Australia v Pakistan, 1st Test, Brisbane: Preview, likely XIs, prediction

It’s Australia’s first assignment after the Ashes, which they historically retained in England, and given such a triumph, you’d except them to be buoyed ahead of a series against a Pakistan side playing their first Test in a while.

However, there is some apprehension in Australia – despite possessing word beaters, led by Steve Smith, in their ranks. And that has to do with the fact that it’s Pakistan, doing what they do best – they have named a young side for the series, and ahead of the match, captain Azhar Ali confirmed Naseem Shah, the 16-year-old pacer, is set to make his Test debut.

And they’re talking big. Misbah-ul-Haq, the team’s coach and selector, has already asked his young pacers to go after Smith. “As far as Steve Smith goes, there’s a blind spot for every top batsman in the world; as a bowler you’re always interested in pitching the ball there,” Misbah said.

They have talked up Shah too. But there is also Shaheen Shah Afridi Mohammad Abbas, and Muhammad Musa, and all in all, there is potential here for this to be one of the toughest pace attack Australia have faced at home in a while.

As inexperienced as the youth will be, there is also the danger of the unknown. Australia will be aware of that. Pakistan will too, and it is what makes this series one to watch out for. Stars could be in the making.

Head to head

Pakistan and Australia have clashed in 65 Tests over the years. Australia have lorded over them for the most part, with 31 wins to Pakistan’s 15. However, their last clash, in the UAE in 2018, was won by Pakistan 1-0.

Key players

Steve Smith (Australia): Widely recognised as the best Test batsman active today, Smith was in stellar form in England. He looks set to continue that form, scoring 103 for New South Wales against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield last week. Pakistan have talked big, but they will be wary.

Naseem Shah (Pakistan): The youngster has been hyped up, but managed to get people to sit up and take notice during the warm-ups, with his highly incisive bowling. All eyes will be on him when he steps out at the Gabba. Can he handle the pressure?

Likely XIs

Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (c/wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan: Azhar Ali (c), Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah

Prediction

Australia to prove their superiority in familiar conditions.