Cricket Australia (CA) announced a 13-man squad for the squad Test against Pakistan which is set to be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30.
Australia trimmed their 14-man squad from Perth to 13 after omitting pacer Lance Morris as he is set to return to Big Bash side, Perth Scorchers.
Australia squad for the second Test:
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
Pakistan’s squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed.
Remember, Pakistan successfully negotiated an additional warm-up match to prepare for the second Test. The team is set to engage in a two-day practice game against a Victoria side on the 22nd and 23rd of December.
Pakistan aim to capitalise on this extra opportunity for match practice and acclimatisation to the Australian conditions. The visitors will touch down in Melbourne on the 19th of December.
After a day of rest on the 20th, the Pakistani squad will open their training session to fans on Thursday, providing an opportunity for cricket fans to witness their favourite players in action.
On December 24, the Pakistani players will take a break before resuming their training at the MCG on Christmas Day, December 25.
It must be noted that during their chase of 450-run target, Pakistan were dismissed for a mere 89 runs, Saud Shakeel top scored for the dismantled visitors’ side with 24 runs.
Pakistan's improbable attempt to claim their first Test win in Australia since 1995 was shattered by Nathan Lyon and the home team's formidable pace attack, swiftly concluding the game within four days.
In pursuit of 450 for victory, the visitors surrendered meekly with Lyon claiming 2-18. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood also secured three wickets each.
Australia declared on the fourth day at 233-5 after Pakistan were dismissed for 271 in their first innings, responding to the hosts' 487.
Schedule of remaining matches
2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
