Australia vs Pakistan, 1st Test 2023: Match preview, playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV & Live Streaming Details

Australia are all set to host Pakistan in a three-match Test series that is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The opening Test match is scheduled from December 14-18 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The second and final Test matches will be hosted by the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground, respectively.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins had a memorable campaign in the 2021-23 WTC cycle. The Kangaroos also won the WTC final with a comfortable 209-run win over India at Kennington Oval, London in June. Additionally, this might be veteran Australia opener David Warner’s final Test series as he is allegedly planning to call time on his illustrious Test career after the end of the third Test in Sydney.

Pakistan have a shoddy record against Australia in Test matches. They were whitewashed when they toured Australia back in 2019 and lost the series at home back in 2022. However, the team led by new captain Shan Masood will be coming with great expectations as they are currently leading the WTC 2023-25 points table, having a 100 percent win record in two games.

Optus Stadium Pitch Report

Isaac McDonald, the curator, earlier asserted that the pitch at the Optus Stadium will push the boundaries of grass coverage during the opening Test, aiming for a better balance between bat and ball. The surface is expected to benefit from extra moisture due to five consecutive days in Perth with temperatures exceeding thirty degrees before the Test. This added moisture is anticipated to allow for early movement and subsequent hardening for increased bounce throughout the game. McDonald also stated that the aim is for the pitch to maintain continuous dampness for the duration of the match.

Despite the expected warm and partly sunny conditions during the Test, there is a possibility that rapid drying is facilitated by winds of 20-30 km/h. The unique tray arrangement of the wickets and compaction are factors that prevent significant cracking, and the healthy grass covering protects against substantial deterioration. It is anticipated that fast bowlers, especially with the new ball, will find support, while spinners can also play a significant role in exploiting the bounce-friendly conditions.

AUS vs PAK Playing XI, Pakistan Tour of Australia:

Australia (AUS) XI:

Australia have announced a strong lineup for the first Test, with Pat Cummins leading the team and Travis Head and Steven Smith as his deputies. Australia’s lead spinner Nathan Lyon is back in action after recovering from a calf injury he picked during the Ashes series. David Warner and Usman Khawaja will open the innings for the Aussies as expected while the middle-order will comprise Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, and Head. Mitchell Marsh will take up the all-rounder’s role, Alex Carey is back taking the wicketkeeper role, and the fast-bowling trio comprises Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.

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

Pakistan (PAK) XI:

Shan Masood is the new Test captain for Pakistan, appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board after Babar Azam stepped down following a dismal ODI World Cup campaign. Masood faces the challenge of leading the team in place of Babar. Pakistan's bowling squad lacks experience, and the absence of leg spinner Abrar Ahmed due to an ankle injury further weakens the attack in the first Test. On the positive side, Pakistan's batting appears to be a stronger aspect as they enter the series.

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Khurram Shahzad

AUS vs PAK Test Head-to-Head Records: