According to reports, Pakistan is contemplating two changes in theirstarting lineup for the third match of the 2023 World Cup againstAustralia. These decisions are being influenced by the playing conditionsat M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and a viral infection affecting thePakistani team.
Pakistan has won two out of three matches in the tournament but suffered aloss to India. Usama Mir, the first Pakistani player to contract theinfection before the India match, has now fully recovered and trained inBengaluru. He is a strong candidate to be selected for the upcoming match,especially since the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s pitch favors spinners. Reportssuggest that he may replace vice-captain Shadab Khan.
Abdullah Shafique, who had been in quarantine due to flu and fever, is nowfit and available for the match. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, andZaman Khan, who were also affected by the infection, are now in good health.
However, five players, including Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman(recovering from a knee injury), Salman Agha, and Iftikhar Ahmed, did notparticipate in the practice session. The reason for their absence has notbeen disclosed, but reports suggest they are still unwell and unable totrain. Iftikhar Ahmed’s participation is crucial for Pakistan to form acomplete playing XI against Australia.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) provided updates on the health of twoother players. Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman is recovering from a kneeinjury and should be available for selection next week. All-rounder AghaSalman had been dealing with a fever after a training session, while therest of the team remains in good health.
As Pakistan prepares for a crucial match against Australia in the WorldCup, the team is carefully considering its selection and strategies in thequest for victory.