In preparation for their third and final Test fixture against Australia in Sydney, Pakistan has made two notable alterations to their starting lineup. This is going to be Pakistan’s last encounter in Australia, starting tomorrow. For the last Test, the Shan Masood team has opted not to field both opener Imam-ul Haq and renowned pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Shaheen will be replaced by a right-arm off-spinner, and Saim Ayub, who has not yet earned a cap, will make his Test debut. Ayub, 21, recently made his T20I cricket debut for Pakistan and has amassed 123 runs over 8 games. He has not yet registered a half-century for the side. Sajid Khan, on the other hand, travelled to Australia owing to several injuries and was not chosen in the initial team.
The team’s management is reportedly not thrilled with Imam’s sluggish batting thus far in the series. In four innings, the left-hander has amassed 94 runs with a strike rate of just 31.22. The sources further stated that the squad has received explicit instructions from management on how to play attacking cricket.
In Melbourne, Australia defeated Pakistan by 79 runs in the second Test to secure the Test series. Pakistan were skittled out for 237 during their second innings on Friday while chasing a target of 317 runs. Pat Cummins led Australia from the outset and secured a thrilling victory with five wickets in the second innings.
Australia remain unchanged for the final Test match against Australia
In the meantime, Pat Cummins, said that they will start the final Test with the same lineup. According to Cricket.com.au, Cummins stated that Australia had no need to alter the winning combination.
Despite having a track record for turning more in comparison to other Australian grounds. The team appears to be in a favourable position and doesn’t appear to need an additional spinner. They still can go with the likes of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne if they bowl spin from both the ends.
Fans react as Pakistan chooses two debutants in place of Imam-ul-Haq and Shaheen Afridi for 3rd Test against Australia: –
Shaheen Afridi has been rested for the final and third Test against Australia in Sydney. Sajid Khan will replace him in the playing XI.
Saim Ayub is set to make his Test debut as he will replace Imam-ul-Haq in the playing XI. pic.twitter.com/CK37gJzkP2
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 2, 2024
PCB giving Saim debut in pressure game when Pakistan has lost series. I wish him best of luck.
— Muhammad Irfan Malik (@MIrfanMalick) January 2, 2024
It might be Great opportunity To Debutant
To Showcase his Skill
And Grab The Opportunity
To come in Limelight
All the best??— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) January 2, 2024
1st century of 2024 loading…? pic.twitter.com/eFRyDHpOvU
— Salman Ali (@salmankamoka18) January 2, 2024
Go green boys
— mantasha (@mantashawani33) January 2, 2024
Awesome
— Kamran mayo (@KamranMayo14052) January 2, 2024
Good Decision.
Excited to see Saim Ayub ?— Haroon (@itx_haroon_453) January 2, 2024
If this is true I am wondering on the reaction of Farid Khan @_FaridKhan who keep coming with Padosi Jagran to add spice. Now he is getting his own medicine
— Narayanan Ganesan (@Ganesan4088) January 2, 2024
