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Pakistan likely to make three changes for Melbourne Test

The second Test begins on December 26

December 22, 2023

Sarfaraz Ahmed failed to impress during the first Test in Perth. - PCB

KARACHI: Pakistan are likely to make three changes for the second Test against Australia, which begins in Melbourne on December 26.

Injured pacer Khurram Shahzad, wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf won't be part of the XI, according to sources.

Sarfaraz, who only scored seven runs during the first Test while also fluffing couple of chances behind the stumps, will be replaced by Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem, who scored 14 runs in Perth and only claimed one wicket, is likely to make way for spinner Sajid Khan. Meanwhile, one of Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali will replace Khurram.

It must be noted that Khurram has been ruled out of the remaining Tests of the series due to a stress fracture in his left 10th rib, as well as an abdominal muscle tear, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The right-armer made his debut during the Perth Test and claimed five wickets during the match.

Pakistan suffered a heavy loss against Australia in the first game of the three-Test series. After being set a target of 450 in the fourth innings, Pakistan folded for a measly 89 in 30.2 overs, losing the match by 360 runs.

The visitors were dismissed for 271 in their first innings in reply to Australia's 487.

Pakistan were also penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the first Test in Perth. The visitors received a fine equating to 10% of their match fee, and two ICC World Test Championship points were deducted from their total.

Pakistan will now play a two-day practice match against Victoria from December 22-23 before the second Test.

Australia squad for the second Test:

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

Pakistan’s squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed.

Syed Yahya Hussaini

Sarfaraz Ahmed

Comments

Adeel Afzal commented 5 months ago

Shud replace Khurram with Wasim jr instead of Hasan Ali or Mir

Tashfeen Qayyum commented 5 months ago

Fully qgree

Zaheer commented 5 months ago

Why Safaraz??? even I can show better performance than him.

Muhammad Faheem commented 5 months ago

Muhammad Rizwan❤️

Obaid dashti commented 5 months ago

Why sarfraz Ahmad he wants full chance for three match series

Khalil commented 5 months ago

No hassan ali plz

Mohammed Hassan commented 5 months ago

Pakistan will find 3-0.defeat. Don't be jubilant over any selection. 3-0.is.the destination

Muhammad commented 5 months ago

Sarfraz has to say good bye to international cricket in all formats now.

Rhys commented 5 months ago

You didn't even mention Wasim Jr in the squad, one guy with pace and brain to rattle the Aussies. He should've played in the 1st test as a reward for being the best bowler for Pak in the world cup. Shame on you.