PAK vs AUS: Drop-in pitch installed at Perth stadium ahead of Pakistan-Australia white-ball series

The six-match white-ball series, which kicks off on November 4, will see Pakistan tour Australia for the first time since 2019

PHOTO: FILE

Perth Stadium is set to host a thrilling summer of cricket, beginning with the upcoming white-ball series between Pakistan and Australia. To accommodate the series, the stadium has installed a drop-in pitch, ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the season.

The six-match white-ball series, which kicks off on November 4, will see Pakistan tour Australia for the first time since 2019. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the series opener, while Perth Stadium will welcome the third ODI on November 10. Following the ODI series, a three-match T20I series will commence on November 14.

The ODI between Pakistan and Australia will mark the inaugural match of the season at Perth Stadium, which will later host the West Test from November 22-26 during the Border-Gavaskar series against India.

This will be followed by five home matches for the Perth Scorchers during the Big Bash League (BBL) 14 home matches, including the blockbuster season-opener on December 15 against Melbourne Stars.

The drop-in pitch, developed in collaboration with HG Turf, was carefully transported onto the Perth Stadium playing surface using a specialized 30-meter-long, 40-tonne cricket wicket transporter. This unique machine is the only one of its kind in Western Australia.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a 14-member squad for the three-match home ODI series against Pakistan. Notably, reigning world champions Australia will be without Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who are on paternity leave. The duo has been replaced by Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, who are likely to open the innings together.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to announce its squad in the coming days, with the new leader Mohammad Rizwan emerging as the strongest contender to be named the white-ball captain.

Australia Squad for ODI series against Pakistan: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia-Pakistan White-Ball Series Schedule:

ODI Series