Tag: Australia vs Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: The fast bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and the right-arm pacers Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf have rejoined the squad after completing their mandatory isolation periods, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared on Saturday.

Haris, who was out of the action of the historic Rawalpindi Test due to his contraction of the widely spread virus, has rejoined the squad after completing his mandatory isolation period and testing negative for the virus.

Hasan and Faheem, on the other hand, who were ruled out of the first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy sustaining injuries have rejoined the squad after the completion of their mandatory isolation and recovering from their respective injuries.

Hasan suffered a groin injury while Faheem picked up an injury during his side’s fixture against Peshawar Zalmi in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7.

It is pertinent to mention here that the first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy between Pakistan and Australia is underway with the hosts are in a comfortable position.

READ: PAK vs AUS: Players observe silence for Peshawar victims and Warne

RAWALPINDI: The players of both Pakistan and Australia observed a one-minute silence to mourn the deaths of Peshawar victims and Australian legend Shane Warne before the start of the second day’s play of the first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, here on Saturday.

Alongside the players, officials, and fans also paid tribute to Peshawar victims and Warne’s demise before the start of the second day’s play of the opening Test between Pakistan and Australia.

Taking to Twitter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also shared the video of players, officials, and fans observing a one-minute silence to remember the victim of the Peshawar Blast and the sudden demise of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne.

One-minute silence observed in Pindi Stadium for Peshawar victims and Shane Warne. #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/5vIspAVmyr

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 5, 2022

Furthermore, the players from both teams are also donning black ribbons to mourn the deaths of Peshawar victims and legendary leg-spinner.

On Friday, a bomb blast was reported in Peshawar, which claimed the lives of dozens of people. Later that day, Australian media reported the sudden demise of their great former leg-spinner, Warne, due to a heart attack.

It is pertinent to mention here that players and officials also paid respect to the demise of Rod Marsh, who was one of the greatest wicket-keepers in the history of Australian cricket.

READ: Azhar eyes century as Pakistan get to 302-1 at lunch 

RAWALPINDI: Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja could only manage to bat for a single over against Pakistan as the bad light forced early stumps on the second day of the first Test, here on Saturday.

Khawaja and Warner, who came out to bat in response to Pakistan’s mammoth 476, only faced one over of Sajid Khan before the umpires firstly suspended the match due to the bad light which later turned into early stumps.

Australia managed to finish the day at 5/0, while Khawaja (5*) and Warner (0*) will resume the proceedings for the touring side on the third day.

Moments earlier, Pakistan declared their first innings at 476/4 after adding 86 runs for the loss of two wickets in the final session of the second day of the Rawalpindi Test. The wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan (29*) and Iftikhar Ahmed (13*) remained not out before the declaration.

The experienced top-order batter Azhar led the way with his 185 and lost his wicket in an attempt to further accelerate the innings. The right-handed batter faced 361 deliveries and smashed 18 boundaries including three sixes.

Babar, on the other hand, also looked to play a quick knock, as the skipper scored 36 off 82 balls including three boundaries before falling short to Marnus Labuschagne’s direct hit.

Earlier, the duo of Azhar and Babar bolstered Pakistan to 390-2 at the stroke of the Tea break. The pair appeared solid and scored runs at a quick rate; putting on an important 81-runs partnership of 127 balls.

Azhar, who was just five shy of his century, brought up his 19th Test century and his sixth 150 plus score in the longest format.

The last day’s centurion Imam, however, walked back to the pavilion in the 121st over as Pat Cummins trapped the left-hander in legs. Imam scored a magnificent 157 off 358 balls including 16 boundaries and two sixes.

Resuming at an overnight score of 245-1, Azhar and Imam provided a rather defensive but effective start to the home side on the second day of the first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. The pair added 57 runs in the first session, with Imam bringing up his first 150 plus score in Test cricket.

So far in the historic Rawalpindi Test, Nathan Lyon, Labuschagne and Cummins managed to pick a wicket apiece for Australia.

READ: Andy Murray reunites with former coach Ivan Lendl 

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq scored a magnificent century on his return to put the home side into the commanding position against Australia on the first day of the Rawalpindi Test, here on Friday.

Pakistan finished the first day of the Rawalpindi Test on a high; scoring 245/1 at the end of the first day. Imam, alongside Azhar, added 64 runs in the final session and extended their partnership to 140.

Imam, who last played a Test match in late 2019, scored a magnificent half-century on his return. He scored an unbeaten 132 off 271 balls; smashing 15 boundaries and two sixes.

