With the pitch for the second Test match of this historic series expected to assist spin, Australia have decided to go in with two spinners. This means that Mitchell Swepson will finally get an opportunity to make his Test debut for Australia. He is the first leg-spinner to make it to Australia’s Test XI since 2009.
Swepson has been in Australia’s Test squad for quite a few years now. He was there as Nathan Lyon’s backup but failed to make it to the XI. However, he has finally got the opportunity and would be looking to make the most out of this.
“He’s pumped and to be honest, we’re all pumped for ‘Swepo’. It’s been a long time running drinks over the last couple of years, but he’s absolutely ready,” said Cummins.
The captain seemed confident that Swepson would come good and he would be eager to repay the faith shown.
“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 is a little bit drier and historically a bit friendlier for the spinners,” added Cummins.
The Australian skipper would be hoping that the duo of Lyon and Swepson can spin a web on the Pakistani batsmen.
The news of Swepson’s debut comes a week after the demise of the great leg spinner Shane Warne.
“Never got to properly thank this man for his influence on my cricket career,” Swepson posted in his tribute for Warne on social media following the legend’s death on Friday.
“He has made me push myself day in and day out without ever knowing it. Truly the greatest cricketer I’ve ever seen play the game,” added Swepson. Warne played a role influencing a lot of cricketers and Swepson would have a great career if he can replicate anything that Warne did.
The first Test match ended in a draw and the pitch was rated as poor. Both teams would be hoping for a better pitch this time around as no one likes a drawn Test match. The first match saw a run-fest while the bowlers had very little to celebrate.
Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson.
The second Test is all set to begin on Saturday at Karachi’s National Stadium where both teams will look to take a lead in the three-match series. Pakistan haven’t announced their playing XI yet, but Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf could come in to strengthen the pace-battery.