Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is confident his depleted side can rise to the challenge against Australia in the first Test at Rawalpindi Stadium
Two spinners on the cards as Pakistan lament injuries
Pakistan are determined to give Australia a "tough time" in the opening Test in Rawalpindi, despite losing three players to injury and ailment this week.
Fast bowler Hasan Ali and allrounder Faheem Ashraf were ruled out of the series opener with injuries suffered during the Pakistan Super League, while seamer Haris Rauf will sit out, having tested positive for COVID-19.
Opener Abid Ali, Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer in 2021, is also out of action after having heart surgery in December.
Captain Babar Azam said his team would definitely miss his unavailable starts, particularly Hasan, who took 10 wickets in Pakistan's win over South Africa in Rawalpindi last year.
"It did disturb our combination, especially injuries to Faheem and Hasan," he told a virtual news conference on the eve of the match.
"Faheem contributes both with ball and bat and Hasan is one of the top bowlers, a proven match-winner.
"Still, we have Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah who both are bowling well and Fawad Alam and Rizwan in good batting form.
"Australia is one of the best sides, we can't take it easy against them.
"We did well against Bangladesh. In this series too, we will do well and give them a tough time. Fans can expect quality cricket from us."
Most of the players are fresh from participating in the PSL but Babar insisted shifting from T20 to Test mode would not be a problem for his teammates.
"As professionals, it should not be difficult for a player. It's all about mindset," he said.
"Even when playing in the PSL, the players trained extra for the Test series."
Pakistan have added fast bowler Naseem into their pace attack led by Shaheen.
Naseem took a hat-trick against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Stadium two years ago.
Babar, like counterpart Pat Cummins, said their team for the first Test wasn't finalised and they would wait for another look at the pitch tomorrow to decide.
"The pitch at Rawalpindi favours pace, there is no doubt on this, but spinners do have a major role as well. There will be a combined attack from both the spinners and fast bowlers," he said.
The hosts are likely to include two spinners in Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan, with all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed a supporting act.
"Australia are here after 24 years, we're very excited," Babar said.
"We prepared well and we are in good shape. We will try to make the most of our home conditions and get the best of our available players."
– with AFP
Qantas Tour of Pakistan 2022
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood.
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner. On standby: Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Renshaw
March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi
March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi
March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore
Australia ODI and T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi
March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi
April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi
April 5: Only T20I, Rawalpindi
All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports