Pakistan vs Australia – 1st Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Pakistan vs Australia taking place? Friday 4th March, 2022 – 05:00 (UK)
Where is Pakistan vs Australia taking place? Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
What is the expected weather for Pakistan vs Australia? Highs of 23c across the Test in mostly sunny skies but there is also set to be plenty of cloud cover and rain could hit during some brief spells
What channel is Pakistan vs Australia on? The match will televised live on Sky Sports Mix
Where can I stream Pakistan vs Australia? The match can be streamed live via Sky Go
LAST MEETING
Australia beat Pakistan by an innings and 48 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
PAKISTAN
- Pakistan will have to deal with a handful of absentees in their quest to make it four straight Test match victories in this opening game of what should be an exciting series against Australia.
- Abid Ali is missing along with Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf while Haris Rauf has also been ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19 so there are some big holes to fill in the line-up and the pressure will fall on the likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead their side to the win.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia will play Test match cricket for the first time they claimed a convincing 4-0 series success against England in the Ashes and they will travel with a very strong squad for this series against Pakistan.
- The Aussies look to have a fairly settled batting line-up but the complete make-up of their side will not be known until nearer the toss with skipper Pat Cummins needing to decide whether to go with multiple spinning options while Scott Boland will hope to force his way into the side after making a brilliant debut during the Ashes.
THE PREDICTION
Pakistan and Australia will get their Test match series underway and it should be an intriguing contest with both teams capable of prevailing. The series could go the distance with plenty of talent among both squads, although the door has been opened for the tourists in this opening contest. A few absentees for the hosts could prove to be pivotal to their chances of claiming the win and with the Aussies coming in at full-strength, the tourists are fancied to prevail in game one.
