Members of Pakistan men’s team held a hectic training session at WACA Ground in Perth on Monday ahead of first cricket Test against Australia starting on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Under the supervision of new coaches and team director the players indulged in hectic training including in all departments – batting, bowling and fielding.

Meanwhile, team director Mohammad Hafeez blamed slow pitch in the Canberra warm-up match for lack of extensive training for the team. He said he was disappointed by the tactics of the Australian authorities for the four-day training match.

Talking to the media in Perth on Monday, Hafeez said the pitch in Canberra was really slow. "To be honest we tick most of the boxes as a team but obviously really surprised and disappointed with the pitch we received for practice match in Canberra. It was the slowest pitch on which we can ever play as a visiting team in Australia. But as a team we are very happy with the preparations we had, most of the boxes are ticked and we are absolutely ready for the exciting challenge coming ahead for us," Hafeez said.

📸 A step up in our preparations for the Perth Test 🏏#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/Qp7QhAbD4S

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 11, 2023

"Everyone knew it. There is no point in repeating it over and over again. The disappointment was really high as we were not expecting such arrangements but it may be their tactics but we are ready for that," he added.

Hafeez was also upbeat ahead of the Test series despite the fact that Australia are a tough team to beat in their own backyard. “We are here to beat Australia and not just compete,” he added.

Gearing up to go for the series opener 💪#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/c9g7WAHCDV

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 11, 2023

“Shan Masood is a good cricketer and a leader. He has a good relationship with his teammates. We are not concerned about the fact that we are heading into the series with a new captain and management,” he said.

Hafeez also said that there is a possibility of including both Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan in the playing XI but added that “nothing is finalised yet”.

Test series schedule

First Test: December 14-18, Perth

Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne

Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney