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After a disappointing campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023, the Pakistan cricket team braces itself for another formidable challenge – a three-match Test series in Australia. The upcoming tour is set to test the mettle of the Pakistan’s squad, facing the daunting conditions and the prowess of the formidable Australian bowling attack.
Pakistan’s historical red-ball struggles in Australia
Pakistan’s red-ball history in Australia is marred by struggles, with the team yet to secure a Test series win in the challenging Australian conditions. Despite occasional individual victories, a series triumph has remained elusive for Pakistan. The last tour in 2019/20 resulted in a 0-2 defeat, extending their winless streak to five Tests against Australia.
Ian Chappell’s warning and test record reminder
Cricket pundit Ian Chappell has issued a stern warning to Pakistan, emphasizing the necessity to overcome their historical Test struggles in Australia. Chappell highlights the significant blemish in Pakistan’s record, suggesting that rectifying this flaw is imperative for any chance of success in the upcoming series.
“The problem with Pakistan is they don’t have a great record in Australia, even when they had good sides who could bat and bowl. They’ve got some good quickies at the moment but the bounce of Australian pitches has always troubled them,” Chappell was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports.
“If you look at the Australian side, they might be on the wane a bit, particularly when Warner goes but they’ve still got a very good attack and it’s a good pace attack. Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, those blokes will worry Pakistan with that extra bounce,” the 80-year-old concluded.
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Shan Masood’s leadership challenge
As Shan Masood assumes the captaincy reins from Babar Azam, who resigned from all formats, the leadership transition adds another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s mission. Masood faces the formidable task of steering the team to victory in Australia, breaking the jinx that has plagued them in previous tours.
Challenging tour itinerary
The tour itinerary itself adds to the complexity, with the opening Test set in Perth followed by engagements in the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG and the New Year’s Test at the SCG. The diverse conditions and challenging venues will require strategic planning and exceptional performance from the Pakistan squad to rewrite their Test history in Australia.
