Australian coach Andrew McDonald shared information about the team’s lineup for the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan. McDonald confirmed the combination has not yet been finalised, suggesting they could stick with the line-up from their last test.

The defending champions will face Pakistan in their second series of the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The Pat Cummins-led team drew the five-match Test series against England 2-2. They will hope to score crucial points in the next series.

It looks the same as before now – Andrew McDonald

andres mcdonald expressed his satisfaction with the team’s return to training at the WACA Ground, highlighting the ideal conditions for competitive practice. McDonald hinted that the team selection for the series opener could resemble the previous lineup.

“Everyone has returned in good order, as we saw, and it was great to have a center wicket at the WACA Ground, to be able to go out and train there.” Macdonald said.

“It was perfect conditions to have a really good contest between bat and ball and I saw Lance put a few guys on notice there, particularly ‘Marn’, so it was a good contest, a good outing, and like I said, “All the rapids came back in good condition.”

“In terms of what that means for the national team, we will work on that over the next few days, but I think, how can I put it, it will look the same as before.” he added.

Nathan Lyon will return to Test cricket in Perth after recovering from a calf injury. The veteran bowler is on the verge of reaching the 500 Test wickets mark, aiming to become the third Australian bowler to achieve this important milestone.

Pakistan tour of Australia schedule

• First Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
• Second Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• Third Test: Australia vs Pakistan, January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Australia team for the first test against Pakistan: Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.

Also read: Andrew McDonald names Cameron Green as possible replacement for David Warner in trials