Pakistan vs. Australia: Can Pakistani Quicks Rattle Australian Batting Lineup?

After the end of the first historic test match in Rawalpindi, the Australian squad traveled via air to Karachi to play the second test of the series. In the first test match, there were over 900 runs scored in the first two innings, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Rawalpindi was a pure concrete batting strip for both teams. Pakistan definitely made tracks according to their likings, through which they can neutralize Australia’s pace bowling attack. Moreover, the visitors showed a lack of experience in picking the best eleven as they missed out on picking two genuine spinners. For the upcoming game in Karachi, it’s expected that the pitch will be curated, keeping the criticism made by international media and cricketers in mind.

After an impactful Ashes win against England, Australia never expected that Hazlewood and Starc would be taken to the cleaners by Pakistani openers. Moreover, we could hardly observe any movement produced by Australian quicks in the first game, and Nathan Lyon was also taken to the cleaners by Imam- Ul- Haq and Abdullah Shafique. Australia would be looking to play with 2 regular spinners in their attack, which could rattle Pakistani batsmen and get them out cheaply. If Pakistan is able to draw the ongoing series, it would be a strong win for Pakistan as it takes nerves to neutralize Australia’s top side. Australia can take many positives from the first game, in the form of Usman Khuwaja and Marcus Labuschagne being among the runs and scoring freely against Pakistani quicks.

• David Warner;
• Usman Khuwaja;
• Nathan Lyon;
• Steve Smith;
• Josh Hazlewood.

With Faheem Ashraf and Hassan Ali marking their comeback in the 2nd test match, Pakistan would look to attack upfront and rattle Australian batsmen who aren’t able to adjust to low bounce. Pakistan would be looking to win the toss and bat first as they are comfortable in defending par scores in their home venues. Pakistan is likely to make a few changes in their bowling lineup; however, the batting lineup would remain the same. Pakistan would be quite satisfied with their top order and spinning duo, who were phenomenal in the Pindi test match.

• Imam Ul Haq;
• Azhar Ali;
• Abdullah Shafique;
• Babar Azam;
• Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Considering the pitch conditions and track record of the Pakistan test team at NSK, they are likely to win against Australia if their quicks are able to rattle the Australian top order. Moreover, Australia would be looking to play with a more attacking mindset knowing that the wicket of Karachi would be pleasing for spinners and fast bowlers both throughout the period of 5 days.