AUS vs PAK: Saim Ayub set for Test debut as star player is dropped for Sydney Test

Pakistan Cricket Team has named their playing XI for the final Test match to be played in Sydney on Wednesday. Shan Masood and his team have already lost the series with a 79-run loss during the MCG Test.

It is worth noting that Pakistan hasn’t won a Test match in Australia for nearly three decades. It is an emotional moment for the Australian Cricket Team and its fans. David Warner is set to play his final Test Match in front of his home fans. 

The dynamic batter from Australia will be making his final appearance in the longest format of the game. With over 8600 runs David Warner is set to quit the format as one of the all-time greats of Australian Cricket. 

Massive changes for the Pakistani team 

Ahead of the final Test between Australia and Pakistan in Sydney, it has been confirmed that Saim Ayub is set for his Test Debut. The 21-year-old is set to replace out-of-form opener Imam Ul Haq from the playing XI.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi too is set to be dropped for the final game in a surprising move. Spin bowler Sajid Khan has been in named place of the 23-year-old pace sensation. Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal will lead the Pakistani pace attack.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the batting for Pakistan with Shan Masood to bat at number three. Babar Azam will bat at four followed by Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha.

Australia has named an unchanged team for the Sydney Test. David Warner will open the batting for the last time along with Usman Khawaja. Pat Cummins will lead the side as pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will take the new ball. Nathan Lyon is the only spinner in the Australian side.

Speaking before the game, Pat Cummins told the media how he wished everyone watched Test Cricket. South Africa’s team announcement for the New Zealand tour has caused a lot of stir in the world of Cricket.

“It’s a tough one. Every summer feels bigger than the last here in Australia. But, obviously going overseas, that’s not the case. In some regards, I am a little bit worried at times, but at the same time T20 Cricket has never had more supporters and I don’t think there have been more supporters in the world watching cricket. As a Test cricket lover, I wish everybody was watching Test Cricket, but I’ve never seen cricket stronger than what it is at the moment”

Pakistan XI for SCG Test –

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (Captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Aamer Jamal.

Australia XI for SCG Test –

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (Captain), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.