Australian cricket luminary David Warner singles out former South African speedster Dale Steyn as the most formidable bowler he has encountered throughout his illustrious career. As Warner bids adieu for his ODI career and prepares to retire from Test cricket following his farewell game against Pakistan starting Wednesday, he reminisces about the demanding clashes with Steyn during the 2016-17 home series.

In a candid revelation, Warner recounts the challenging 45-minute session at the WACA, where Steyn’s express pace troubled both him and Shaun Marsh. Quoted by cricket.com.au, Warner humorously recalls, ”

Shaun came down to me and said, ‘I can’t pull him, so I don’t know how we’re going to go about facing him.’ He put me on my backside, and I think he broke his shoulder as well that game.”

As part of his reflections on his career, Warner shares insights into Steyn’s fierce competitiveness and ability to swing the ball back into the left-hander, drawing parallels with Mitchell Starc’s skill against right-handers. Despite Warner’s acknowledgment of Steyn’s fiery demeanor on the field, the veteran Australian batter emphasised the absence of a smile or leeway from the renowned South African bowler.

In other cricket developments, Australia opted to stick with an unchanged lineup, foregoing a second spinner in the final Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Skipper Pat Cummins confirms the recovery of Australia’s fast-bowling trio after their victory in the second Test in Melbourne, securing the three-match series with a tense 79-run win.

On the Pakistani side, two strategic changes were made, with Test debutant Saim Ayub opening the innings in place of Imam-Ul-Haq and off-spinner Sajid Khan taking the place of Shaheen Shah Afridi in the final Test.

The reigning champions of ICC World Test Cricket, Australia, are opting for stability in their squad after a commanding 360-run victory over Pakistan in Perth. The squad, which initially comprised 14 players, has been trimmed to 13 for the upcoming Boxing Day Test, with uncapped pacer Lance Morris making way for a return to domestic T20 duties in Australia.

Australia seems inclined to maintain the winning combination that delivered success in Perth, with the experienced trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins likely to retain their roles in sharing the new-ball duties. Local fast bowler Scott Boland stands as the lone remaining seam option in the 13-player squad.

All-rounder Cameron Green retains his spot in the squad and while Cummins acknowledges his presence, he believes it will be challenging to make any changes to the lineup that displayed dominance in Perth.

“I don’t think injuries are going to be an issue, so I dare say there will be a pretty similar line-up at this stage,”

Cummins stated regarding the anticipated XI for the Boxing Day Test. He further added:

“I think all the bowlers are pretty fresh after (the win in Perth). It’s basically the ideal start to the summer.”

Star batter Marnus Labuschagne, who faced a finger injury in the opening Test against Pakistan, has been cleared of any serious damage and is expected to maintain his place in the lineup for the Melbourne Test.

Currently occupying fifth position in the World Test Championship standings with a win-loss percentage of 41.67, Australia is gearing up to face Pakistan, who share the top position with India at a 66.67 percentage.

Australia Squad:

– Pat Cummins (c)

– Scott Boland

– Alex Carey

– Cameron Green

– Josh Hazlewood

– Travis Head

– Usman Khawaja

– Marnus Labuschagne

– Nathan Lyon

– Mitch Marsh

– Steve Smith

– Mitch Starc

– David Warner

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon reached a historic milestone on Sunday, claiming his 500th Test wicket by dismissing Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf in the first Test in Perth. Lyon, a 36-year-old veteran known for his longevity, joined an exclusive ‘legendary club’ comprising just seven other cricketers. His achievement came in his 123rd match, and he became only the third Australian cricketer to accomplish the feat, following the iconic Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563).

Utilizing the Decision Review System (DRS), Lyon secured his 500th wicket, leading to dramatic scenes in the stadium as the third umpire overturned the on-field umpire’s decision.

The career Test wicket leaderboard stands as follows:

– 800 – Muttiah Muralitharan

– 708 – Shane Warne

– 690 – James Anderson*

– 619 – Anil Kumble

– 604 – Stuart Broad

– 563 – Glenn McGrath

– 519 – Courtney Walsh

– 501 – Nathan Lyon*

Before the Perth Test, Lyon acknowledged the significance of the milestone and credited India’s Ravichandran Ashwin for playing a role in his career. Lyon, just four wickets away from the 500-mark, expressed his respect for Ashwin and admitted to learning from him throughout their encounters worldwide.

Reflecting on their nearing shared achievement, Lyon expressed admiration for Ashwin and hinted at a post-career meeting over a beer to discuss their cricketing journeys.

“It’s pretty amazing to see we’re both creeping up to that 500 mark, and we’ll see where we end up. Hopefully, at the end of our career, we’ll sit down and have a nice feed and a beer and talk about it,” Lyon shared.

