AUS v PAK, 1st ODI, Preview: Pakistan seek change in fortunes against new look Australia

After a dismal show in the Test series Pakistan now look for a change in fortunes. They are up against the same mighty team Australia as the action shifts to limited-overs cricket. While the Aussies have been a formidable unit in the ODIs, Pakistan can take confidence from the fact that the new look opposition unit has often imploded in the recent past.

However having said that one must not ignore the ODI rankings that come into the picture. Australia sit comfortably at the top slot in the ODI rankings but it is the visitors who need to take care. They are placed at 8th rank at the moment. If they end up losing this series rather badly, they will be at a serious risk of slumping even further to a lowly number 9.

So how does that matter anyway, one would reckon? The point is, only the top 8 teams will automatically qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Thus, the opportunity beckons for the Pakistani side to change their fortunes as soon as possible and improved their standing. The history is definitely on their side. They have lost their last 15 matches against Australia in Australia in all formats of the game. The last time Pakistan had won against Australia was in an ODI back in 2005.

Team News

Australia

Australia have had a mixed bag of ODI form in the recent past. They were whitewashed by South Africa in away conditions. However, they managed to clean sweep New Zealand at home recently. Going into the match, they will head as clear favorites having won the Tests convincingly. They see all-rounder Glenn Maxwell back in the lineup after almost 6 months. Chris Lynn will be the man to watch out for.

He has already lit up the Big Bash League with his heroics using the long handle. Lynn is all set to make his ODI debut, captain Steve Smith confirmed on the eve of the match. Another player set to make his debut is bowler Billy Stanlake. Travis Head was impressive during the ODI series against New Zealand. He is all set for a new role as the opener of the side. Usman Khawaja misses out.

Also read- Stats: Players who have scored a century in their 100th Test

Pakistan

Pakistan have been jolted by the exclusion of two of their key players. Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed and pace bowler Mohammad Irfan had to fly back to Pakistan citing personal reasons. They have roped in the services of pacer Junaid Khan. The experience of Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal will certainly beef up the experience quotient of the team.

In absence of Sarfaraz, Mohammad Rizwan will take the wicket keeper’s position in the team. Akmal looks in a good form too and had scored a brisk 39-ball 54 in the warm-up match.

Probable XI

Australia

David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith (C), Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Billy Stanlake

Pakistan

Azhar Ali (C), Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amit, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan

Match Facts

Venue: Gabba, Brisbane

Time: 1320 (local), 0320 (GMT), 0850 (IST)

Pitch Verdict: Batting belter

Weather: No rain forecast, Sunny day

StAttack

• Pakistan have lost their last 15 matches against Australia in Australia in all the three formats.
• Australia have only lost once in their last 9 matches at the venue.
• A comprehensive series win for Pakistan will see them finish at number 7 in ICC ODI rankings.
• Billy Stanlake (6’8″) is all set to become Australia’s tallest cricketer.
• The two teams last played each other in Australia during the ICC World Cup 2015. Australia had won the match by 6 wickets.