Aaron Finch and Travis Head are set to make their Test debuts when Australia face Pakistan in the first Test at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai starting from October 7, 2018.
Live updates:
Overs 80: Pakistan 228/2 (Mohammad Hafeez 126)
Pakistan won the toss and batted first
The day one is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM Local, 11:00 AM PST.
The two-match Test series between the two sides will conclude after a game in Abu Dubai which ends on October 20.
The last time when these two sides played a Test series was back in 2016-17 during the Australian summer.
The hosts dominated Pakistan and won the three-match series 3-0. Before that, in 2014 the two teams had played another two-match Test series in UAE, which was won 2-0 by Pakistan.
Listen to the live commentary of #PAKvAUS Test and catch ball by ball updates on our website đź“»
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2018
▶️ https://t.co/9KWwgGYu96 pic.twitter.com/JZYNPGmyLR
PTV Sports live streaming details
PTV Sports will telecast the match live in Pakistan. The other channels that will broadcast the Test live in various countries are as below:
India & Subcontinent: Sony Six, Sony Six HD
UK: Prime TV (SKY Channel 713)
Australia: Fox Sports
USA: Willow TV
Malaysia: Astro Cricket HD
South Africa: SuperSport
Bangladesh: Gazi TV (GTV)
Hafeez and Riaz likely to return
The seasoned campaigner @MHafeez22 returns to Test cricket in style! The opener smashes his tenth đź’Ż in Test cricket.
Pakistan are 199/0 at Tea.
For live updates - https://t.co/9KWwgGYu96 pic.twitter.com/YM11EFPV19
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2018
The seasoned campaigner @MHafeez22 returns to Test cricket in style! The opener smashes his tenth đź’Ż in Test cricket.
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2018
Pakistan are 199/0 at Tea.
For live updates - https://t.co/9KWwgGYu96 pic.twitter.com/YM11EFPV19
Pakistan is coming into this series after a 1-1 draw in England.
Pacer Mohammad Amir has been left out by the selector after a poor show with the ball in the recent times.
Wahab Raiz, who has been recalled into the side after a long time might be picked in the XI. Mohammad Hafeez might also find a spot in the XI after a good domestic season.
📸 Captains' press conference and Trophy unveiling ceremony of Jubilee Insurance presents Brighto Cup 2018 #PAKvAUS Test series. pic.twitter.com/a8dZAQtB6x
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) October 6, 2018
Cricbuzz reported that Shadab Khan had a small injury which may force him to miss the first Test.
In that situation, it will be interesting whether the supposedly "home" team opts for a spinner or a pacer instead. Led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Pakistan unit seems pretty balanced for the conditions in UAE.
Renshaw doubtful for the first Test
Australia is set to play at least two debutants as Finch and Head are expected to be the ones who make their debut.
According to Cricbuzz, Matt Renshaw endured a blow on his helmet during the practice game against Pakistan A. This may force him to miss the first Test, which will make way for another debutant, Marcus Labuschagne. Led by Tim Paine, Australia performed well in the practice game. The spin department is likely to be handled by Jon Holland and Nathan Lyon.
Pakistan Vs Australia Test Series in UAE 2018 #AUSvPAK @CAComms@TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/OsuVwLYfl0
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) October 5, 2018
The pitch in Dubai had an ample amount of spin during the recently concluded Asia Cup. Things are not likely to be any different with the change in format. The red ball will turn a fair amount, especially later in the Test match.
Even though the pitch in Dubai is often termed 'flat', batting won't be easy here towards the end of the Test.
Read: Cricket Live Score: India v West Indies 1st Test, Rajkot
Also read: Live Cricket Score: Pakistan A vs Australia four-day practice match, UAE