PAK vs AUS: Rain likely to play spoilsport in Rawalpindi Test

Australia are currently in Pakistan for an all-format bilateral series with the first Test starting from March four. What makes this occasion even more special is that the Aussies have toured the neighboring country for a cricket series for the very first time after the 1998/99 season. The tour kicks off with a three-match Test series the first of which will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

As Pakistan look to challenge Australia in their very own backyard after two-and-half decades, it has been reported that rain could make its presence felt in the Test series opener which could have not only left the passionate cricket fans in the country disappointed but also could have put the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a fix as well.

Rain expected to spoil the first Test match

According to reports in Cricket Pakistan, rain might affect the first Test match in Rawalpindi. Even though the skies are clear for the first two days of the contest, the forecast does not look promising for the remaining three days with light to moderate showers. Should the rain make a severe impact throughout the Test match, then both teams will need to make amends in the final two matches as far as the results are concerned as this one would definitely end in a stalemate.

The second Test will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on March 12 while the final one will be contested at the  Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 21.  Babar Azam would be leading the hosts whereas, Australia would be captained by the pace spearhead Patt Cummins with batting mainstay Steve Smith as his deputy in the longest format. After a memorable Ashes series against arch-rivals England down under that the Aussies had won 4-0,  the visitors would be hoping to continue their splendid run as they eye Asian dominance.

The Men In Green on the other hand would be banking on home advantage in the three-match series to earn some precious ICC World Test Championship points.