Australia are a dominant force in world cricket, irrespective of the format, on their home soil, but they were outplayed by South Africa in the last Test series. As a result of which, they will be hungry for a Test series win in front of their home fans. Australia will go all out in the three-match test series against Pakistan, starting Thursday in Brisbane.
Pakistan, like Australia, will be hell bent on shining in this Test series as they were thrashed by New Zealand in the last series. Pakistan lost both the Test matches in New Zealand. With Australia and Pakistan raring to go, and desperate to win, a close contest is on the cards. Australia and Pakistan will hope to erase whatever (result) has happened in their recent past, and play some brilliant cricket to win the series.
Both the teams will look for a grand start in the first match, which is going to be a special occasion. It is a day-night Test match, adding another layer of interest.
Australia have decided to stick with their young side, which defeated South Africa in the dead rubber Test last month. They will be led by skipper Steve Smith, but he will have to get the best out of his youngsters against Pakistan. However, Smith and David Warner will shoulder responsibility for Australia with the bat while Mitchell Starc will be their key bowler in the series.
Most of the teams from the sub-continent when they play against teams like Australia Down Under, it is their batsmen, which fails to score big runs leading to losses. Pakistan batsmen must be aware of it, and needs to step it up against Australia, where the pitches are going to move around a bit and there will be bounce on the surface too.
However, Pakistan look a much more experienced team than Australia, with the likes of batsmen such as Misbah Ul Haq, Younis Khan and wicket-keeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed. In the bowling front too, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, who are both exceptional bowlers, can trouble the Australian batsmen with their pace and swing.
Looking at both the teams, this may be a golden chance for Pakistan to defeat Australia in their own backyard, but consistency is going to be key in the series.
Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test
Date: December 15-19
Venue: Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane
Time: 1 pm local time (03:00 GMT, 08:30 IST, 8 pm Pakistan)
Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test
Date: December 26-30
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Time: 10:30 am local time (11:30 pm GMT, 5am IST, 4:30 Pakistan time)
Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test
Date: January 3-7, 2017
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Time: 10:30 am local time (11:30 pm GMT, 5am IST, 4:30 Pakistan time)
TV listings: India: Star Sports Select HD 2. Australia: Channel Nine. UK: BT Sport. US: Willow Sports.
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