Pakistan named their 12 for the 2nd Test match against Australia to be played at Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG from 26th December onwards. It was a disappointing outing for the Pakistani team as they lost the first Test at Optus Stadium, Perth by 360 runs.
Sarfaraz Ahmed was included in the playing XI for the first Test match against Australia at Optus Stadium, Perth. He was dismissed cheaply by Mitchell Starc in both innings which led Pakistan to lose the match badly. Ahmed could not keep well and dropped vital catches.
Pakistan were bowled for a paltry total of 89 runs in the 4th innings chasing down 450 runs. Sarfaraz Ahmed scored 3 runs in the first innings and then was dismissed for 4 runs. It was a disappointing outing for the experienced veteran batter and wicketkeeper.
The second Test match will be played at MCG from 26th December 2023 onwards. Pakistan has replaced Rizwan for the must-win encounter. Sarfaraz Ahmed has struggled in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle with 10 matches scoring 239 runs with only 2 half-centuries.
Mohammed Rizwan played 4 matches during this cycle and scored 177 runs with only 1 half-century. Pakistan has included Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali in the 12 for the 2nd Test against Australia.
Rizwan has scored 177 runs in Australia from 2 matches (4 innings) with the best score of 95. Pakistan needs their batting to step up and also bowling need to pick 20 wickets that would pressure on the Australian team.
Pakistan has not won any Test match on Australian soil since 1995. They were completely outplayed by the Australian team in their first encounter at Perth. Rizwan has been the backbone of Pakistan Test batting for quite a long time.
Pakistan must play aggressive cricket to beat Australia
Pakistan need to play aggressive cricket in the 2nd Test if they need to level the series at 1-1. Newly appointed captain Shan Masood must make sure that the bowlers and batters show their abilities against a strong Australian batting and bowling unit.
Pakistan Squad for 2nd Test Against Australia
Imam UL Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammed Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan.
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