Sydney, Pakistan’s cricket team is preparing for the final match of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, set to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7. Led by captain Shan Masood, the team aims to prevent a series whitewash by Australia, who secured an unassailable lead with a win in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the series has been challenging for Pakistan, beginning with a 360-run defeat in Perth. However, the team showed resilience in Melbourne, where Australia clinched victory on the fourth day. Shan Masood leads the run-scoring for Pakistan, having notched twin half-centuries in the Boxing Day Test. Aamir Jamal, who debuted in the series opener, stands as the second-highest wicket-taker of the series with 12 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
The team will see a change in its lineup, with opening batter Saim Ayub making his Test debut in place of Imam-ul-Haq. Ayub’s selection follows an impressive domestic season. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the left-arm pacer, will be rested, and spinner Sajid Khan will take his place.
Pakistan will continue with the three changes made before the MCG Test. Mir Hamza, replacing an injured Khurram Shahzad, delivered his career-best figures in Melbourne, including a double-wicket maiden in Australia’s second innings. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Rizwan, who came in for Faheem Ashraf and Sarfaraz Ahmed, respectively, will retain their places.
In a pre-match press conference, captain Shan Masood reflected on the team’s performance and outlook. He emphasized learning from mistakes made in the first two matches and the importance of seizing opportunities, particularly against top-tier teams. Masood expressed confidence in the team’s direction and potential for future victories.
Discussing Shaheen Shah Afridi, Masood highlighted the need to care for the player’s physical and mental well-being, given his extensive bowling workload. He also addressed the challenges of managing fitness and workload for players involved in multiple formats and international competitions.
Masood praised the performances of players like Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal, and Mir Hamza, attributing their success to Pakistan’s robust domestic cricket system. This system, he noted, has helped broaden the team’s bench strength. The captain also expressed a desire to extend similar opportunities to batters to enhance the team’s overall pool of talent.
The playing XI for Pakistan in the SCG Test includes Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Aamir Jamal, Hasan Ali, and Mir Hamza.