AUS vs PAK 2nd Test: The second match of the three-match Test series between Australia and Pakistan will be played tomorrow, December 26, in Melbourne. The host team has announced its playing 11 before this match. Pat Cummins has decided to go with the same 11 players who played the first Test. No changes have been made to Australia’s playing XI. While Pakistan have selected 12 players for the Boxing Day Test, they will announce the final 11 players during the toss.
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Pat Cummins said during the press conference that Scott Boland is unfortunate not to be able to play on his home ground. On his debut at this ground during the Ashes 2021-22, Boland showed the way to the pavilion by giving 7 runs to 6 English batsmen.
Pat Cummins said, ‘We’re big Scotty fans, I don’t think it’s a secret. It is very rare that you play seven Test matches with the same (fast) bowling line-up, there are always some flaws or things. He’s ready to come into the team if anything happens, so I’m sure he’ll play at some point. The message to Boland is clear that we like what you’re bringing, unfortunately you missed this opportunity but don’t change… and be prepared.
Troubled by player injuries, the Pakistani team has selected 12 players for the Boxing Day Test.
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With fast bowler Khurram Shehzad ruled out of the series with a rib injury, the visiting team will have to make at least one change to the playing XI. Besides, Noman Ali (appendicitis) and Abrar Ahmed (right leg injury), both the specialist spinners picked in the squad, are also unavailable. This could open the door for off-spinner Sajid Khan to play in Melbourne.
Veteran wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed has been dropped after a poor performance in Perth and the two-day practice match against a Victorian XI on Friday-Saturday, as Mohammad Rizwan returned to the squad after scoring an unbeaten half-century.
Captain Shan Masood said, ‘We think Rizwan is ready and we can give Sarfraz some rest so that he can recover and come back.’
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Australia XI: 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 XII: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafiq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan (final 11 confirmed) will be done during the toss)