Nathan Lyon targets 3-0 Test series sweep against Pakistan
Australia are in Pakistan for what will be a historic Test series - their first visit in 24 years - but there will be no room for sentiment once play begins in Rawalpindi on Friday.
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Players to watch in Pakistan-Australia Test series
Pakistan will start their first Test series at home against Australia in 24 years in Rawalpindi on Friday under heavy security with the tourists on unfamiliar turf. Here's a look at three players from each side to watch as the long-awaited and potentially fascinating three-Test battle unfolds. Started his career as a leg-spinning all-rounder against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010 before developing into one of the most complete batters in international cricket, Steve Smith's average of 59.87 is unsurpassed by any active Test player and he has proved his adaptability by scoring 1,200 runs in 13 Tests on slow, turning sub-continent wickets. Australia will look to Smith -- who by his own lofty standards had a lean series against England with 244 runs at 30.50 and a top score of 93 -- to anchor their batting against a formidable Pakistan attack on pitches alien to the tourists. Likely to be the key to winning matches on the slow and turning pitches of Pakistan.
Australia step into unknown for first Test in Pakistan since 1998
Australia will face unfamiliar conditions, heavy security and unpredictable, but talented, opponents when they begin their first Test in Pakistan for 24 years on Friday. Having landed in Islamabad just three days ago to be immediately engulfed in "head of state-level security", the Australians have had little time to acclimatise to conditions in Rawalpindi, where the first Test will be played. But they may like what they see as they practise, with a pitch often more condusive to seam bowling than the more typical spinners' wickets more usually found across Pakistan. In three Tests played in Rawalpindi since Pakistan were allowed to host matches again in 2019, 10 years on from the fatal terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore, fast bowlers have snapped up 52 wickets with spinners only bagging 21. Australia captain Pat Cummins, fresh from leading his side to a 4-0 Ashes drubbing of England in his first series in charge, admitted it would be all new to his players.
Rivalry renewed: Five memorable Pakistan-Australia Test clashes
Australia will play their first Test in Pakistan for 24 years under heavy security when their three-match series begins in Rawalpindi on Friday. Here are five memorable past Tests between the two nations as they renew a rivalry which stretches back over 66 years: 1. The first ever encounter between Pakistan and Australia saw just 95 runs scored on the first day as 12 wickets fell on a matting pitch -- still the least scored in a full day's play in Test history. The Ian Johnson-led Australians had landed in Pakistan just two days earlier after flight delays and then were humbled for 80 as police superintendent-turned seamer Fazal Mahmood took 6-34 and pace partner Khan Mohammad 4-43. Pakistan were 15-2 at the close before being all out for 199 on the second day. Mahmood and Mohammad then again ran through an Australian line-up containing greats such as Neil Harvey, Keith Miller and Richie Benaud as they crawled to 187 all out off 109.5 overs, Benaud top-scoring with 56. Mahmood finished with 7-80 and 13 wickets in the match and Mohammad took 3-69 as the seam pair accounted for all 20 wickets and Pakistan secured a famous nine-wicket victory.
Sunil Gavaskar Hopes Virat Kohli Will Celebrate 100th Test With Special Batting Feat
Virat Kohli will play his 100th Test match when India host Sri Lanka in the first of a two-match Test series starting Friday in Mohali. The former India captain will become only the 12th Indian to play 100 Test matches. Kohli, who is currently regarded as one of the world's best batters, has an opportunity to make the occasion even more special as he is only 38 runs away from completing 8000 runs in the longest format of the game. He is set to become only the sixth Indian joining an elite list comprising greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman.
India vs Sri Lanka: Mohali to allow 50 percent crowd for Virat Kohli's 100th Test
Cricket Association (PCA) has decided to open the gates for spectators at 50% capacity for the upcoming first Test between India and Sri Lanka, which will be Virat Kohli’s 100th for India. The state association had earlier announced a complete ban on spectators despite cases of Covid-19 being on the decline in these parts. However, on Tuesday, the PCA took the call after fans continued to throng the stadium for a glimpse of their favourite cricketers during the nets session. “Keeping in mind all Covid-19 protocols, the PCA has got the Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) nod to allow spectators at 50% capacity for the first Test. With the decreasing number of Covid-19 cases in the city, the PCA has decided to also open online sale of tickets for the game,” PCA treasurer RP Singla told TOI on Tuesday.
India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test: India Look To Extend Incredible Record In Tests vs Sri Lanka At Home
Team India and Sri Lanka will battle it out in a two-match Test series starting March 4 in Mohali. The first Test will mark the beginning of newly appointed full-time skipper Rohit Sharma's journey as the leader of the Test side. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, will represent India in the cricketing whites for the 100th time. The home side has a few records to extend as it enters the Test series. One that must be highlighted is India's dominance over the island nation in Tests at home.