Pakistan carry out strenuous training session in Cairns

Misbah rejoins national team ahead of three-day practice match

KARACHI: In New Zealand last month, Pakistan were deprived of any match practice in the lead up to a two-Test series. That was later seen as one of the reasons behind Pakistan’s crushing defeats in both the Tests played in Christchurch and Hamilton.

The tourists will be hoping that things were be different for them going into the opening match of the three-Test series against Australia getting underway later this month.

Pakistan, who are currently in Cairns – a major city in Australia’s North Queensland – are getting ready for a three-day practice match against Cricket Australia (CA) XI which will begin from December 8 in Cairns.

On Monday, Pakistan carried out a strenuous training session in Cairns where captain Misbah-ul-Haq joined the touring party.

Misbah had to rush home from New Zealand soon after the conclusion of the first Test in Christchurch because of the death of his father-in-law. The senior batsman did not feature in the second and final Test in Hamilton where his deputy Azhar Ali captained the Pakistan team.

Looking to regain his form, Misbah took an active part in a three-hour training session in Cairns on Monday.

Pakistan’s opening Test against Australia, which will be a day-night affair, will get underway at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 15. Melbourne will host the second Test starting from December 26 followed by the last Test in Sydney (January 3).