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Australia vs Pakistan First Test Tips - Down under troubles for Green Caps

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

13 Dec 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 13 Dec 2023

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Australia vs Pakistan First Test predictions to be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth in starting on Thursday, Indian morning time
Australia have won their last 14 home Tests against Pakistan
Pakistan have lost their last 9 Tests played in the Oceania against Australia and New Zealand

Can Australia repeat their victory scenes from Pakistan? (Getty Images)

Australia vs Pakistan First Test

It’s time for the Test whites as Australia start their home summer with a three-match series against Pakistan. The first of the matches will be at the Optus Stadium in Perth from Thursday, December 14.

Australia vs Pakistan First Test
Head to Head
Australia Form
Australia Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News

Australia has been a tough place to tour for Pakistan, who haven’t won a Test here since November 1995. There’s very little in their recent form that suggests that the record could change here. The odds market suggests as much as the hosts are massive favourites to do so. Back Australia to win the Test.

Australia have won their last 14 home matches against Pakistan (Tests)
Australia have won 8 of their last 10 home matches drawing the other two (Tests)
Pakistan have lost their last 9 matches in New Zealand and Australia (Tests)
Marnus Labuschagne has scored 185 & 162 in his two innings at home against Pakistan (Tests)
Marnus Labuschagne has 3 hundreds and one fifty in his 4 innings at this venue (Tests)

Head to Head

Australia and Pakistan have played each other in 69 Tests with 34 wins for the Oceania team while the Asians have won 15 matches. The remaining 20 games ended in a draw.

The last time these sides played was in a three-match series in Pakistan in 2022. The Australians won that 1-0 after drawing the first two fixtures.

Australia Form

Australia were last seen in the tour to India where they had success in the ODI World Cup. This format though, was last played in July when they took part in the Ashes and drew 2-2 with one match ending in a draw.

This series was overshadowed by the news that David Warner has decided to hang up his boots in the Boxing Day Test. While the merits of his place in the side remain debatable, there’s no hiding the fact that he’s a modern-day great.

The pitch is likely to suit their combination as Australia expect a hard and bouncy wicket at the venue, as Perth looks to revive memories of the WACA stadium.

Australia Team News

The three players missing out could be Lance Morris, Scott Boland or Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green or Mitchell Marsh. While Starc and Marsh remain favourites to be picked, don’t be surprised if they are omitted.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan had a sea of change since the last time they took to the pitch – in the ODI World Cup. Team management changed, administration changed and even captains changed.

Shan Masood, who not long ago was unsure of his Test spot was given the captaincy. Wahab Riaz has ruled himself out of the series but the visitors still have a strong squad.

The Green Caps played a four-day game against the Prime Minister’s XI that was hampered by rain. Shan Masood batted his way to form with a double century while bowlers didn’t quite do justice with only four wickets scalped.

Pakistan Team News

Abrar Ahmed was injured in the practice match which leaves a hole in the Pakistani bowling line-up. That could see them field a complete pace attack while Agha Salman could be expected to shoulder the spin responsibilities.

Australia vs Pakistan First Test FAQs

Where can I watch the Australia vs Pakistan First Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Australia vs Pakistan First Test live stream.

What time does Australia vs Pakistan First Test start?

This Australia vs Pakistan First Test will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth starting from December 14, Thuresday starting at 7:50am IST.

Verdict

Australia in Australia has been a massive hurdle for Pakistan and it could remain the same. I am backing Australia to win this game with something to spare. On the individual front, back Marnus Labuschagne to thrive at a venue that he loves to pile up runs.