Pakistan, Australia lock horns in Karachi Test Saturday

After the first Test ended in a draw on the batting paradise at the Pindi cricket stadium, both Pakistan and Australia are all set to lock horns in the second Test match tomorrow (Saturday) at National Stadium Karachi, with a fresh strategy.

During a virtual press conference, Pakistan national cricket team captain Babar Azam said that the weather in Karachi is comparatively hotter than in Pindi.

Signalling a change in playing XI, Babar said the team for the second Test will be decided, prior to the match.

Complementing the teammates in the first Test, Babar said “Our batters and bowlers have shown a great display in Pindi Test.

Babar urged the critics to complement the boys’ performances, rather find faults.

On the other side, Australian skipper Pat Cummins said the teams from around the world take the advantage of home conditions.

Pat Cummins confirmed Swepson's inclusion in the playing XI ahead of the Karachi Test.

Cummins believed the wrist spinner in Swepson will add balance to the Australian team. Though, Cummins also said that he thinks that reverse swing will play its role at National Stadium.

Cummins said that he doesn't think that from the first ball of the Test match it's going to spin greatly, but he thinks there will be a bit more rough.

Cummins added that the history at the National Stadium shows evidence that pitches are more suitable for spinners. He added that his boys are aware that the left-arm-spinner Nauman Ali could challenge the Aussies in such conditions.

Cummins said that playing cricket in Pakistan is a great experience as he and his teammates are enjoying their time in Pakistan.

Praising the security, the Aussie skipper said that “We were really well looked after in Islamabad and it's the same in Karachi.” Admiring the Pakistani food, the 28-year-old pacer, said the hotel is also good.

Stats and Review

Pakistan have an edge, slightly, as the men in green have only lost two Test matches at Karachi, the rest of the matches have been dominated by men in green or were drawn.

The wicket is more likely to be batting friendly, but the spinners are likely to give tough time to the batters.

But, as Australian captain Pat Cummins said, the reverse swing may help the pacers to create troubles for the batters.

History tells us that there are more chances of draw, but fans are hoping that this match will be ended in a result, so let’s see. In the end, all the cricketing fans would endorse quality cricket, whether it comes from Australia or Pakistan, no matter.