Ahmad Shahzad, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s cricket scene, has decided to close the chapter on his Pakistan Super League (PSL) journey. Expressing his disappointment, Shahzad believes he has been intentionally overlooked by franchises, despite his consistent efforts on the domestic circuit and impressive stats.

In a heartfelt social media post, Shahzad announced his departure from the PSL after going unnoticed in yet another draft. He shared his sentiments, stating:

‘A heartfelt goodbye to Pakistan Super League! I’m writing this note which I thought I wouldn’t be writing this year. Another PSL draft goes by and the same old story – didn’t get picked. God knows why! But they plan, and Allah plans. Indeed ALLAH is the best of Planners…’

The seasoned batter highlighted his dedication to the game, emphasizing his consistent performance on the domestic circuit and a commendable showing in the National T20 Cup just before the PSL draft. Despite his efforts, Shahzad expressed his belief in a deliberate effort to sideline him, even when other players with inferior stats were chosen.

Intriguingly, Shahzad hinted at a possible conspiracy within the PSL and pledged to unveil the truth soon. He wrote:

‘But I exactly know the reasons why I’m not made part of the PSL – the whole country, and my fans will know it very soon.’

Taking a stand over his self-respect, Shahzad declared:

‘I’m parting ways and saying goodbye to the Pakistan Super League for my own self-respect. I’ve never played for money and will never do it. While many chose international leagues across the globe, I decided to grind around the domestic circuit to prove my love for the game and to wear the Green Flag again.’

Shahzad made it clear that his decision was not influenced by financial considerations, as he had received multiple contracts to play in other leagues but chose Pakistan. Asserting his stance, he announced: ‘I will not play the PSL again with these 6 teams. It seems like a shared responsibility to keep me away from PSL, and all franchises have shaken hands.’

Expressing gratitude to his fans worldwide, Shahzad concluded by emphasizing his commitment to moral responsibilities and putting his nation first. Despite the challenges, he remains unwavering in his dedication to the game and his country, proclaiming,

‘If that’s the price I have to pay for my honesty and dedication, it’s a really small price to pay, and I will continue doing it. Pakistan Zindabad.'”

As the three-match series against Pakistan unfolds, all eyes are on David Warner, marking what is anticipated to be the Australian opener’s farewell to Test cricket. At 37, Warner has signaled his intention to step away from the five-day format after the third Test at his cherished Sydney Cricket Ground early next year. Despite being a stalwart of the Australian team for over a decade, Warner’s Test form is now under intense scrutiny, having managed just one century since early 2020.

Former teammate Mitchell Johnson has questioned the narrative of Warner receiving a “hero’s send-off,” particularly considering his recent struggles in Test cricket. In a candid newspaper column, Johnson raised the question,

“Can somebody please tell me why?”

He also revisited Warner’s central role in the infamous “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

While chief selector George Bailey affirmed that Warner has rightfully earned his place in the squad for the opening Test in Perth, there are no assurances beyond that, placing Warner under the spotlight to deliver if he seeks an emotional farewell in Sydney.

Coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the ongoing speculation, stating,

“Davey’s playing the first Test match and we’ll go from there.”

As Pat Cummins’ side take on the role of strong favourites against Pakistan, commencing their defence of the World Test Championship, Warner’s contributions become pivotal.

Having triumphed in the World Test Championship, retained the Ashes, and clinched the one-day World Cup last month, Australia aims to extend its triumphant run with Warner as the leading scorer.

In contrast, Pakistan faces an uphill battle, having won only four Tests in Australia since 1956-7 and none since 1995. McDonald observed Pakistan’s transition to coaching staff and management, anticipating a more up-tempo brand of play to exert pressure on the bowling.

As Lyon inches closer to joining the elite 500-wicket club, Pakistan’s challenge extends beyond mere competition; they aim to secure victory, as emphasized by team director Mohammad Hafeez. Despite tumultuous World Cup and off-field chaos, the squad, now under Shan Masood’s leadership after Babar Azam’s resignation, is brimming with new faces, including uncapped talents like Khurram Shahzad, Saim Ayub, and Aamer Jamal.

As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the drama on the field, wondering if Warner can make a resounding statement in what might be his Test farewell and how Pakistan’s new faces will fare against Australia’s formidable lineup.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Australia squad: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.

