Pakistan with a raw bowling attack will face strong challenges of Australia in the scorching heat of Dubai in the first test of the series starting within few hours from now. Ace Pakistan bowler Saeed Ajmal a tormentor in UAE and leader of Pakistan attack is suspended for his suspect bowling action .Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz are also injured and absent. Playing with a raw attack against a formidable Australian batting line up definitely creates some issues and huge challenge for Misbah. But at the same slow low turning wicket and almost 35 degree temperature throughout the test may take steam and string out of Australians. The return of veteran Younis and experienced Hafiz will bolster the batting a bit .It is to be seen how Pakistancan manage to conduct themselves over the test series without Saeed Aajmal who was their main weapon in all formats of the game for a while.

Here below are the sqauds from which the playing eleven will be chosen from.

Australia :MJ Clarke*, AJ Doolan, JP Faulkner, BJ Haddin†, BW Hilfenhaus, PJ Hughes, MG Johnson, NM Lyon, MR Marsh, GJ Maxwell, SNJ O'Keefe, CJL Rogers, PM Siddle, SPD Smith, MA Starc, DA Warner
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq*, Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Ehsan Adil, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Talha, Rahat Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Shan Masood, Taufeeq Umar, Yasir Shah, Younis Khan, Zulfiqar Babar

Australia may also feel the absence of Shane Watson and Ryan Harris who are still not match fit. Even Clark and Warner have just recovered. But the way they have conducted themselves in T20 and ODI and judging from traditional competitive nature of Australian Cricket they will be hard nut to crack .The thoroughly professional Australians will leave nothing unturned to adjust to pitch condition, weather and environment .But with wicket not expected to suit Johnson and Starc Australia may struggle with the bowling as observed in the only warm up match they played and lost. Lyon or O’keefe may not trouble Pakistan batting that match.

Pakistan is a side which can implode at any stage of the game. It does not require any reason. Wicket, opponent bowling strength, match situation, nothing matters. Moreover, Pakistan Cricket is going through series of controversies and crisis. Return of experienced Hafiz at the opening slot is a positive development. He gives greater options to the team in playing one less batsman as he can bowl longer spell and will be useful on spinning track. Though Pakistan covered the position recalling Taufeeq Umar yet he may not play at least the first test .The other opener Ahmed Shezad is in good form. It is great that quality batsman Younis Khan could be successfully persuaded to join the team. He is by far the best batsman in the team. His experience in the early order at three or four will be invaluable. Azhar Ali is a talented batsman but can not deliver consistently. Here is a chance for him to redeem. Experienced Misbah can always be relied upon to bat responsibly. It is a healthy sign that Asad Shafique and Wicket Keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed have started getting right bearing with the bat. With this seven batsmen Pakistan batting should not be in crisis against the Australian attack on a wicket that will take the bite and pace out a bit . But again as we always say Pakistan is an unpredictable team to bet on.It very often lacks will, lacks mental toughness.

The new look attack will be spearheaded by Rahat Ali and Mohammad Talha. Yasir Shah may also be played. Pakistanis are great exponents of reverse swing which will definitely play a role. The spin attack will be manned by Zulfiqar Babar and Mohammad Hafiz. In absence of front line attack Pakistan will struggle if any of the top four Watson, Rogers, Dollan and Clark sets their roots in. Smith , Maxwell and Haddin gives depth and diversity in batting . Mitchell Marsh is developing into an useful all rounder . The spin attack will be handled by Lyon, O’keefe and occasionally by Clark himself. Smith also bowls leggie.

On paper Australians are run away favorites considering the unsettled Pakistan batting and raw bowling attack.  But considering the nature of the wicket, weather condition and unpredictability of Pakistan team it may not a one sided contest.

BDST: 0826 HRS, OCT 22, 2014