Captain Pat Cummins announced Australia’s playing XI for the second Test in Karachi on Friday and confirmed leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson’s debut against Pakistan. Swepson has been included to partner experienced spinner Nathan Lyon on a pitch that is expected to take plenty of turn.
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is the unlucky player to miss out, but Cummins is excited to see Swepson earn a debut.
“He’s pumped and to be honest, we’re all pumped for Swepo,” Cummins said.
“It’s been a long time running drinks over the last couple of years, but he is absolutely ready.
“He has been a huge part of the squad, even though he hasn’t been playing. So we’re really excited to see him get a chance.”
Earlier, the first Test between Australia and Pakistan, who met for the first time in 24 years on Pakistan solid, ended in a boring draw.
Pakistan made 476/4 declared in their first innings before bowling out Australia for 459 on the final day. In response, Pakistan posted 252/0 as both openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq hit a hundred each.
The bowlers toiled hard on the Rawalpindi pitch with Australia’s all-powerful attack, managing just 4 wickets despite bowling at Pakistan for close to 3 days.
Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson
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