Pakistan vs Australia: Mitchell Starc set to play third Test

Indications from the Australia camp are that Mitchell Starc will play the third Test against Pakistan in Lahore.

The final Test of the series will prove to be the decider after the sides played out successive draws on batting friendly surfaces.

Starc’s ability to get the ball to reverse swing, which is especially prevalent in Pakistan, makes him a key member of the attack and one they cannot afford to do without.

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Interim Australia coach Andrew McDonald said that the players would have a light workload between Tests.

“My assumption is if he pulls up well, he’ll definitely get another crack in the last Test,” McDonald said of Starc.

“We have four days (off). We’ll have a light lead-in into the next Test match around our quicks, there is no doubt about that. We think we’ve really got some strong bench strength as well. We’ve got some options with the guys who haven’t played and are well prepared.”

Meanwhile a return to the team for Starc’s oft partner in crime, Josh Hazlewood will hinge on the surface at the Gaddafi Stadium.

McDonald praised leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson for his performance on debut despite him not taking a wicket in Pakistan’s second innings.

“We’ll look at the surface every time,” McDonald said.

“When we get there we’ll see how (Swepson) pulls up. He created opportunities for us and that’s what leg-spinners can do. I thought he bowled well throughout the game and (it was an) impressive debut. He waited a long time for that debut and held his own. Incredibly positive first Test match from our point of view.