Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd Test: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

Both Australia and Pakistan will throw everything that they have at each other in this final Test, in a bid to secure the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

Published - 20 Mar 2022, 15:51 IST | Updated - 20 Mar 2022, 15:51 IST

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After two Test matches, the scoreline of the three-match Test series between Pakistan and Australia still reads 0-0. The first two Tests ended in a draw but in contrasting fashions. The pitch for the first Test was a belter for batting, and just three innings were completed in the entire match. Both sides scored runs in excess of 400 runs in the first innings, and it turned out to be a ‘dead’ game.

But then, the second Test was one that witnessed one of the greatest rearguard actions from the Pakistan side. The Babar Azam-led outfit was down and almost out. The hosts were set a target of 506 in their second innings and were reduced to 21/2, and that was when Babar Azam played arguably the greatest knock of his Test career, a resplendent 196 off 425 deliveries, to help Pakistan secure a draw.

For Australia, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith have been in good form in the series. While Khawaja has plundered over 300 runs in the three innings, Smith has scored 150 runs in the series. The Pakistan willow wielders too have raked in the big runs in the series. Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Azhar Ali have all scored centuries.

So, we will now head to the final rubber with everything on the line. The historic series between these two outfits is headed for a thrilling finish. Both Australia and Pakistan will throw everything that they have at each other in this final Test, in a bid to secure the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

Pitch and Conditions

Lahore will be hosting a Test match for the first time in 13 years. The pitch will have some help for the spinners, and the ball will grip and turn as the match goes on. The batters can score runs if they are patient and get their eyes in.

Playing Combinations for PAK vs AUS

Pakistan

Pakistan are likely to go in with the same side from the last match.

Predicted XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan

Australia

Australia too have announced the same playing XI from the last game for the third Test match.

Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon