Big picture: Pakistan chase series win, Australia try to combat spin

For Pakistan, there is a question to be answered. Does chasing a confidence boosting series win override trying to prepare for a World Cup in southern Africa in 16 months time? If the former is more important, then another spin-friendly surface would be expected. But if the latter is of greater value, then playing on a neutral batter-friendly surface with as much pace and bounce that can be mustered might provide more benefit long-term.

Australia were well aware that the series would not have a great deal of relevance to the World Cup. They knew they would be challenged by spin in the manner that they were in Rawalpindi. The concern is that they still failed the test despite seeing the questions before-hand.

They are trying to invest games into a younger group with some senior names absent. The long-term goal is to develop the next crop of world-class players who can problem-solve in all conditions.

Form guide

Pakistan WLWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia LLWWW

In the spotlight: Shadab Khan and Marnus Labuschagne

Team news: Changes likely for Australia

Pakistan might consider a change if conditions do not look as spin-friendly in Lahore with Naseem Shah an option to replace Shadab. Otherwise if the surface appears similar then there would be no reason to change a winning formula. Ahmed Daniyal is another option, or wristspinner Sufyan Moqim if they wanted to change things but maintain the same balance.

Pakistan (probable): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Maaz Sadaqat, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Ghazi Ghouri (wk), 5 Arafat Minhas, 6 Salman Agha, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shadab Khan/Naseem Shah, 9 Shaheen Afridi (capt), 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed

Australia will likely make several changes as they continue to use the tour for research and development. Scott will almost certainly get a chance. Whether it is for Peake, Green or Labuschagne remains to be seen. Connolly could also come into the mix if they wish to make two top-order changes but he would appear more likely to be held back until game three. Meredith could replace Billy Stanlake to ensure the injury-prone quick isn’t at risk on a three-day turnaround with a flight in between. Adam Zampa was a late withdrawal from game one with a neck issue that has troubled him in the past. Sangha bowled well as his replacement but it is unlikely Australia picks three specialist spinners if Zampa is fit.

Australia (probable): 1 Matt Short, 2 Alex Carey, 3 Josh Inglis (capt & wk), 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Cameron Green, 6 Matt Renshaw, 7 Oli Peake/Liam Scott, 8 Nathan Ellis, 9 Matt Kuhnemann, 10 Adam Zampa/Tanveer Sangha, 11 Riley Meredith/Billy Stanlake

Pitch and conditions: Runs expected

It will be brutally hot in Lahore on Tuesday with the temperature rising to 38 degrees. There was hardly any dew in Rawalpindi but more might be expected in Lahore given the humidity. Scores should be high given the history at the venue.

Stats and trivia:

Quotes

“That’s just the nature of travelling around the world – [when] we come to the subcontinent as Australians, we know we’re going to get more wickets favouring spin … and we’ve prepared as well as we can for that.”
Matt Renshaw on conditions