The Australian test match summer launches on Thursday with Pakistan making the trip for an enthralling three-match series.
Fresh off retaining the Ashes and claiming a World Test Championship crown, the Aussies will be full of confidence heading into this red ball series, but Pakistan should have more to offer than last summer’s touring teams.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview & Betting Tips
Perth Stadium, Perth, Thursday December 14th, 1:20pm (AEDT)
Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi
Match Preview
It’s hard to believe that Australia are about to suit up for another test series, considering the hectic schedule that they have faced over the last 12 months.
From the WTC Final to an away Ashes series, ODIs and then a World Cup, it’s been a non-stop onslaught of cricket for the men in green and gold in 2024.
Australia have performed well in red ball cricket this calendar year – after wrapping up a home series win against South Africa, they went on to win a test in India, win the WTC Final and retain the Ashes.
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head have been instrumental to those successes with the bat, tallying 1037 and 848 runs, respectively. Steve Smith has also managed 777 runs, despite having a lean year by his rigorously high standards.
From a bowling perspective, Nathan Lyon has been the main man with 38 wickets, enjoying the spinner-friendly Indian conditions. The three frontline quicks have each topped 20 poles, while newcomer Todd Murphy has impressed with 21.
And now, here we are. It will be all hands on deck in this series, with every member of the best XI fit and ready to roll for the first test against Pakistan.
Unlike Australia, Pakistan have played little test cricket in 2023, featuring in just two matches since early January.
Pakistan swept Sri Lanka 2-0 away from home in July, leaving them sixth in the ICC test rankings.
Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman have been the stars in this format with the willow, scoring 452 and 292 runs, respectively, while spinner Abrar Ahmed leads the wicket takers with 15.
Unfortunately, Ahmed sustained a knee injury during the recent match against the Prime Minister’s XI, resulting in his omission from the squad for the first test.
Despite Ahmed’s absence, Pakistan will select a strong XI for this first game, led by a talented batting group.
Nevertheless, Australia are incredibly difficult to beat on their home turf. Pakistan have won just 4/37 matches on Australian soil, and I can’t see that record improving here. Australia are the better side man for man, and will be at full strength in Perth.
Player Prop Bets
Cummins struggled at times during the ODI World Cup, but he will relish returning to his favoured format – test cricket. The Australian skipper has taken 29 wickets in nine matches this year and I expect him to enjoy bowling on a green-tinged Perth pitch.
Pat Cummins 1st Innings Wickets – Over 2.5 ($2 at Ladbrokes)
Head has shown his ability to perform on the big stage this year, guiding Australia to victory in the WTC Final and World Cup Final. His 848 runs for the year have come at an average of 47, so Pakistan’s attack will have to be on top of their game to dismiss him early.
Travis Head Over 30.5 1st Innings Runs ($1.83 at Ladbrokes)
