In a bid to turn the tide after their big 360-run defeat in the first Test against Australia, Pakistan are gearing up for a Boxing Day match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As fans think about Pakistan’s quest for a Test victory on Australian soil, Iceland Cricket couldn’t resist taking a swipe at the Asian cricketing giants.
After the Pakistani Teams’ defeat, Iceland Cricket playfully took to social media, revealing that they conducted an analysis. In a light-hearted manner, they pointed out that 45% of their followers weren’t even born when Pakistan last won a Test in Australia in 1995, taking a playful dig at them.
“We did some demographic analysis and 45.6% of our followers were not born when Pakistan last won a Test in Australia in 1995. This will go up to 45.8% unless they win the Boxing Day Test,” Iceland Cricket posted on ‘X’
We did some demographic analysis and 45.6% of our X followers were not born when Pakistan last won a Test in Australia in 1995. This will go up to 45.8% unless they win the Boxing Day Test.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) December 17, 2023
To better acclimate themselves to the Australian conditions, the Pakistan team have arranged a two-day practice game against Victoria XI on December 22 and 23. Originally not part of the tour itinerary, this additional game was squeezed in due to concerns about the team’s lack of practice. This game won’t be a traditional four-day Test, allowing the Pakistan squad to explore different combinations and strategies.
“That [the Victoria tour game] was something extra we added into the schedule because it wasn’t there earlier. We wanted to have more practice rather than only one practice game. That had first-class status, so we couldn’t give all the bowlers the chance to have a feel,” Pakistan head coach Mohammad Hafeez said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
As the Boxing Day Test approaches, both teams are preparing for a crucial clash. Australia, aiming to seal the series, faces a determined Pakistan side eager to keep the three-match Test series alive. The match, scheduled for December 26 in Melbourne, promises to be a thrilling encounter as the teams battle for supremacy on the iconic MCG turf.