The three-Test series between Pakistan and Australia is currently tied with both matches ending in a draw.
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Pakistan captain Babar Azam is ready to lead his troop in the third and final Test against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday. The first-two Test matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi respectively failed to produce a winner as it ended in a draw. However, Babar, showed signs of optimism ahead of the Test series decider against Australia.
“You have a different feeling when you play on your home ground and before your home crowd,” Babar told reporters via videoconference on Sunday.
“Definitely, it will be a proud moment for all of us if we win the home series because we believe we are improving day by day.”
The Rawalpindi pitch was much criticised. But following that, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took measures, and flew in ICC Academy curator Toby Lumsden, who has assisted the local ground staff to prepare the Lahore Test wicket.
Babar believes that pitch could assist the spinners. “It’s not much different, looks like the same pitch but I feel it will definitely give turn
“It has small cracks from where spinners could get help, but you can’t tell 100pc because of hot conditions. Whatever it is, our spinners are ready for it and will fight.”
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Australia captain Pat Cummins shared similar reactions on the Lahore wicket and felt that it would be a slow wicket but also mentioned that his team will have all bases covered for the contest.
“Looks (wicket) quite similar,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said. “I can’t say been too much different (wicket) from the other ones, so we feel like we’ve got all bases covered if needed for a reverse swing or spin later in the game.”
“It’s a matter of taking those chances,” Cummins said. “Wickets are premium in this series, so you can’t afford to drop too many chances. We tried more than ten chances, but we just, unfortunately, didn’t take it, that’s going to be a challenge this week.”
The slow nature of the pitch has forced Australia to sit out fast bowler Josh Hazelwood and believe in the reverse swing qualities of Mitchell Starc. Cummins mentioned that with Strac in their side it will be possible to pick up 20 wickets and seal the series.
“Reverse swing is going to be the biggest factor and I thought Starky played fantastic in the last Test, taking three wickets in the first innings,” Cummins said.
“It’s always tough leaving out someone like Joshy … but I think the class, the difference that Starky brings as a left armer, a bit more air speed, probably gives us the best chance taking 20 wickets.”
