Australia vs Pakistan Prediction: Australia are more balanced

Australia and Pakistan are going head to head in the 1st Match of the Test Series at Optus Stadium, Australia on 14 Dec 2023. Pakistan are going into the series with a new coach and a new captain. Who will win this game of cricket?

Australia has not revealed its playing eleven yet, but it is evident that they will field their strongest lineup. The opening pair will consist of David Warner and Usman Khawaja, followed by Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head in the middle-order. This formidable batting line-up is particularly effective when playing on their home ground, facing a non-threatening bowling attack. Mitchell Marsh is expected to make a comeback at number 6, with Alex Carey following at number 7. The team boasts an incredible batting depth, with all seven batsmen capable of playing a match-winning innings. The bowling attack will feature Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, and Nathan Lyon as the starting four. Additionally, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh will also contribute with a few overs. It is indisputable that this Australian attack has the ability to take 20 wickets at home against Pakistan. With a settled team, a history of dominance at home, and playing on a lively pitch, Australia is the overwhelming favourite to win, as indicated by various cricket betting apps.

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

Pakistan played their warm-up match in Canberra on a pitch that Mohammad Hafeez, the new coach/team director, described as the slowest in Australia. This has led to speculation that the home team deliberately prepared the pitch to hinder Pakistan's performance. However, we are sceptical about Australia perceiving Pakistan as a serious threat. In fact, most Australians would prefer Pakistan to bring their best game in order to have a competitive Test series.

During the warm-up match, Shan Masood, the opening batter and captain, showcased his exceptional skills by scoring a double-century. Alongside Babar Azam, Masood is one of the few players capable of consistently achieving high scores. Other promising players in the squad, such as Imam ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Saim Ayub, may also have the opportunity to contribute to the playing eleven. We are particularly eager to see Ayub in action, as he is an aggressive left-hander who can take on the game. Additionally, Shafique appears to be a high-quality batter well-suited to the international level. Therefore, we believe that scoring runs shouldn't be a problem for the Pakistani team.

However, our main concern lies in picking 20 wickets. Shaheen Afridi is currently experiencing a decrease in pace and may struggle to generate the necessary swing to perform at his best. Furthermore, Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of this match, and a finger-spinning off-spinner is likely to be the backup spinner. It is worth mentioning that Australia poses a formidable challenge for our bowlers. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr could be considered as alternative fast bowling options, with potential support from Faheem Ashraf, should he secure a position in the team.

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Nauman Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali

The team that wins the coin toss may opt to bat first in the upcoming match. The playing surface at Perth Stadium is expected to resemble the old WACA surface, being hard, fast, and bouncy. As the game progresses, cracks may develop on the surface, making batting more challenging in the fourth innings. Virat Kohli delivered an impressive century in the first match at Perth Stadium, raising hopes for Babar Azam to replicate the same feat. However, it is uncertain, and we will not be placing any bets on it.

We firmly believe that Australia is the favoured team in this match. Over the past decade, Australia has been dominant in Test cricket at home against all teams, except England and India, particularly against Pakistan. Not only does Australia possess a superior bowling lineup, but its batting strength is also exceptional in home conditions. Although Pakistan has the potential to put up a fight with their batting, winning Test matches heavily relies on the strength of the bowling attack, an area where they may falter. Our bet is on Australia to emerge victorious.