Prior to the second Test, Pakistan and Victoria XI will engage in a two-day practise match. The game is scheduled for December 22 and 23 at Melbourne’s Junction Oval.
Although this match was not originally scheduled, Pakistan requested to play Cricket Australia because of worries about their lack of match practise. Shortly before the tourists were humiliated by 360 runs on the fourth day of the first Test in Perth, the match was officially confirmed.
This is not a first-class match, thus Pakistan can try more than 11 players, unlike the four-day encounter against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.
Following the Test, Pakistan head coach Mohammad Hafeez commented, “That [the Victoria tour game] was something extra we added into the schedule because it wasn’t there earlier.” “Instead of just one practice game, we wanted to have more. Since that was first-class, we were unable to allow every bowler to experience it. We thought it would be beneficial to have this practice game so more guys could experience what it’s like in a contest. Without a doubt, we’ll make the appropriate plans. During those two days, every player should familiarize oneself with the circumstances and conditions.”
Marcus Harris, one of the top candidates to succeed David Warner upon his retirement at the end of this series, and 25-year-old Will Pucovski will be in the Victoria XI. The team, which was assembled from players not currently participating in the Big Bash League, will be led by Peter Handscomb.
Pakistan has been embroiled in controversy over the tour plans, with Hafeez criticizing the pitch for Pakistan’s match against the Prime Minister’s XI. The quiet quality of that wicket was more due to the weather, but Pakistan will be let down if they were hoping for a more active surface at the Junction Oval. The Oval is one of Australia’s flattest wickets, and the weather there is very unlikely to be similar to anything experienced at the MCG.
Hafeez remained hopeful. “The conditions we get fall under Cricket Australia’s domain,” he stated. “In order for our players to benefit from these conditions, we have asked for conditions that are comparable to those of the Test match. Although this game was not included in the tour, I wanted our players to train in a manner similar to that of a match. We appreciate CA granting our request and making this facility available. We’ll make an effort to apply what we can to our learning.”
December 26 marks the start of the second Test.
