test debut for Australia. Furthermore, Travis Head and Marcus Labuschagne are also set to make their red ball debut. This means Matthew Renshaw will sit out from the playing XI. In fact, Australia has already named their playing XI.

Usman Khawaja will open the innings with Aaron Finch. Khawaja hasn’t been at his best in the subcontinent conditions as he has his struggle against spin. Thus, it would be a good opportunity for the southpaw batsman to get over his batting woes in Asia.

On the other hand, it would be a fine chance for Aaron Finch to grab his Test spot. Finch has been a consistent limited overs batsman for the Australian team and it would be a perfect chance for the right-hander to make his mark in the red ball version.

Australia will like to come up with a better performance. They will be without the services of Steven Smith and David Warner, which is going to make way for other players.

On the other hand, Pakistan will depend on experienced batsmen like Mohammed Hafeez and Azhar Ali. Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir was dropped after his poor form in the Asia Cup. However, the onus is going to be on the spin battery of Bilal Asif, Yasir Shah. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan is ruled out due to an injury.

Date and Time: 7-11 October, 11:30 AM IST.

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Australia Playing XI:  Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Tim Paine (c), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI: Azhar Ali, Imam ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed(w/c), Hasan Ali, Bilal Asif, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas.

Weather Conditions: The conditions are going to be tough for the players. The temperature is going to touch 39 Degree Celsius. Thus, it is going to be difficult for both teams.

Pitch Conditions: The fast bowlers will have to work hard to get their wickets on this pitch. On the other hand, spinners will come into action.

Stats: 

Mohammad Abbas has thus far scalped 42 wickets in the red ball version. Thus, he needs another eight wickets to complete 50 Test wickets. Abbas has had a fine start to his Test career as he has played only eight Test matches.