Australia won the toss in the opening Test against Pakistan in Perth, and captain Pat Cummins elected to bat on the expected bouncy Optus Stadium surface.
Pakistan finally manages to uncouple the openers! The bowlers get reward for some excellent bowling in this post-lunc session! On a fuller length and gets late away movement outside off, ball takes a faint edge and Sarfaraz takes a very sharp catch as Khawaja starts to take the long walk back into the pavilion. He was caught on the crease and lost his balance while playing away from his body, superb celebration from Shaheen, arms aloft, kisses all around
Opting for a full-strength squad, Australia included nine players from their World Cup triumph, and Nathan Lyon returned from injury to replace Todd Murphy as the frontline spinner.
Less than a month after the World Cup victory, Australia is back in Test cricket, marking the end of their Ashes series draw.
Mitchell Marsh retained his position over Cameron Green, and the team is ready to face Pakistan attack on a hard pitch under sunny conditions.
Pakistan, led by new captain Shan Masood, announced the inclusion of two debutants, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, in their pace-dominated bowling attack.
Choosing to forgo a frontline spinner, Pakistan take aim to end a two-decade-long streak of 14 consecutive Test losses in Australia.
The 'West Test' at Optus Stadium is the first game in a three-match series. The crowd is not as big as usual.
Despite the anticipation for 30,000 fans on day one, only a quarter of the 60,000 capacity stadium is predicted to be filled.
Australia's lineup features David Warner and Usman Khawaja opening, followed by Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (captain), Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
For Pakistan, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq open, followed by captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Khurram Shahzad.
