The three-match One Day International series was a one-sided affair as Australia whitewashed Pakistan with ease. Now, after almost a 10 days break, the two teams are ready to meet again for a fresh fight at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (22-10-2014).
In the press conference before the Test series, both the captains Michael Clarke and Misbah-ul-Haq agreed that spin will play a major role in the first match of the two Test series.
“I think spin will definitely play a major role in this series. How you bowl it, how you face it and I think that’s probably the plan for Pakistan,” Clarke said on Tuesday.
While talking to the media on Tuesday, Clarke also hinted towards playing two specialist spinners. He said that the final eleven has not been decided, but after looking at the pitch, it is likely that Australia will play two specialist spinners. This means both Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe will play in the first Test.
Pakistan’s skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who has a very good Test record in UAE, is worried about Saeed Ajmal’s absence.
“Ajmal’s absence has left a big void,” Misbah told reporters.
Other than Ajmal’s ban, Pakistan have also lost Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz both through knee injuries, and now they have to rely on uncapped leg-spinner Yasir Shah and left-armer Zulfiqar Babar, both of whom are likely to play.
Although, Australia were defeated by a big margin of 153 runs by Pakistan A in the tour game, lack of good spinning options will be something to worry about for Pakistan. Australian batsmen are not known for playing spin, but there’s lack of quality in Pakistan’s spin department, and this might well be the deciding factor in the series.
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by The Cricket Lounge
image source: CRICBUZZ
