Steve Smith wary of Babar, Shaheen ahead of Pakistan tour to Australia

Pakistan will make a trip Down Under later in the year to take on Australia for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. The three Tests – part of the third World Test Championship cycle – will be played at Perth, Melbourne and Sydney in December and January.

In a video released by Cricket Australia (CA), Steve Smith expressed his admiration for two key players from the visiting side, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Smith acknowledged the threat they pose and emphasized the need for his team to be wary of their skills.

“Babar Azam is a wonderful player. The last few years he’s got better and better. He’s someone we have to look out for. He’s dangerous, he makes big scores and he usually does it at a pretty good pace as well,” Smith said.

Regarding Afridi, Smith highlighted the young fast bowler's progress since his previous tour to Australia. Smith acknowledged Shaheen's ability to swing the ball back into the right-handers as a significant weapon in his arsenal.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi, he came out here last series. Since then, he’s got better and better. The ability to swing it back is obviously a big key for him so he’s certainly one we’ll have to look out for this year,” he added.

Schedule

1st Test – December 14-18: Perth Stadium

2nd Test – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

3rd Test – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)