Pakistan-Australia ODI series to kick off in Sharjah today
SHARJAH (92 News) – A new-look, younger Pakistan side faces a resurgent Australia in the first of five one-day internationals in Sharjah on Friday.
Pakistan have rested their six key players – captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, allowing bench players a chance to grab a spot in the World Cup squad.
Stand-in skipper Shoaib Malik is confident conditions in UAE – where Pakistan have been playing their home matches since 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore – will favour his team.
“Every series is tough but it´s a good opportunity for young players,” said Malik at the trophy unveiling ceremony on Thursday. “Australia will be high on morale but we should have an advantage of the conditions."
Pakistan are likely to give a one-day cap to opener Shan Masood after a good Test series in South Africa while either 18-year-old Mohammad Hasnain or Mohammad Abbas will supplement Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan and Faheem Ashraf in the pace attack.
Malik admitted Australia were a strong side who have done well in UAE.
“They play the game in an aggressive style, so we have to match that aggression," said Malik, who also led Pakistan between 2007 and 2009. "They are a strong team and have everything from fast bowling to spin, so we have to be at our best.”
Paceman Pat Cummins took 13 wickets while leg-spinner Adam Zampa 11 in the recent series against India. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon is also in the squad.
Australian skipper Aaron Finch hoped his team would carry the momentum of a series win in India to their five-match series against Pakistan.
The Pakistan series is the last chance for Australia to fill any gaps before they defend their title in the World Cup starting in UK from May 30.
"It is about trying to maintain our momentum that we got in India," said Finch of the 3-2 come from behind win earlier this month – Australia´s first series win in India since 2009.
“I think since we played South Africa in Australia we have got better and better,” said Finch of the 2-1 series defeat in November last year. “I think we are starting to get a real clear strategy in a real game plan and how we want to play one-day cricket and it is just about making sure that we continue in that way.” “We cannot take them lightly in any form of the game at any time. They are a highly skilled and talented team and so we are definitely giving them as much respect as what we gave India,” said Finch. The remaining matches will be played in Sharjah (March 24), Abu Dhabi (March 27) and Dubai (March 29 and 31).Pakistan team training session at Sharjah ahead of #PAKvAUS ODI series. pic.twitter.com/9jLt135oBt
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) March 21, 2019
