Australia to enter with two spinners in the second Test

KARACHI: After Pakistan batted their seamers into the ground in the draw at Rawalpindi. Australia is expected to field two spinners in Saturday’s second Test in Karachi.

The momentous event — Australia’s first Test in Pakistan since 1998. Overshadowed by a pitch that vice-captain Steve Smith termed as “dead,” as Pakistan scored 728 runs for the loss of only four wickets, one of which was a run out.

Also Read: Ramiz Raja issues statement over dead Rawalpindi pitch

Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique both made maiden Test hundreds. Imam scoring one in each innings — while senior batsman Azhar Ali also passed three figures during five attritional days.

The series now moves to Karachi’s National Stadium, a favourite hunting ground for Pakistan. Who have won 23 of the 43 Tests they have played there while losing only twice.

Australia have never won in Karachi in eight attempts, losing five and drawing three.

With conditions sultry, the pitch is likely to help the slow bowlers. Prompting Australia to rest at least one of their famed pace trio of captain Pat Cummins. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Feeling Fresh

“From our intel in Karachi and Lahore, a second spinner is probably the way to go but we’ll have a look,” said Cummins, hinting that leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, 28, could make his Test debut alongside veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon.