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Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test Predictions - Khawaja to score in Australia win

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 13 Dec 2023

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Ralph Staniforth 13 Dec 2023

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Australia vs Pakistan predictions for Thursday’s 1st Test match (04:20 SAST)
Khawaja has been superb in the long format of late
Can Azam replicate his form from 2019 in Australia?

Expired

Usman Khawaja backed to top score for the Aussies (Getty Images)

Australia vs Pakistan Preview

Australia are clear favourites on home soil, but this could prove to be a far tougher test than many expect. I believe the value is in the run-scoring markets with Usman Khawaja and Babar Azam.

Australia vs Pakistan Preview
Head to Head
Australia Form
Australia Injuries & Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Injuries & Team News

Australia have won 3 of their last 4 Test matches against Pakistan.
Australia are the World Test Championship champions.
Australia’s Usman Khawaja has scored 40+ runs in 6 of his last 10 Test innings.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 99, 104 & 97 runs in 3 of his last 5 Test innings in Australia.

Head to Head

Australia have won three of their last five Test matches against Pakistan. The other two in that run ended in draws.

Australia Form

Australia have not played Test cricket since July when they retained The Ashes against England away. After winning the first two Tests of the series, Australia lost the third, drew the fourth and then suffered another defeat in the final game.

However, as holders of the urn, Australia retained it with a drawn series. On top of that, Australia are also the current World Test Championship holders after beating India in the final just prior to The Ashes in July.

This series brings a new cycle to the Test Championship, one which the Aussies would love to defend. They have the squad to win at home but Pakistan will offer plenty of resistance in suitable conditions.

Australia Injuries & Team News

Pat Cummins retains the captaincy with David Warner set to retire after this series. Key to Australia’s success will be their top and middle order who regularly score big runs.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan’s Test form dropped in 2022 in what was a poor year by their standards. They have, however, recovered and should pose a threat to the hosts.

In their last series, Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-0 away after a drawn series against New Zealand at home. Prior to that, they lost four successive Tests, three of which were against England.

Pakistan Injuries & Team News

Pakistan have a good batting lineup but they were rely heavily on Babar Azam to have a big series. The captain has the ability to score big runs in any conditions. It is however the bowlers who may enjoy the Australian conditions so that should be an interesting prospect.

Verdict

Australia v Pakistan - 1st Test

I am backing Usman Khawaja to score 50+ runs in the first innings as well as top score for Australia. Babar Azam is backed to achieve the same feat for Pakistan.

Usman Khawaja

To Score 50+ Runs in 1st Innings

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Babar Azam

Best Pakistan 1st Innings Batsman

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Usman Khawaja

Best Australia 1st Innings Batsman

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