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The current champions of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) will kick off their inaugural home series in the 2023-25 WTC cycle against Pakistan, who are seeking their maiden victory in Australian conditions.
The Pat Cummins-led side are eyeing to finish this outstanding year of cricket with another impressive triumph over their Asian adversaries. The formidable Aussies initially claimed the WTC title with victory against India in England.
Following the conclusion of the summer Ashes series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, Australia currently holds the fifth position in the table with a Percentage of Points (PCT) standing at 30%. Despite this, theAussies are eager to register a clean sweep against Pakistan.
On the other hand, Pakistan have won only four Tests in Australia since 1956 and are yet to secure their first series win while playing in front of the passionate Australian fans.
The Optus Stadium in Perth, will be the battleground for the first Test of the three-match leg as Pakistan endeavours to create history under the newly-appointed captain Shan Masood.
Tests stats and records at the Optus Stadium:
- Total matches: 3
- Matches won batting first: 3
- Average 1st Inns scores: 446
- Average 2nd Inns scores: 244
- Average 3rd Inns scores: 214
- Average 4th Inns scores: 214
- Highest total recorded: 598/4 (152.4 Ov) by Australia vs West Indies
- Lowest total recorded: 140/10 (56 Ov) by India vs Australia
Optus Stadium Pitch Report:
Optus Stadium has been the venue for only three Test matches thus far. The first innings typically witnesses an average score of 446 at this stadium, gradually decreasing over the course of the match. For the upcoming Test, the curators have left a shade of green grass on the pitch to ensure its liveliness throughout the five days.
The Perth pitch for Australia vs Pakistan first Test#AUSvPAK #cricket pic.twitter.com/3tYTfaeF6q
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 13, 2023
Team winning the toss is likely to bat first.
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Perth Weather Forecast:
Thursday, December 14 (Day 1): Anticipating mostly sunny weather with no precipitation expected. The day is forecasted to reach a maximum temperature of 29 degrees.
Friday, December 15 (Day 2): Sunny conditions prevail with a minimal five per cent chance of rain. The temperature is expected to peak at 31 degrees, accompanied by morning wind speeds reaching up to 35 kmph.
Saturday, December 16 (Day 3): Projected as mostly sunny with a nominal five per cent chance of rain. The day is expected to reach a maximum temperature of 29 degrees, with morning wind speeds of up to 35 kmph.
Sunday, December 17 (Day 4): Anticipating the coolest day of the period, with a forecasted peak temperature of 27 degrees. Sunny conditions persist with a slight 10 per cent chance of rain.
Monday, December 18 (Day 5): Another day of sunny conditions, with temperatures reaching 29 degrees. A minimal five per cent chance of rain is expected.
Also READ: AUS vs PAK – Pat Cummins opens up on whether Usman Khawaja will wear pro-Palestine shoes in Perth Test
Australia vs Pakistan, Playing XI:
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad
