PESHAWAR: Australian Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed that preparations are in full swing for Pakistan tour but has asked Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold all test matches on a single venue due to “health and security” security concerns.
The Australian media has reported that ACB has rested three major players – David Warner, Justin Langer and Mitchell Marsh – in the T20 series against Sri Lanka for Pakistan tour. Australian chief selector George Bailey while announcing the squad for Sri Lanka tour said that the three players and other staff have taken leaves for preparations for Pakistan tour.
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But the Australian media said that cricket Australia wants to play all three Test matches at the same venue and talks are underway with PCB in this regard.
The Test between Pakistan and Australia is scheduled to start from March 3 in Karachi while the other two Test matches are scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore. After the Test series, three ODIs and one T20 match will be played in Lahore.
Cricket Australia is working to send a full Test squad to Pakistan as Mitchell Starc has signaled his withdrawal from the Indian Premier League and for Pakistan tour. However, some cricketers may miss the ODI or T20 series while some may also decide not to visit Pakistan. According to the report, ACB will announce the preliminary test squad for Pakistan in a few days.
On 10 January, the head of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) Todd Greenberg supported Australia tour of Pakistan 2022 and assured that he is eager to accompany the team on the important visit. However, some cricket websites have claimed that three to four top Australian cricketers are reluctant and some sources said that the position of David Warner is also not clear regarding the tour.