Tag: australia

Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja will not wear shoes with messages highlighting the plight of people in Gaza when the first Test against Pakistan begins on Thursday, captain Pat Cummins said.

During training this week the 36-year-old opening batsman Usman Khawaja had hand-written slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his shoes.

The Pakistan-born Khawaja had reportedly said he would wear the shoes for the opening Test in Perth.

But Cummins told reporters on Wednesday: “I spoke to him just quickly and he said he won’t be.

“Just kind of drew attention to the ICC rules, which I don’t know if Uzzie (Khawaja) was across beforehand.

“Uzzie doesn’t want to make too big of a fuss.”

Governing body the International Cricket Council bans any messages during matches that relate to politics, religion or race.

Four days ago, Khawaja shared a video on Instagram from the children’s charity UNICEF from Gaza.

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In the post, Khawaja, who is Muslim, commented: “Do people not care about innocent humans being killed?

“Or is it the colour of their skin that makes them less important? Or the religion they practise?

“These things should be irrelevant if you truly believe that ‘we are all equal’.”

Speaking earlier Wednesday, Australian Sports Minister Anika Wells said she believed Khawaja’s shoes did not break ICC rules.

“I think he has done it in a peaceful and respectful way,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her as saying.

Cricket Australia said in a statement that it supported “the right of our players to express personal opinions.

“But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages, which we expect the players to uphold.”

In 2014 the ICC banned England all-rounder Moeen Ali from wearing wristbands saying “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” during a home Test.

READ: Pakistan’s Playing XI for First Test against Australia unveiled

PERTH: Pakistan announced their playing XI for the first Test of the three-match Test series against Australia, which is scheduled to be played at Perth Stadium from tomorrow.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the playing XI for the Perth Test.

The lineup features Pakistan captain Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Khurram Shahzad.

🚨 Playing XI for first Test 🚨

Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad are set to make their Test debut 👏#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/4GqRRKZC6J

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 13, 2023

This match will be Shan Masood’s first match as the captain after being appointed the Test captain last month following Babar Azam’s resignation as captain.

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Notably, all-rounder Aamir Jamal and pace bowler Khurram Shahzad will make their Test debuts against Australia.

The 23-year-old Khurram Shahzad was the highest wicket-taker of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24 with 36 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.31 and picked up 13 wickets at 16.62 in the recently concluded Pakistan Cup.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Aamir Jamal has previously represented Pakistan in four T20I matches.

Australia have also announced their playing XI for the first Test under the leadership of Pat Cummins, with Steve Smith and Travis Head serving as co-vice-captains.

Steve Smith will be the senior vice-captain and the first choice to stand in as captain in the absence of Cummins.

Australia Playing XI for the first Test

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

READ: Andre Russell shines on comeback as West Indies sink England in first T20I

CANBERRA: Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood has revealed the batting order for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, which will see him playing at number three.

Shan Masood talked to the media after the trophy unveiling ceremony for the four-day match between Pakistan and Australian Prime Minister XI, which is set to start tomorrow.

The newly appointed Pakistan’s Test skipper stated that Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique will continue to open the innings while Babar Azam will bat at number four.

“We will continue with the same batting order from the last Test series. Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique are settled as opening batters for over a year,” said Shan Masood.

“Babar Azam is our main batter and he has been playing at number four in Test cricket, so we will plan our batting around him.”

Shan Masood further opened up about his position and the role of two wicketkeepers in the squad.

“I played at number three since my comeback to the Test side, so I will continue in that role, while Sarafraz Ahmed will be our first-choice wicketkeeper,” stated Masood.

“However, we can play both Sarfaraz and Mohammad Rizwan, depending on conditions where one can play as a batter.”

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He also showed confidence in Pakistan’s bowling attack and hoped that it would pose a threat to Australian batters.

“We have got a balanced pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi, with each bowler posing a different threat.”

“Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad are proven performers in our domestic circuit, having the ability to make a mark in Australia.”

“Mohammad Wasim Jr. can provide us extreme pace with reverse swing, supported by all-rounder Aamer Jamal who also bowls with good pace. While Faheem Ashraf is a seasoned all-rounder who has done well in Test cricket.”

Pakistan’s captain also praised Australian batter David Warner for his impressive Test career, which may come to an end after the upcoming Test series.

“David Warner has been a great servant to not only Australia but world cricket. We wish him the best of luck but we will make sure to make his last series challenging.”

“Australia have an overall balanced side and one of the best bowling attack in the world. We have to play our brand of cricket in all three departments to challenge them and I believe we have a team which can do that,” Shan Masood concluded.

Pakistan and Australia will square off in the first Test match in Perth from 14-18 December 2023.

The second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed upbeat for tough challenge in Australia Tests

CANBERRA: Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is ready to face the challenges that lay ahead in the upcoming four-day game against Australian Prime Minister XI.

Sarfaraz Ahmed while talking to the media, recalled the inspiring innings of Chris Gayle at Manuka Oval and stressed the importance of the match against PM XI.

“I remember watching Chris Gayle’s incredible innings of 200 runs against Zimbabwe at Manuka Oval. Now, as we brace ourselves for a four-day clash in Canberra against Australia, the weather seems to be good,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“This match holds an immense significance as it kickstarts the three-match test series against the formidable Australian team.”

Expressing his confidence, Sarfaraz highlighted the strength of the Pakistani lineup.

“Australia boasts good batters, but we are no less. With Abdullah, Babar, Imam, Saud, and Agha in our ranks, we are well-equipped for the challenge,” he declared.

Sarfaraz further praised the quality of Pakistan’s bowlers in the Test squad.

“Shaheen and Hasan are exceptional, and we have the likes of Mir Hamza, Khurram Shehzad, and Fahim, who have proven their mettle in domestic competitions.”

The former captain then took a moment to extend his congratulations to the newly-appointed Test captain Shan Masood and acknowledged his leadership.

“It’s always an honour to lead your country, and I want to congratulate Shan Masood for his role,” said the wicketkeeper batter.

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“The camaraderie between Babar Azam, Muhammad Hafeez, and Shan Masood is a testament to the strong bond within our camp.”

Sarfaraz Ahmed concluded with the humble mention that he is ready to play any role for the team in Australia.

“I am happy to play any role – whether as a batter or a wicket-keeper – in contributing to the success of the team.”

Pakistan and Australia will square off in the first Test match in Perth from 14-18 December 2023.

The second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Australia squad

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris

READ: Temba Bavuma to miss white-ball matches against India

The Pakistan Test squad is set to reach Sydney in the wee hours of 1st December, to play a three-match series against Australia.

Pakistan squad will then immediately embark on their journey to Canberra before midday.

Upon their arrival in the Australian capital, the squad will kick off their training sessions on Sunday, 3rd December, starting at 10 am local time.

Following the practice, Pakistan’s pace sensation, Shaheen Shah Afridi, will address the media at 12:45 pm.

The following day, on 4th December, Pakistan will feature in their second training session from 10 am to 1 pm.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed will be available for media interaction at 12:45 pm.

On 5th December, the captains of PM XI and Pakistan squad, Nathan McSweeney and Shan Masood respectively, will participate in the captains’ call and trophy photoshoot at the iconic Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Meanwhile, PM XI is scheduled for a training session from 10 am to 1 pm, while Pakistan will hit the field for their training session from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

The much-anticipated four-day match between Pakistan and PM XI is set to commence on 6th December at Manuka Oval, Canberra.

Pakistan team will kick off the Test series with the first Test in Perth from 14-18 December 2023.

The second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

Pakistan squad for the tour of Australia

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

READ: Uganda book their place in T20 World Cup 2024 as Zimbabwe misses out

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan led the batting charge for India to set up a convincing 44-run win over Australia in the second Twenty20 international on Sunday.

Jaiswal smashed a 25-ball 53 and fellow left-hander Kishan hit 52 off 32 deliveries to help India to 235-4 after being invited to bat first by Australia in Thiruvananthapuram.

Spinner Ravi Bishnoi and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna took three wickets each as the hosts kept Australia down to 191-9 and extended their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series.

Indian batters ruled as Yashasvi Jaiswal laid the foundations for India’s mammoth total with key contributions from fellow opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made 58, and Rinku Singh’s unbeaten nine-ball 31.

“The boys are not putting too much pressure on me. They are taking onus,” India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who won his second successive match as national captain, said.

“I told them (players) before, be prepared to bat first. There was a lot of dew. We talked to defend it later.”

Yashasvi Jaiswal was named man of the match and said, “It was really special for me. I was trying to play all my shots. Was trying to be fearless. I was sure of my decisions.”

Jaiswal, who smashed nine fours and two sixes, raced to his fifty in 24 balls but soon fell to fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who got three wickets.

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Ishan Kishan, a wicketkeeper-batsman, raised his fifty with a six off leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha before he got out to Marcus Stoinis.

But the left-handed Rinku Singh finished off the innings with a flurry of boundaries and sixes.

In reply, Australia fell to 58-4 including Steve Smith (19), previous-match centurion Josh Inglis (two) and Glenn Maxwell (12) back in the dug-out.

Tim David, who smashed 37, and Stoinis, who hit 45 off 25 balls, attempted to hit back in their partnership of 81 as the two hit six fours and six sixes between them.

Bishnoi broke the stand with his leg-spin to dismiss David who mistimed a hit to long-on.

Stoinis was the next to go as the wheels came off the chase and Krishna got two more to nearly end the batting team’s hopes.

Skipper Matthew Wade struck an unbeaten 42 off 23 balls to reduce the margin of loss for Australia, who last week lost the opener four days after being crowned champions of the ODI World Cup.

“We’re making the right decisions but aren’t executing in the right moments,” Australia coach Andre Borovec said.

The third T20 is on Tuesday in Guwahati.

READ: New Zealand bank on World Cup 2023 form ahead of Bangladesh Tests

Pakistan’s experienced pacer Hasan Ali, known for his joyful nature off the field, once again amused the cricket fans as he engaged in a funny Kabadi battle with the national team’s masseur amid the training camp for the Australia Tests.

Pakistan team’s training camp for the three-match away series against Australia is underway at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

The players hit the nets and participated in several fielding drills since the commencement of the camp.

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Meanwhile, in the latest turn of events, Hasan Ali, who is poised to lead Pakistan’s pace attack on the upcoming tour alongside ace speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi, once again caught the attention with his wit.

In a video, circulating on social media, the national cricketers were seen warming up in the field before Hasan Ali hilariously grappled with masseur Malang Ali.

The right-arm pacer manhandled Ali on the ground and raised his hands in a triumphant manner. His gesture left his teammates in splits while the masseur also gave it a laugh before Hasan ran away.

https://twitter.com/beautywthBR/status/1728367406752686504

For the unversed, Pakistan’s ongoing training camp for the Australia tour will run until November 28.

Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will miss the entirety of the training camp due to their wedding festivities.

They are expected to join the squad in Lahore on 30th November, just before the team’s departure to Australia.

Pakistan’s quest for their first Test series victory over Australia in their backyard will commence on Dember 14.

It will be a tough challenge for left-handed opener Shan Masood, who became the Test captain after Babar Azam relinquished the role from all formats after his side’s dismal show in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023.

The Green Shirts will get an opportunity to get used to the testing Australian conditions as they will take on the Prime Minister’s XI in the four-day red-ball fixture at Manuka Oval from 6-9 December 2023.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed

Schedule of Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia

First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium

Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney Cricket Ground

READ: Sialkot clinch super-over win over Multan in National T20 Cup

RAWALPINDI: Wahab Riaz, the head of the national men’s selection committee, visited the Pakistan team’s training camp for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia.

Wahab Riaz overviewed the Pakistan team’s preparation for the Australia series and met team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.

He also talked to newly appointed Pakistan Test and T20I captains Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi, as well as, team Director Mohammad Hafeez.

Pakistan’s 18-member squad kicked off training yesterday for the Australian tour scheduled to commence on December 14.

According to the details, 18 players including seven additional players Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir, partook in the team’s first training session.