His partner, Azhar, on the other hand, batted sensibly and scored a terrific half-century. The right-handed batter is currently unbeaten for 64. The southpaw faced 165 deliveries and hit five boundaries including a six in the course of his brilliant knock.

The two batters will now resume the proceedings for Pakistan at 245-1 on the second day of the first Test.

After opting to bat first in the historic Rawalpindi Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Pakistani openers Imam and Abdullah provided a solid start to the home side; putting on an astonishing 105-runs partnership.

Abdullah Shafique, who was looking in top-notch remained unlucky as the right-handed batter missed on his well-deserved half-century after attempting to hit Nathan Lyon for a six on 44. He faced 105 deliveries in the course of his innings with the help of three boundaries and a six.

For Australia, only Lyon managed to make one scalp, while the rest of the Aussie bowlers went wicketless on the opening day.

PLAYING XIs

PAKISTAN: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah

AUSTRALIA: Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has admitted that the absence of Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf in the Rawalpindi Test against Australia affected the team combination of the home side.

Babar, while talking to a virtual presser ahead of the historic Test, admitted that the unavailability of Hasan and Faheem affected the team combination.

“The absence of Hasan and Faheem has affected the combination,” he said.

“Hasan has won us many matches and is a great bowler. While Faheem does well with both bat and the ball,” he added.

The 27-years-old skipper however emphasized that the team is well prepared and will do well in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

“The Test players first prepared and played a practice match in Karachi before coming here, so our team is well prepared for the historic series and will give tough time to our opposition,” Babar said.

“Naseem [Shah] and Shaheen [Shah Afridi] are bowling well. Whereas, in the batting unit, Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam are in splendid form,” he quoted saying.

Babar also commented on Yasir Shah’s inclusion in the Playing XI, saying that he is a’match winner,’ but that he will take some time to adjust to fit completely.

“Yasir is a match winner but it will take time to get fit. His fitness and injuries are a matter of concern for us,” he said.

“If Yasir gets fit then we will utilize him where needed,” he added.

Babar went on to claim that because they are professional cricketers, they will not be hindered by having to adapt to a different format. While also emphasizing not taking the opposition lightly.

It is apropos to mention here that Australia is touring Pakistan after a gap of 24 years. The touring side will play three Tests which will take place in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi respectively. While the white-ball series which comprises three ODIs and one-off T20I will be played here.

READ: Australia’s star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner tests COVID positive

RAWALPINDI: According to the weather forecast, the first Test of the historic Benaud-Qadir Trophy between Pakistan and Australia can be hindered by rain.

As per the BBC weather forecast, the rain is likely to come into play during the historic Rawalpindi Test – starting from tomorrow.

The weather is foreseen to remain clear for the opening day of the first Test, while on the second day the prospects of rain are likely to go up by eight percent.

In addition, the third day of the Rawalpindi Test has the highest chance of rain, with a probability of up to 68 percent, as scattered showers are expected to pour between 11 AM and midnight.

Rain probability will then decrease to 16 percent on the fourth day, with only light showers and a gentle breeze passing over Rawalpindi Stadium. Whereas, on the fifth day, the stadium will be covered by light clouds.

It is apropos to mention here that Australia is touring Pakistan after a gap of 24 years. The touring side will play three Tests which will take place in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi respectively. While the white-ball series which comprises three ODIs and one-off T20I will be played here.

READ: ‘Will decide the Playing XI after analyzing the pitch’ Pat Cummins

RAWALPINDI: Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has revealed that he will decide the Playing XI for the first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy after analyzing the pitch.

Cummins, while talking to a virtual presser ahead of the Rawalpindi Test, has revealed that the skipper will decide the playing combination against Pakistan after analyzing the pitch.

“We have not decided the Playing XI as of yet. But, there is a possibility that we can go with three fast bowlers and two spinners,” he said.

“We will decide the final Playing XI after analyzing the pitch. There is no grass on the pitch but it is looking good,” he added.

Cummins also discussed the Pakistan Test team, stating that while the home team will be without three key players, they will not be considered weaker.

“Their three players are not available for the first Test but I will still not call them a weak side,” he said.

The right-arm pacer went on to say that international teams have a full squad and that a replacement player can perform well on any given day.

“International teams have a full squad and other players can come and do well. Just like in the Ashes when [Josh] Hazlewood got injured and [Tom] Bolland came into the side and performer well for us,” he added.

