Australia will stick with the same XI that played out an enthralling second Test against Pakistan, as both sides look to claim a series win in the finale.
Captain Pat Cummins said yesterday that there would be no changes – and that was confirmed an hour before the start of play in Lahore.
“We were really happy with how all 11 players went last Test,” Cummins told reporters on Sunday.
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“Everyone has pulled up really well. We gave them an extra couple of days to make sure everyone has come up good. But there’s no injury worries, everyone is freshened up so we’re confident in the XI.”
It means another chance for Mitchell Swepson, who didn’t have the best of Test debuts, taking 2-188 across the two Pakistan innings.
There would no doubt have been a temptation to go back to Josh Hazlewood for the final of the three-match series, but Australia will stick with Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green as the alternative seam options to the skipper.
“I think only having two quick bowlers, reverse swing is going to be the biggest factor and I thought the way Starcy played last game was fantastic, three wickets in the first innings,” Cummins said.
“It’s always tough leaving out someone like Joshy, even Scotty Boland on the bench.
“But I think the class and the different stuff [Starc] brings as a left-armer, a bit more airspeed, we think he probably gives us the best chance to take 20 wickets.”