Match preview, playing XI, Head to Head, TV listings, and live streaming for Australia vs. Pakistan, 1st Test 2023

Australia will host Pakistan in a three-match ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 series. The Optus Stadium in Perth will host the first Test match on December 14–18. Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground will host the second and final Tests.

Australia, headed by Pat Cummins, won the 2021–23 WTC Ashes series. In June, the Kangaroos defeated India by 209 runs at Kennington Oval in London to win the WTC final. David Warner is reportedly set to retire after the third Test in Sydney.

Pakistan has a poor Test record against Australia. They were whitewashed in Australia in 2019 and lost the series at home in 2022. As the WTC 2023-25 points leader with a 100% victory record in two games, the squad captained by new captain Shan Masood will have high hopes.

Optus Stadium Pitch Report

The curator, Isaac McDonald, said the Optus Stadium pitch will push grass covering during the opening test to improve bat-ball balance. Five days in Perth with temperatures above 30 degrees before the test should moisten the surface. The extra moisture should allow early mobility and hardening for more bounce throughout the game. McDonald also instructed that the surface should remain moist during the play.

Despite warm and partly sunny circumstances throughout the test, 20–30 km/h breezes may speed drying. The wicket tray layout, compaction, and lush grass cover prevent considerable cracking and degradation. Fast bowlers, especially with the new ball, will benefit, while spinners may also capitalize on the bounce-friendly conditions.

Australia-Pakistan Tour of Australia Playing XI:

Australian XI:

With Pat Cummins at the helm and Travis Head and Steven Smith supporting him, Australia’s first Test lineup is strong. Nathan Lyon, Australia’s main spinner, is back following a calf injury in the Ashes. As expected, David Warner and Usman Khawaja will open the batting for Australia, then Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, and Head. Mitchell Marsh will play all-rounder, Alex Carey will play wicketkeeper, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood will bowl fast.

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan XI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board named Shan Masood as Test captain after Babar Azam resigned after a disappointing ODI World Cup. In Babar’s absence, Masood must lead the team. Pakistan’s bowling lineup is inexperienced, and leg spinner Abrar Ahmed’s ankle injury hampers the initial Test assault. Pakistan’s batting seems better entering the series.

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Khurram

AUS versus PAK Head-to-Head Records:

AUS against PAK 1st Test broadcast: