Despite a dramatic fourth day conclusion to the second Test Pakistan cannot win the series. Still, they will be determined to continue chasing a long-awaited win on Australian soil. Australia bid farewell to David Warner in this Test match at his home ground of the SCG.
Weather has been a problem for the last three Tests at the SCG with three draws in succession taking place at the ground. Six of the last nine Tests here have ended in a draw, a very high count in a nation of result wickets.
To Win Match
Australia 7/20 | Draw 7/2 | Pakistan 17/2
Australia won’t give uncapped speedster Lance Morris his chance in the third Test against Pakistan after sticking with the same 13-player squad for the final Test.
Cameron Green and Scott Boland, who were the unused members of the 13-man group last time out, remain in the squad.
Australia have not ruled out using Green as an opener after Warner steps away from the game, although Marcus Harris is considered the favourite to step into the role.
Failing an injury among the fast bowlers, it is likely that Australia will field the exact same XI yet again in Sydney.
Pakistan will feel they let themselves down at the critical moment when they had a chance to level the series.
Mohammad Rizwan’s contentious dismissal is likely a bone of contention for Pakistan, but no amount of post-mortem will change the result.
Mir Hamza had brilliant moments in Melbourne in a Pakistan attack that was the equal of their opponents.
Sadly, it was in the batting and fielding departments that Pakistan let themselves down with dropped catches and cheap wickets all too common.
Verdict: Australia 7/20
Pakistan got closer to success last time out but will likely fall short again.
