Australia opted to bowl first on a crisp day at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), facing a fresh Pakistan lineup that introduced two debutants to its ODI roster. Young opening batter Saim Ayub and middle-order player Irfan Khan proudly donned their Pakistan caps, presented by legendary former cricketer Wasim Akram. Both players are anticipated to inject new energy into Pakistan’s batting lineup as the team seeks a strong start in the series.
This ODI series marks a significant change for Pakistan, which has reshuffled its lineup following its recent Test cricket performances. Opening with Saim Ayub, Pakistan hopes to redefine its start at the crease, pairing him with Abdullah Shafique, who has previous experience as an opener in Tests. Although their track record in Test matches hasn’t been remarkable, Ayub and Shafique have the opportunity to forge a new and productive partnership in the limited-overs format.
Babar Azam, returning to the ODI squad after a break from the final two Tests against England, is back at his favored No. 3 spot. Azam’s presence is expected to anchor Pakistan’s innings, providing stability and finesse in the middle order. Behind him, Mohammad Rizwan, who also serves as the team’s wicketkeeper, will step in at No. 4. Known for his adaptability, Rizwan’s position as captain further consolidates Pakistan’s batting order. The team’s bowling lineup, featuring pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, rounds off a robust four-man pace attack, signaling an aggressive approach to restrict Australia’s batting lineup on home soil.
For Australia, the decision to bowl first hints at a strategy to exploit the favorable conditions for pace early on. Mitchell Starc, who recently took seven wickets in a Sheffield Shield game at the same venue, leads the attack. His form could be crucial in Australia’s efforts to make inroads into Pakistan’s batting lineup from the outset. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood, another key figure in Australia’s bowling arsenal, is not part of this match. He’s currently playing Shield cricket for New South Wales but is expected to join the squad for the second ODI in Adelaide.
Australia’s batting lineup sees some notable adjustments, with regular openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh absent for the series due to paternity leave. Instead, Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have been selected as the opening pair, with high expectations placed on their shoulders to deliver a solid start. Steven Smith, ever-reliable, comes in at No. 3, with Josh Inglis taking on the No. 4 slot, a role he recently embraced during the team’s tour of England. Marnus Labuschagne retains his position at No. 5, adding depth and stability to the middle order. All-rounder Aaron Hardie is listed next, providing additional firepower, while Glenn Maxwell is on standby to be used as a versatile floater, allowing flexibility in the order depending on the match’s requirements.
Pakistan’s ODI squad returns to the field after competing in the 2023 World Cup, with this match marking the first of the series. Test coach Jason Gillespie has taken on an interim coaching role for this series, following Gary Kirsten’s recent resignation as Pakistan’s white-ball coach. Gillespie’s temporary leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and tactical insight to Pakistan’s strategy, especially as they seek to balance an experienced core with new talent.
Team Lineups:
Australia:
- Matthew Short
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Steven Smith
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Aaron Hardie
- Glenn Maxwell
- Sean Abbott
- Pat Cummins (capt)
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
Pakistan:
- Saim Ayub
- Abdullah Shafique
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk, capt)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Irfan Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
As both teams prepare for this opening ODI clash, all eyes will be on the new entrants from Pakistan, Ayub and Irfan, to see how they adapt to the international stage. Meanwhile, Australia’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Starc, is set to test Pakistan’s mettle on a day that promises both excitement and fresh competition at the MCG.