Pakistan will kick-start their tour of Australia with the first of three Tests, starting with a day-night match at the Gabba in Brisbane. Join us on The Roar from 2pm (AEDT) for all the action and scores in our live blog.
Not too long ago, Pakistan were the world number one side in the ICC’s Test rankings. One poor performance against New Zealand saw them fall to fourth position behind India, England and Australia and another such showing could push them behind South Africa as well.
Australia embarked upon the tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year as favourites after having won five of the previous six Test series. However a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the hosts followed, after which they crashed to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of South Africa in an ODI series before being outplayed by the Proteas in Australia.
The touring South African side overturned a poor first couple of days of their series to ensure a series win even before the start of the final Test and pushed the selectors into making drastic changes to their side.
A win in the final Test of the series against South Africa and a 3-0 crushing of New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee series means Australia go into this series against Pakistan with some more confidence than they would have otherwise.
Australia’s confidence will also be fuelled by the venue. They haven’t lost a Test at the Gabba since November 1988, a straightforward indicator of the bastion this ground is for the hosts. Add to the fact that no Asian side has ever won a Test in Brisbane since the start of Test cricket here in 1931, and Pakistan are staring at a difficult task.
At most times, the Gabba is a fast bowler’s paradise. With a pink ball and floodlights that will be used for this game, it will only add to the potency of the seamers, making it tough for the batsmen.
Pakistan’s recent issues have centred around their batting too. While youngster Babar Azam has given enough evidence to be called one for the future – his coach Mickey Arthur has already compared him to Virat Kohli – it’s the likes of Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali who will need to stand up to what could be torrid fast bowling spells from Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and co.
The tourists have the bowling attack to test the Aussie line-up; it’s just a question of which team can counter the seam-friendly conditions better and, by the evidence of recent times, Australia look to have a better set of batsmen and that’s where they could edge the contest.
Interestingly, Australia could go into the game with an all-pace attack, depending on how much grass is left on the surface. The decision will be made at the toss as to whether Chadd Sayers makes his debut or if Nathan Lyon gets another go.
Be sure to follow all the action from the first Test between Australia and Pakistan right here on The Roarwith our live scores and blog of this first day’s play from 2pm (AEDT).
doogs
Guest
im not sure. Nice accent though
Don Freo
Guest
If there was an appeal, Smith would have walked. Aussies are like that. Broad isn't.
Andy
Guest
Seeing as we called Broad a cheat do we and especially Lehmann have to call Smith a cheat now for not walking after he admitted he hit it?
doogs
Guest
oh dear. That was a terrible sledge from the Aussie fan
doogs
Guest
Thanks Suneer. Appreciate your commentary. First against Pakistan but he has not played against them much. Well done Smith
doogs
Guest
Yes Paul. They have been flashing them up in the last week or so. Pretty amazing. Good on them
doogs
Guest
Enjoy the game tomorrow Paul. Should be great to be there
BrainsTrust
Guest
Its looks the flattest wicket of the summer, I think AUstralia will make 550 then Pakistan will make 350, then Australia will make a quick fire 250 and then declare, then Pakistan to collapse on the final day after a draw looks likely..
jamesb
Guest
Another great live blog Suneer. Well done Smiffy. He was due. Handscomb doing ok as well.
AREH
Roar Guru
Khawaja will have felt he's missed out a bit today. In sublime form, coming to the Gabba, and was the only bat today failing to at least get a start. This summer so far he has either scored big or single figures, I think it's called Marcus North syndrome
brains of a bimbo (atgm)
Guest
Oz on top.pak poor in the field.500 shud be enough against this pak batting. Great work suneer!
jameswm
Roar Guru
Starc and Hazey will have a crack at their top order under lights with the new cherry tomorrow. I expect our bowlers to do well.
Paul D
Roar Guru
That's my hope for when I'm at the game tomorrow. Arrive in the second session, see some declaration batting and then watch Starc and Hazelwood unleashed under lights.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Australia won the toss and probably won all three sessions. Pakistan might have been in it after the first session as they grabbed two wickets in two overs, but that was about the most they came close to gaining any advantage. Matt Renshaw scored a fifty before he got out but Steven Smith and Pete Handscomb's unbeaten 137-run stand ensured Australia would go to stumps in the driver's seat. Smith completed his 16th Test 100 and first against Pakistan while Handscomb gave him good support after a slow start to his innings. Pakistan are already behind the eight-ball and even if they can trigger an Aussie collapse and restrict Australia to 400, it won't be easy chasing under the lights. Hope to see you around tomorrow! Ciao.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Good day boys, very good. Smith is just a machine. We can hopefully bat for 2 sessions and put them in under lights.
rasty
Guest
Good days cricket. Should be aiming for high 400's maybe and put Pakistan in for the last 15-20 overs of the day.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Just a single from the final over of the day's play that was bowled by Yasir Shah. A good over-rate maintained by Pakistan but that's about the only thing they will be happy with.
XI
Roar Guru
This really does seem like a highway pitch. Gonna need some very good bowling to take 10 wickets I think.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
One over to go with Australia having gotten to 3/287. And that last over will be bowled by Yasir Shah. No Wahab Riaz?
XI
Roar Guru
Jeez, if they got injured we'd be right up the creek.