Tag: Australia’s Tour to Pakistan

KARACHI: Australia’s wicket-keeper batter Alex Carey missed on his century after Usman Khawaja’s 160 but the touring side finished at 505/8 on the stumps of the second day of the Karachi Test, here on Sunday.

Australia added 98 runs in the final session of the second day, while Pakistan managed to take one wicket.

Australia’s wicket-keeper batter Carey, who notched up his half-century in the opening minutes of the third session, missed on his well-deserved century by just seven runs as Babar Azam castled the left-handed batter for 93.

His partner Mitchell Starc, stood firm and carried his bat till the stumps. Starc (26*) and Cummins (0*) will now resume the proceedings at 505/8 on the third day.

For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf and Sajid Khan bagged two wickets each, while Babar, Hasan Ali, and Nauman Ali managed to make one scalp apiece.

After four sessions in favour of Australia, Pakistan managed to dominate the fifth. The home side managed to take three wickets in the eventful second session of the second day; taking three wickets including a big one of Khawaja.

Khawaja, who was looking exceptional, fell short to Sajid Khan in the 131st over as the right-arm spinner castled the left-hander to provide a major breakthrough to the home side. Khawaja scored a splendid 160 off 369 balls with the help of 15 boundaries and a six.

Before, Khawaja’s dismissal, Head also perished earlier in the second session as Nauman Ali trapped him in his legs for 23. Furthermore, in the last over before the Tea break, Nauman provided another success to Pakistan in the form of Cameron Green’s wicket.

The right-handed batter 28 off 73 balls including two boundaries and a six.

Earlier in the morning session, Australia, resuming at an overnight score of 251/3, managed to pile a further 81-runs to set their sights on a 450 plus mark.

The nightwatchman acted as the aggressor during his valuable fifty-plus partnership with Khawaja and assisted the touring side to score at a quick rate.

Lyon’s cameo however came to an end in the 106th over as Faheem Ashraf delivered a peach to castle the right-handed batter for 38. He faced 62 balls and smashed five boundaries.

Khawaja, on the other hand, batted sensibly before and after Lyon’s dismissal and became the third opening batter to score 150 against Pakistan.

It was a frustrating session for Pakistan as they leaked 81 runs in 27 overs and managed to get just one wicket.

READ: Blind Cricket: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh to compete in a tri-series

KARACHI: Australia’s centurion on the opening day of the second Test of the ongoing Benaud-Qadir Trophy Usman Khawaja revealed that the touring side has set their sights on a score of 450 to 500, here on Saturday.

Usman, while talking to the media after the conclusion of the opening day of the Karachi Test, has revealed the team’s plan to score more than 450 runs in the first innings.

“We will have to score anything more than 450 to keep the match in our favour and exert the pressure on the opposition batters,” he said.

Usman, who notched up his first century in Pakistan – his country of birth – said it is special for the left-handed batter.

“I think every century is special so does it. I felt really happy to hear the crowd chanting my name,” he said.

The left-handed batter further revealed that some of his relatives were present in the stadium and witnessed him scoring the century.

“Some of my relatives were in the stand. My mother also belongs to Karachi, so I am happy for her as well,” he said.

Australia’s centurion further acknowledged Pakistan’s bowling attack for keeping things tight for the batters and scored the flow of runs.

“I think it is hard for the pacers to bowl in hot weather conditions. But, I think they did exceptionally well to stop the flow of runs by tight bowling,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Usman notched up his first century in his country of birth here today and his 11th combined in Test cricket. The left-handed batter is country unbeaten with 127 and will resume Australia’s innings at 251/3 alongside the nightwatchman Nathan Lyon.

READ: ‘Australia got the upper hand by winning the toss’ Mohammad Rizwan

KARACHI: Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has said that the Aussies are capable enough of taking 20 wickets in the second Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, starting from tomorrow.

In a virtual media interaction, the Australian captain claimed that his side can pick 20 wickets in the upcoming second Test while relying on their spin bowling options. Cummins also confirmed that the leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson will be debuting against Pakistan tomorrow.

“Karachi’s pitch looks good for the spin. Therefore, we have decided to rest [Josh] Hazlewood and Swepson will make his debut,” he said.

“Nathan Lyon and leg-spinner Swepson will make a big difference in our bowling attack for Karachi Test. I think we are eligible enough of taking all the 20 wickets,” he added.

Cummins then went on to opine about NSK’s pitch and said the pitch looks dry and beneficial for the bowlers.

“We had a look at the pitch and it seems a bit dry and favourable for the bowlers. It looks like there will be a break on the wicket,” he said.

“If the ball gets to start reverse swing that Mitchell Starc can put a major threat for the batters,” he added.

Cummins further stated about his side’s preparation for the Karachi Test and said they are ready for the contest and looking forward to continuing their ‘pretty satisfactory’ performance from Pindi.

READ: ‘Haven’t seen Swepson playing yet, will try to plan against him’ Babar

KARACHI: Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam said that he has not watched Mitchell Swepson playing as of yet and will try to plan against him, here on Friday.

Babar while talking to a virtual presser ahead of the second Test of the ongoing series, has acknowledged that he has not watched Swepson bowl and will look to plan against him.

“We never saw Swepson bowling but will try to plan against him,” he said.

“We will try to make plans against the leg-spinner by watching the videos of him bowling,” he added.

The young leg-spinner Swepson will make his international debut against Pakistan tomorrow in the second Test of the ongoing Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also confirmed.

Babar claimed he is familiar with the conditions and pitch offered at the National Stadium Karachi (NSK) and termed it ‘spin-friendly.’ He further stated that the playing XI will be finalized tomorrow.

“We had a look at the pitch yesterday and planned things initially. We will again have a look today and will finalise our playing XI for tomorrow,” he said.

“We are well aware of the spin-friendly nature of the NSK pitch and are determined of giving tough time to our opposition,” he added.

In response to a question about preparing a favourable pitch in Pindi due to the Australian team’s pressure, Babar stated that their team is strong enough and capable of defeating the Aussies.

“We are not afraid of the Australian team. Every home team makes the most of their home conditions, so did we,” he responded.

Babar further heaped praises on the team’s performance in the Pindi Test, said both batters and bowlers performed really well.

READ: Women’s WC: South Africa edge past Pakistan in a thriller by six runs

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fast bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has recovered from COVID-19 and will rejoin the squad for the team’s scheduled practice session tomorrow ahead of the second Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, here on Thursday.

As per the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Faheem, who, previously contracted the virus, has returned negative in his repeat Rapid Antigen Test on Thursday.

The all-rounder will now rejoin the squad in the training session tomorrow for the Karachi Test.

It is pertinent to mention here that both teams – Pakistan and Australia – held practice sessions here at National Stadium Karachi. Captains and coaches had a look at the pitch here before the second Test, which will roll into action on March 12.

READ: ICC rates Rawalpindi Test’s pitch as ‘below average’ 

KARACHI: Australia’s left-handed opener David Warner has revealed that he does not take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to Australia’s international matches, here on Thursday.

Warner, while talking to the virtual press conference, has revealed the reason behind him not participating in the marquee event of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“We are often playing international cricket during the window of the PSL. That is the reason why I could not take part in the tournament,” he said.

Warner further said that he is enjoying his time in Pakistan and thinks that entertainment is a must to keep entertaining the crowd.

“I think entertainment is a must. I try to make cricket fans enjoy being on the ground,” he said.

Warner further appreciated the support from the Pakistan cricket fans and said they are very passionate and cricket-loving people.

“My fans follow me on Instagram and also come to the ground for support. The amount of support we have received in Pindi is unbelievable and I think these people are very passionate and love cricket so much,” he said.

The left-handed opener then went on to opine about the Karachi Test and the playing conditions on offer said it is a bit strange for us.

“Karachi’s wicket is a bit strange to us. Playing on the wicket here will also be a challenge,” he said.

“We will analyze the pitch during the practice session,” he added.

The left-handed opener however is determined to perform well in the Karachi Test. He also thanked the PCB, Cricket Australia (CA), and Pakistan’s law-enforcement agencies for making this tour a success.

READ: ‘We are open to host Pakistan, India in a tri-series’ Nick Hockley

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: 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