1st Test: Pakistan prepare spin trap for Aussies

Babar, Yasir and Hafeez set to exploit favourable Dubai pitch

DUBAI: With frontline pacers out of the squad due to injuries, Pakistan are preparing themselves to rely on the spin trio of Zulfiqar Babar, Yasir Shah and Muhammad Hafeez in the first Test against Australia, which begins on Wednesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Keeping the nature of Dubai’s pitch in mind, the management is in favour of playing just two pacers, and are looking to give leg-spinner Yasir his Test debut against the Aussies.

The 28-year-old is not a big turner of the ball, but can bowl quick flippers and has claimed 279 wickets in 76 first-class matches.

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Babar will be the team’s top spinner in the absence of Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, while Hafeez will provide another bowling option to fill the void left by Ajmal’s suspension.

Ajmal’s absence will be keenly felt as the 37-year-old has single-handedly ruled the dry and slow tracks of Pakistan's neutral venues in the UAE, especially at Dubai, where he has 37 wickets in six Tests, three of which Pakistan won. The haul includes 24 wickets in a 3-0 rout of England in 2012.

Muhammad Talha is likely to be the automatic selection among four pacers in the squad, while the other spot will be contested by Rahat Ali and the uncapped Imran Khan.

“Pakistan will probably go with two pacers in Dubai,” a team management official told The Express Tribune.

“Although Australians played their spinners well in one-day series, Tests will be a different ball game. Their batting will be tested while playing against our spinners on the third, fourth and fifth days.”

Ajmal’s absence will be significant: Misbah

Captain Misbahul Haq, under pressure to score runs after managing nought and 15 in the preceding 3-0 one-day series defeat, admitted Ajmal's absence is significant.

"Ajmal has left a big hole," said Misbah, who skippers a team that last won a Test series against Australia back in 1994.

"Everybody knows that Australia are a tough side, so we need to play our best players and I believe we have proven players who can fill in.”

The return of veteran batsman Younus Khan and Azhar Ali will strengthen Pakistan's fragile batting, which looked out of sorts in both and ODIs and the one-off T20.

According to reports, Australia are also keen on fielding two spinners in Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe.

The visitors have been boosted by the comeback of skipper Michael Clarke, who is known for playing spinners in any condition.

Australia will once again look to a pace attack spearheaded by Mitchell Johnson, who has been bowling with plenty of venom and will be looking to test the opposition with quick and nasty short-pitch bowling, while Peter Siddle will provide support.

The second match of the series will be played in Abu Dhabi from October 30.

 

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