The 28-year-old Australian skipper went on to say that while he does not consider Australia to be favourites, his squad is capable. The right-arm pacer, on the other hand, expressed his pride at being a part of the historic tour while speaking about himself playing in Pakistan for the first time.

READ: Mohammad Amir recovers from injury, starts training

RAWALPINDI: Left-handed opener Shan Masood, who made his way back into the national side for the historic Benaud-Qadir Trophy, said representing Pakistan in any form is above all the rest.

Masood, who last played an international match for Pakistan in early 2021, had recently made his way back into the national squad for the historic Benaud-Qadir Trophy against Australia, said he is delighted to have come back into the national squad, and representing Pakistan is the foremost priority for the left-hander.

“I think nothing compares or is above than representing Pakistan in any form. It is a moment of joy and pride for me as I will be a part of the historic series,” he said.

“It feels great to share the dressing room with my teammates and make a comeback after almost a year. It feels surreal as it has been quite a long now since my last representation,” he said.

Shan further commented about the outcomes of the historic series, said no matter what the results will be, the team is preparing hard and will give their all in the field.

“We don’t have control over the outcome,” he remarked, “but we’re doing our best in the preparation and strive to do the same on the field.”

Shan went on to claim that the 32-years-old is ready to take on the field in the historic series if the opportunity arises.

“I’m giving it my all in the training sessions, and I believe I’m perfectly prepared to serve my country if the opportunity arises,” he concluded.

READ: PCB unveils commentary panel for Benaud-Qadir Trophy

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the commentary and presenters panel for the upcoming Benaud-Qadir Trophy between Pakistan and Australia, Simon Katich and Rob Key also included.

In a press release, PCB revealed that former Australian and English cricketers and well-known commentators Simon Katich and Rob Key respectively will be commentating for the first time in Pakistan.

Katich will only commentate on the Benaud-Qadir Trophy and will be making his commentary debut in Pakistan, like his countryman Michael Kasprowicz.

The trio of Pakistan which includes Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz, and Waqar Younis will commentate through the tour from 4 March to 5 April.

Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas, on the other hand, will host the pre and post-match shows alongside Neroli Meadows, who will only be available for the first two Test matches.

Taking to Twitter, PCB Media revealed the commentary panel for the historic tour.

“Commentators for Benaud-Qadir Trophy announced,” the cricket board’s media handle wrote.

https://twitter.com/TheRealPCBMedia/status/1498995142426083328

It is apropos to mention here that Australia is touring Pakistan after a gap of 24 years. The touring side will play three Test matches which will take place in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore respectively. A three-match ODI series and a lone-T20I will also be hosted in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

READ: Middlesbrough shock Spurs, Man City ease into FA Cup quarters

RAWALPINDI: Australian Test spinner Nathan Lyon has revealed that he wants Australia to whitewash Pakistan 3-0 in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, commencing here on March 4.

Lyon, while talking to a virtual press conference revealed that he is hopeful of Australia whitewashing Pakistan 3-0 in the upcoming Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

“There is a lot of confidence in the team after the Ashes’ triumph. We take the field with a mindset to win every game. Our target is to whitewash Pakistan 3-0,” he said.

Lyon, however, said it will be challenging for the touring side as the Aussies are playing an away Test series after 2019.

“We will be playing Test cricket after 2019 in away conditions. So I think it will be challenging for us,” he said.

“However, we will take the field against Pakistan with a positive mindset,” he added.

Lyon also highlighted his eagerness to bowl to Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam, saying that he is looking forward to bowling to Babar.

“I think Babar Azam is one of the greatest batters in modern cricket currently. I can not wait to bowl him in the Test series,” he said.

The Australian off-spinner and the former pitch curator also commented on the pitch for the Rawalpindi Test said he expects the pitch at Rawalpindi Stadium to be “pretty nice to bat on” for the first couple of days before taking some spin.

“Right now the pitch is shining, the first two days will help the batting, while it may also assist the spin later,” he said.

Lyon, on the other hand, remained tight-lipped on the idea of playing with two spinners, while also hinting towards part-timers Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

The right-arm spinner also revealed that the 34-years-old is feeling proud to tour Pakistan for the historic tour.

“I am very happy and proud to be a part of the team that is coming to Pakistan after 24 years,” he said.

“Australia playing cricket in Pakistan is important for world cricket and Pakistani cricket fans. Not only in Australia but also in Pakistan, Australian players can become role models by playing cricket in the country,” he added.

It is apropos to mention here that the Benaud-Qadir Trophy will roll into action from March 4. The three-match series will take place in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore respectively.

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