AUS v PAK, 3rd ODI: Series on the line as Pakistan looks to pull off a shock in Perth

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David Warner of Australia is congratulated by teammates after taking a catch to dismiss Azhar Ali of Pakistan during game one of the One Day International series between Australia and Pakistan at The Gabba on January 13, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

What followed the second ODI at Melbourne was a lot of praise for the manner in which Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez led his side to victory. In contrast, as far as Australia would be concerned, it would seem clear that this is not only a fight for supremacy, but for redemption following the terrible year they have had in the previous year. With the Indian tour beckoning on the horizon, it now seems as though there is a need for the Aussies to begin building momentum towards the series.

Steve Smith, the Australian skipper will be keenly aware of all of this meaning that he would be expected to form his side into a formidable one prior to the start of this series. As for Hafeez, it will be more of the same as Azhar Ali’s injury has seemingly taken a turn for the worse.

Prelude

The factors influencing the encounter, apart from the toss will be what happened in Melbourne. While Pakistan will be looking to build on this win, it would be clear that chasing would be on the cards yet again. However, the WACA in Perth will include a bowling mechanism that has seen its reputation as the fastest pitch in the world rise up in stock for a long while.

As for Australia, the defeat at Melbourne will be one that has taken the wind out of their sails momentarily. However, with a few additions and chopping and changing within the squad, it would seem as though the selection committee is making attempts to make change happen and also settle into a squad that can perform consistently and relives the glory days of the previous decade.

Also read- IND v ENG, 2nd ODI Preview: Resurgent Team India eyes series win

The comeback kings of Pakistan

With the arduous tour of Australia finally showing a few strains on the visitors, the Pakistan cricket management has simply had no choice but to go ahead and bring in the reinforcements. These reinforcements have come in the form of Mohammad Hafeez and Junaid Khan. The duo was frozen out of the side earlier this year, but the injuries have seen them stage a comeback to the grand scheme of things.

However, as far as Mickey Arthur would be concerned, as long as the results come, they are in the perfect situation. Moreover, these two players made a fantastic impact at the MCG, meaning that their selection for the final ODI is imminent.

An ode to Steve Smith

Steve Smith, the Australian skipper has now found himself in unchartered waters following a bevy of months with adverse results. The last skipper who was seemingly dealt a bad hand with the establishment was Kim Hughes who many will remember for his tearful farewell after his sacking from the captaincy. However, the fact of the matter remains that Smith is still the best person to lead the Aussies when it comes to all formats and will only be a matter of time before he gets his team to start responding to him.

Australia

Australia will be forced into making a change following the neck injury to Chris Lynn. This would mean an ODI debut for Peter Handscomb who has made his way into the grand scheme of things and has also been impressive in Tests for the Aussies. Billy Stanlake, who could not complete his quota of overs on the morning will be playing instead of Mitchell Starc. With the Aussies looking to give the lanky Aussie speedster a rest.

Pakistan

Pakistan is expected to go ahead and field the same squad with perhaps the only changes being in their bowling unit. However, in spite of all this, one man who will certainly keep his place would be Junaid Khan, someone who has been impressive with the ball in the previous ODI. Mohammad Hafeez will continue with the captaincy as well.

Probable XI

Australia:

Steve Smith (C), Matthew Wade (WK), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Billy Stanlake.

Pakistan:

Mohammad Hafeez (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Sharjeel Khan, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali

StAttack:

1. Umar Akmal requires 52 runs to complete 3000 ODI runs. He also requires 5 catches to complete 50 ODI catches.

2. Meanwhile, Babar Azam requires 47 runs to complete 1000 ODI runs. Mohammad Amir requires 8 wickets to complete 50 ODI wickets.

3. Matthew Wade requires 4 dismissals to complete 100 ODI dismissals. He will be only the fifth wicketkeeper-batsman to complete this feat.

4. Glenn Maxwell and Josh Hazelwood require 5 wickets apiece to complete 50 wickets. Pat Cummins requires 6 wickets to do the same. James Faulkner requires 10 wickets to complete 100 wickets.

5. Steve Smith requires 60 runs to complete 3000 ODI runs while Glenn Maxwell requires 154 runs to complete 2000 ODI runs.

6. James Faulkner requires 55 runs to complete 1000 ODI runs.

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