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Breaking: Shaheen Dropped, Saim Ayub To Debut; Pakistan's Playing XI For SCG Test

image-lqvzy605Saim Ayub will make his Test debut in Sydney (PCB)

Pakistan have announced the Playing 11 for the third and final Test of the series against Australia, set to kick off on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Eager to break their losing streak on Australian soil, Pakistan have made two strategic changes for the upcoming match.

The promising young opener, Saim Ayub, will make his debut, stepping in for Imam-ul-Haq in the lineup. Additionally, spinner Sajid Khan has replaced the rested pacer Shaheen Afridi, a move aimed at strengthening the spin-bowling department in anticipation of the pitch favouring slower bowlers.

The upcoming Test holds particular significance for Pakistan, given their defeats in the first two matches of the series. The team is looking to secure valuable points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Sources indicate that the team management expressed dissatisfaction with Imam's slow batting performance during the series, prompting the decision to introduce a more dynamic player like Saim Ayub.

The team management has emphasised a shift towards playing positive cricket, and with Imam falling short of expectations. Ayub, who made his T20I debut in March of the previous year, boasts impressive List A performances for Karachi. 

The decision to bring in Sajid Khan highlights the team's focus on bolstering the spin-bowling arsenal. Salman Ali Agha had been handling the spinner's role, demonstrating discipline and an impressive economy rate. However, the need for a frontline spinner capable of taking wickets prompted the return of Sajid Khan to the Test side after nearly two years. 

Australia, on the other hand, has opted for an unchanged playing XI from the last Test, maintaining consistency in their lineup. 

Pakistan's performance in Australia has been lackluster, enduring a losing streak of 16 Tests with their last victory dating back to 1995. As the visitors strive to end this drought, they aim to secure a memorable win in Sydney, setting a positive tone for the start of the new year.