Cummins wins toss, Australia bat in Karachi test v Pakistan
KARACHI, Pakistan : Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat in the second test against Pakistan at Karachi's National Stadium on Saturday.
Faheem Ashraf Sport News
2nd Test: Australia brace for Karachi challenge after Rawalpindi run-feast
Pat Cummins knows the task gets significantly tougher for his team in the second Test against Pakistan on Saturday. Australia's first Test in Pakistan in 24 years turned out to be a run-feast in Rawalpindi where 1,187 runs were scored and only 14 wickets fell, earning a "below average" rating from the match referee. After five dull days of bat dominating ball, things are likely to spice up on a dry track at Karachi's National Stadium where spin and reverse swing should ensure runs are not taken for granted. Australia have responded by harnessing debutant Mitchell Swepson with Nathan Lyon in a two-man spin attack, sacrificing the pace of Josh Hazlewood and endorsing Mitchell Starc's reverse swing skills. "The wicket here looks a little bit drier. Historically, it's bit friendlier for the spinners," Cummins told a news conference on Friday.
Australia brace for Karachi challenge after Rawalpindi run-feast
KARACHI, Pakistan : Beginning a tour of the sub-continent with a draw is a result perfectly acceptable to most visiting captains but Australia skipper Pat Cummins knows the task gets significantly tougher for his team in the second test against Pakistan on Saturday.
Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd Test: Aussies look to second spinner after Rawalpindi stalemate
The historic occasion -- Australia's first Test in Pakistan since 1998 -- was marred by a pitch described as "dead" by vice-captain Steve Smith as Pakistan piled up 728 runs for the loss of just four wickets, and one of those was a run out. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique both made maiden Test hundreds -- Imam scoring one in each innings -- while senior batsman Azhar Ali also passed three figures during five attritional days. The series now moves to Karachi's National Stadium, a favourite hunting ground for Pakistan, who have won 23 of the 43 Tests they have played there while losing only twice. Australia have never won in Karachi in eight attempts, losing five and drawing three.
Australia Look To Second Spinner After Rawalpindi Stalemate
Australia are likely to play two spinners as they go in search of a win in Saturday's second Test in Karachi after Pakistan batted their seamers into the ground in the draw at Rawalpindi. The historic occasion -- Australia's first Test in Pakistan since 1998 -- was marred by a pitch described as "dead" by vice-captain Steve Smith as Pakistan piled up 728 runs for the loss of just four wickets, and one of those was a run out.
Faheem Ashraf Tests Positive For COVID-19, Ruled Out Of 2nd Test Against Australia
Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf was on Wednesday ruled out of the second Test against Australia, starting Saturday, after testing positive for COVID-19 upon his arrival in Karachi. Faheem, who also missed the first Test due to a fitness issue, arrived with the home squad and was forced into a five-day isolation after returning a positive test.
Pakistan bat first in opener against Aust
Australia have been asked to bowl first on their return to Pakistan, after electing to stick with three quicks and go without a second spinner in the first Test in Rawalpindi.
COVID rules Rauf out of Pakistan-Australia
Pakistan have suffered another setback with fast bowler Haris Rauf ruled out of the first Test against Australia having tested positive for COVID-19.