AUS vs PAK 2nd Test: For the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, the Pat Cummins-led Australian team announced a 13-man squad on Monday (December 18). The 2nd Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to be held from 26th to 30th December 2023 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
From a 14-member squad, Australia have trimmed it down to 13 as their rookie fast bowler Lance Morris will be playing for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.
Australia registered a comprehensive 360-run win in the first Test at Perth. Be it bowling, batting, or fielding, Australia ticked all their boxes and it’s unlikely that they make any change in the playing XI unless any player has injury concerns.
Following the win in the first Test, skipper Pat Cummins also gave a hint of playing the unchanged eleven for the Boxing Day Test match.
“I don’t think injuries are going to be an issue, so I dare say it will be a pretty similar line-up at this stage. I think all the bowlers are pretty fresh after (the win in Perth). It’s basically the ideal start to the summer,” Cummins said after the Perth Test, hinting an unchanged XI for Melbourne.
Ahead of the first Test match, the controversy involving David Warner and Mitchell Johnson revolved around social media. However, after playing a scintillating 164-run knock in the first innings, David Warner has, indeed, silenced all his critics and would be on course to play what will be the final Test match of his career.
Warner Starred in The First Test
Warner played an outstanding knock of 164 runs off 211 balls in the first innings of the first Test match against Pakistan. He, however, got out for naught in his second inning. The 37-year-old has 8651 runs to his name in 110 Tests played so far in his career.
There is an 8-day gap between the first and second Test match in Sydney. All the players should get adequate rest and be available for the second Test match. The fast bowling trio impressed in the first Test and it’s unlikely that Scott Bolland would be included in the eleven.
Mitchell Marsh also played stellar knocks of 90 (107) and 63* (68) in the first Test match. This also means that Cameron Green, too, has to wait a bit more to, once again, feature in Australia’s Test playing XI.
Australia’s 13-man squad for the Boxing Day Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
Read More: Shreyas Gopal Seen In RCB Trials Ahead of IPL 2024 Auction