Earlier Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited three more pacers Sameen Gul, Ali Shafique, and Muhammad Ali to the training camp.

The players participated in several fielding drills and carried out robust batting and bowling sessions.

Game mode 🔛

Day 1️⃣ of the training camp at Pindi Cricket Stadium 🏟️#AUSvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/QEXndWvNBW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 23, 2023

Pakistan’s training camp for the Australia tour will run until November 28.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will miss the entirety of the training camp due to their upcoming wedding festivities.

They are expected to join the squad in Lahore on 30th November, just before the team’s departure to Australia.

Pakistan’s quest for their first Test series victory over Australia in their backyard will commence on Dember 14.

It will be a tough challenge for left-handed opener Shan Masood, who became the Test captain after Babar Azam relinquished the role from all formats after his side’s dismal show in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023.

The Green Shirts will get an opportunity to get used to the testing Australian conditions as they will take on the Prime Minister’s XI in the four-day red-ball fixture at Manuka Oval from 6-9 December 2023.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed

Schedule of Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia

First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium

Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney Cricket Ground

READ: Marlon Samuels handed a six-year ban from all forms of cricket

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s 18-member squad kicked off training for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, scheduled to commence on December 14.

According to the details, 18 players including seven additional players Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir, partook in the team’s first training session.

Earlier Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited three more pacers Sameen Gul, Ali Shafique, and Muhammad Ali to the training camp.

The players participated in several fielding drills and carried out robust batting and bowling sessions.

Game mode 🔛

Day 1️⃣ of the training camp at Pindi Cricket Stadium 🏟️#AUSvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/QEXndWvNBW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 23, 2023

Pakistan’s training camp for the Australia tour will run until November 28.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will miss the entirety of the training camp due to their upcoming wedding festivities.

They are expected to join the squad in Lahore on 30th November, just before the team’s departure to Australia.

Pakistan’s quest for their first Test series victory over Australia in their backyard will commence on Dember 14.

It will be a tough challenge for left-handed opener Shan Masood, who became the Test captain after Babar Azam relinquished the role from all formats after his side’s dismal show in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023.

The Green Shirts will get an opportunity to get used to the testing Australian conditions as they will take on the Prime Minister’s XI in the four-day red-ball fixture at Manuka Oval from 6-9 December 2023.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed

Schedule of Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia

First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium

Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney Cricket Ground

READ: Marlon Samuels handed a six-year ban from all forms of cricket

Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday, Prime Minister (PM) XI lineup that will take on Pakistan in a four-day red ball match at Manuka Oval from 6-9 December 2023.

The PM XI features six Test-capped players Cameron Green, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser and Matthew Renshaw.

The four-day practice match will also serve as a vital opportunity for Australian players such as Cameron Green to try and reclaim his spot in the national team.

The 24-year-old all-rounder will be desperate to find himself among runs and wickets when Australia’s PM XI take on Pakistan in Canberra.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that he, alongside, CA Chair of Selectors George Bailey, selected experienced players to face Pakistan, who are on the cusp of Test selection.

“The Prime Minister’s XI has a rich history within Australian Cricket, and I am delighted to confirm the squad to face Pakistan next month,” said Albanese.

“George Bailey, Tony Dodemaide and I have selected an experienced squad of players who are on the cusp of Test selection.

“I want to congratulate Nathan McSweeney on the honour of being named as captain. I know he’ll lead the side expertly and within the traditions and spirit of this great fixture.”

The match returns to a four-day red ball fixture after last year’s day/night pink ball match against the West Indies and will be played in the week leading up to the first Test of the Men’s NRMA Insurance Test Series in Perth.

It will be the third time Pakistan will face the PM XI after matches in 1990 and 2005 while Mr Albanese is the 10th Prime Minister to lead the team.

Prime Minister Albanese expressed his anticipation for the encounter and acknowledged Pakistan’s cricketing prowess.

“Pakistan is such a proud cricketing nation.

“I’ve previously loved watching players like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis steaming in with the new ball, so I’m excited the PM’s XI will face the talented Pakistan squad in Canberra.

READ: Pakistan tour of Netherlands postponed over PCB’s request