Sell-out crowd expected at historic Pakistan-Australia Test but weather a concern

Cricket in Pakistan will enter a new era when they play Australia in the first Test in Rawalpindi from Friday.

It is the first visit by the Australian team to the country in 24 years and the anticipation around the tour is the highest it has been for any visit in a long time.

A sell-out 16,000 crowd is expected to watch the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which is a rarity in the subcontinent for red-ball matches.

There was uncertainty over the tour after New Zealand and England pulled out of their visits last year at the last moment. But Pat Cummins' Aussies have fulfilled their commitment.

However, it's not all sunshine and roses. Rain forced both teams to cancel their practice sessions on Thursday with showers expected on the last three days of the Test.

Pakistan have other concerns, mainly within their squad. The hosts will be without three players, out because of injuries or positive Covid-19 results.

Fast bowler Hasan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were ruled out of the series opener due to injuries suffered during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), while fast -bowler Haris Rauf will miss the match after a positive Covid-19 result.

.@babarazam258 and @patcummins30 are super excited for the Rawalpindi Test and have their sights on the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.#BoysReadyHain #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/zrIA608mWC

Australia’s spin bowling consultant Fawad Ahmed, who was part of the Lahore Qalandars side along with Rauf, also tested positive on Wednesday and will remain in isolation for five days.

Despite the distractions, Cummins is looking forward to the Test, with Australia likely to field two spinners.

“We’ve got a fair idea what we want to do, but just don’t want to make the call too early without fully