The Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Adelaide from Melbourne for the second ODI match against Australia, following their narrow defeat in the first ODI in Melbourne.
After a long flight, the Pakistan squad touched down in Adelaide on Tuesday afternoon, where they took some much-needed rest before the crucial encounter.
Pakistan will hold a practice session tomorrow ahead of the match, with all eyes on possible lineup changes after their defeat in Melbourne. Sources close to the team have revealed that Pakistan is considering the inclusion of a regular spinner in their playing XI for the second ODI.
The squad includes spinners Faisal Akram and Arafat Minhas, and if a spinner is added to the team, either fast bowlers Naseem Shah or Mohammad Hasnain could be rested.
Naseem Shah, who struggled with cramps in the first match, is reportedly feeling better but may be given a break in favor of introducing spin to the attack. This could provide a fresh option to Pakistan's bowling strategy as they look to level the series.
The first ODI saw Australia clinch a hard-fought victory by two wickets. Pakistan struggled to build a strong total, finishing at 203 runs in 46.4 overs.
Australia, in reply, lost wickets at regular intervals but were anchored by Pat Cummins, whose steady knock helped the hosts reach the target of 204/8 in 33.3 overs.
The decision to field an all-pace attack, made by Rizwan, did not pay off as expected, with the bowlers unable to control the extras in a low-scoring contest.
Australia now leads the three-match series 1-0, and Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back and level the series in the second ODI, which is scheduled to take place in Adelaide on November 8.
Pakistan ODI Squad for Australia tour: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Naseem Shah declared fit
Ahead of Pakistan's second ODI match against Australia on Nov 8 in Adelaide, there is positive news for the team as fast bowler Naseem Shah has fully recovered from his recent injury.
Sources confirmed that Naseem participated in today's practice session with the team in Adelaide, and he will be available for selection in the upcoming match.
In the first ODI, Naseem was forced to leave the field due to cramps while bowling. However, with his recovery now complete, the Pakistan team is hopeful for a stronger performance in the second match. There could be a change in the squad, although the final decision on whether to make alterations has not been made yet. The playing XI will be confirmed tomorrow, after the second practice session.
The team's selector, Asad Shafiq, is anticipated to consult with the captain and head coach, alongside fellow selectors Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, and Hassan Cheema, before making any decisions regarding changes. The discussions will center around evaluating the pitch conditions in Adelaide.
Upon arrival in Adelaide, the Pakistan team had a rest day, followed by a focused practice session today. The players worked on addressing key areas, such as batting, bowling, and fielding weaknesses.
Historically, Pakistan has not had much success in Adelaide, with only one win in eight matches played there. The sole victory came in 1996 under the leadership of Wasim Akram, when Pakistan triumphed by 12 runs. Saqlain Mushtaq played a pivotal role in the win with a five-wicket haul.
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