Pakistan Announces Squad for First ODI Against Australia at MCG
Melbourne, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan’s cricket team has unveiled its playing XI for the first One Day International (ODI) against Australia, scheduled to take place on Monday, November 4, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This match marks the beginning of a three-match ODI series, with subsequent games set for November 8 at Adelaide Oval and November 10 at Perth Stadium.
The series will be the first under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, who took over as Pakistan’s white-ball captain last month following Babar Azam’s resignation. Rizwan’s appointment brings new energy and direction to the team, with Salman Ali Agha serving as vice-captain. Notably, Jason Gillespie has joined as the team’s white-ball coach for this tour, filling the role left vacant by Gary Kirsten’s resignation due to differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Ahead of the game, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha expressed the team’s motivation and preparedness for the Australian conditions. “The colour of the kit may have changed, but the bat and ball remain the same. We’re focusing on delivering our best with simplicity,” Agha told reporters in Melbourne.
The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series from November 14 to November 18.
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain)
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
Australia’s lineup for the match remains undisclosed as of the latest announcement.
