Australia have announced an unchanged squad for the third and final Test match against Pakistan, to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The New Year's Test, starting January 3, 2024, will also serve as David Warner's farewell match. (Cricket News)
Pat Cummins & Co. have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series, which is now known as the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. A victory in Sydney will not only give them the hosts bragging rights of completing yet another series whitewash against Pakistan but allow Warner, arguably Australia's best all-format batter, a sign-off in style.
In the Perth series opener, the ICC World Test Championship holders thrashed Pakistan by 360 runs with Warner scoring 164 in the first innings. Pakistan did try their best to level the series but lost the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by 79 runs, for their 16th successive Test defeat Down Under.
“We look forward to celebrating David Warner’s final Test match and his incredible career at his home ground,” said Australia's chief selector, George Bailey. Warner, with 18521 runs, is Australia’s second-highest scorer in international cricket, only behind Ricky Ponting (27368).
Meanwhile, Pakistan are likely to introduce uncapped Saim Ayub. A T20 cricket specialist, the 21-year-old is likely to be named as a replacement for embattled opener Imam-ul-Haq.
The visitors are also grappling with injury woes. Spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the first two Tests due to a side injury, remains a concern and if he's not fit in time for the Sydney Test, off-spinner Sajid Khan will most likely get the nod.
Australia Squad For 3rd Test:
Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland.
