Australia leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson will make his Test debut in the second match against Pakistan in Karachi, captain Pat Cummins said on Friday. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will sit out in this match with 28-year-old Swepson joining Nathan Lyon in Australia’s two-man spin attack at Karachi’s National Stadium on Saturday.
The Queenslander bowler will be the first frontline leg-spinner to debut in Tests for Australia’s men’s team since Bryce McGain’s one-off Test in 2009 against South Africa at Cape Town.
“He’s spent a lot of time running drinks over the last couple of years. He’s absolutely ready,” Cummins told a news conference. “He’s been a huge part of the squad even though he hasn’t been playing, so we’re really excited to see him get a chance.
“The wicket here looks a little drier. Historically, it’s bit friendlier for the spinners.
“We think particularly a wrist spinner of Swepo’s quality gives us a balance, give us the best opportunity to take 20 wickets.”
Pak ‘have edge’
The hosts have welcomed back quick Hasan Ali and seam-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who missed the Rawalpindi Test with injuries. Pakistan captain Babar Azam would like to believe his team outplayed Australia in Rawalpindi.
“I believe we have an edge heading into the match here.”
Match starts: 10.30am, live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD
