WEB DESk: A 17-player Australian squad has touched down in Lahore for the T20 series against Pakistan. The first match of this much-anticipated series is set to take place on Thursday at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
The remaining two games of the three-match series will also be held at the same venue, with the second match scheduled for January 31 and the final showdown on February 1.
Ahead of the series, the trophy unveiling ceremony was conducted, followed by a joint press conference featuring Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and his Australian counterpart Mitchell Marsh. During the event, Marsh expressed his enthusiasm for the series, describing it as a vital preparation platform for the upcoming World Cup.
Marsh emphasized that the series holds significant value for both teams and noted Australia’s readiness to face Pakistan. He praised the historic legacy of Pakistan’s fast bowlers, anticipating a fierce contest across the matches.
On a lighter note, he remarked about the unexpectedly cold weather in Lahore, admitting that the team had not packed adequately for such conditions but assured that they were adapting swiftly.
Acknowledging individual talent, Marsh lauded Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam as a world-class player and expressed his admiration and respect for him. He further mentioned that his final decision on whether to play in the opening match would be made soon.
The Australian squad for the T20I series includes Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