In a poignant decision, Pakistan Test batter Asad Shafiq has bid farewell to all forms of cricket, citing a wane in his passion for the game. The 37-year-old, who made the announcement after leading Karachi Whites to victory in the National T20 Championship, expressed,

“I am not feeling the same excitement and passion playing cricket, and neither do I have the same fitness levels required for international cricket. Which is why I have decided to say goodbye to all cricket.�?/p>

As part of his post-retirement plans, Asad confirmed his imminent signing of a contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board to become a paid national selector.

“I have got the contract from the board, and I am looking at it, and hopefully, it will be processed soon.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, he asserted that working as a national selector posed an exciting challenge, and he intended to stay connected with the game.

Asad played a pivotal role in shaping the backbone of Pakistan’s Test batting line-up from 2010 to 2020, amassing an impressive record of 4660 runs in 77 games at an average of 38.19, including 12 centuries and 27 fifties. Alongside Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, and Misbah ul Haq, he formed the core of Pakistan’s Test batting.

Post the 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England, Asad emerged as a symbol of the pristine image of Pakistan cricket—clean, non-controversial, and media-shy throughout his career. He emphasized that he had never succumbed to external pressures in making decisions during his international cricket journey, always opting for what he believed was best.

Reflecting on his post-2020 phase, Asad admitted,

“After being dropped in 2020, I kept on playing domestic cricket for three years, yes, in the hope of getting another crack at the Pakistan team. But before the start of this season, I had decided this would be my last season because I felt that closing in on 38 years of age, this was the time to retire instead of people telling me to step down.�?/p>

Proud of his role in the team under Misbah ul Haq, Asad highlighted the challenging times post the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

“After the spot-fixing scandal in 2010, it was a very difficult time for Pakistan cricket, and I am happy I was part of that process where we won back the confidence of the people in our team.”

In an intriguing revelation, Asad indirectly acknowledged the possibility of bias in player selection within Pakistan cricket. When questioned about regional disparities, particularly concerning players from Karachi, he interestingly refrained from directly dismissing the suggestion, adding a layer of contemplation to the conversation about cricketing decisions in the country.

In a significant turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board has added the controversial former captain, Salman Butt, to the national selection panel in preparation for Pakistan’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand in the coming year. Despite Butt’s tainted history involving a five-year ban for spot-fixing in 2010, the 39-year-old cricketer has been appointed as a consultant member alongside former teammates Kamran Akmal and Rao Iftikhar Anjum. The trio will work alongside the recently appointed chief selector, Wahab Riaz.

Butt, who returned to the cricket scene in 2016 after completing his ban, achieved success both as a batter and captain in domestic competitions. However, he was never considered for the national team, unlike his partner in the spot-fixing scandal, Muhammad Amir, who swiftly re-entered the Pakistan side in 2016.

The Pakistan Cricket Board recently assigned Butt to commentary duties for domestic competitions, and he is currently engaged in the National T20 Championship. The consultant members, including Butt, will have their first assignment during the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand starting on January 12, 2024, following the Test tour to Australia.

The release from PCB stated,

“When not engaged in selection duties, the consultant members may be assigned additional tasks such as conducting skills camps.”

Butt, Kamran, Wahab Riaz, and former Test pacer Anjum previously played together on the Pakistan team alongside the director of the Pakistan team, Muhammad Hafeez.

Kamran, with a 15-year career, participated in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, while Butt appeared in 33 Tests, 78 ODIs, and 24 T20Is. Anjum played a Test, 62 ODIs, and two T20Is from 2004 to 2010.

Salman Butt, Muhammad Amir, and Muhammad Asif were all found guilty of spot-fixing by the national crime agency in the United Kingdom, served time in jail, and faced bans imposed by the International Cricket Council.

Despite expressing remorse over his actions, Butt, who captained Pakistan to Test victories against Australia and England in 2010, has consistently voiced his dissatisfaction with the treatment he received. A few years ago, then head coach Waqar Younis recommended Butt’s comeback to the national team, but former captain Shahid Afridi opposed the idea, preventing his return to the squad.

With Pakistan’s Cricket World Cup journey hanging by a thread, Virender Sehwag’s playful banter adds to the pressure. As they gear up for a decisive showdown against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the stakes are high. Pakistan’s route has become even more complex as a result of New Zealand’s recent success over Sri Lanka; in order to change their net run-rate dynamics, they must defeat England handily.

Whether batting first or bowling, the challenges for Pakistan seem formidable. A closer examination of the situations highlights the requirement for a significant cushion because of the difficult struggle they confront. From scoring big to chasing down targets with remarkable efficiency, every ball and run count in this critical encounter.

As tensions rise on the cricket field, Virender Sehwag adds a touch of humor to the situation with a farewell message on Instagram. Fondly mentioning the biryani and hospitality, Sehwag bids adieu to the Pakistan team, creating a lighthearted mome