In the opening Test against Pakistan at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia won the toss, and Captain Pat Cummins chose to bat on the anticipated bouncy surface. Opting for a full-strength squad, Australia included nine players from their recent World Cup victory, and Nathan Lyon returned to the lineup, replacing Todd Murphy as the frontline spinner.
Just a month after the Ashes series draw, Australia is back in Test cricket, ready to face Pakistan’s attack on a hard pitch under sunny conditions. Mitchell Marsh retained his position over Cameron Green in the lineup.
Led by new captain Shan Masood, Pakistan announced the inclusion of two debutants, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, in their pace-dominated bowling attack. Opting not to field a frontline spinner, Pakistan aims to break a two-decade-long streak of 14 consecutive Test losses in Australia.
The ‘West Test’ at Optus Stadium marks the beginning of a three-match series, with the crowd size expected to be less than usual. Despite anticipation for 30,000 fans on day one, only a quarter of the 60,000 capacity stadium is predicted to be filled.
Australia’s lineup features David Warner and Usman Khawaja opening, followed by Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (captain), Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
For Pakistan, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq open, followed by captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Khurram Shahzad.
