Cricket enthusiasts were treated to an unusual sight as a video clip circulated on social media, showcasing members of the Pakistani cricket team loading their luggage onto a container truck outside Sydney Airport. The cricketers’ hands-on approach raised eyebrows and sparked conversations among fans.
The national cricket team arrived in Australia for a crucial three-match Test series, a part of the ICC World Test Championship. The 18-man squad, along with the 17-member management contingent, departed from Lahore Airport at 3 am, making a brief stop in Dubai before reaching their destination in Sydney at 7 am (PST) on Friday.
Pakistan team has reached Australia to play 3 match Test series starting December 14.
Pakistani players loaded their luggage on the truck as no official was present. pic.twitter.com/H65ofZnhlF
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) December 1, 2023
In a departure from the norm, the players were seen personally transferring their luggage onto a truck at Sydney Airport, a move attributed to saving time amid their tight schedule. The squad is scheduled for a day of complete rest on Saturday following the demanding 24-hour journey. Formal training sessions are set to commence on December 3.
Notably, Pakistan’s last Test victory on Australian soil dates back to 1995. The team, now led by new captain Shan Masood, is determined to break this streak, with the skipper taking charge after Babar Azam stepped down from leadership across formats.
Meanwhile, Australia is yet to announce its squad for the upcoming Test matches. Several key players, including Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green, are currently engaged in Sheffield Shield matches, gearing up to face the challenge presented by the Pakistani team.
Pakistan Squad for Australia Tests:
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Hasan Ali
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Noman Ali
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Saud Shakeel
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Australia Tour Schedule:
- Four-day match: PM’s XI vs Pakistan – December 6-9: Manuka Oval, Canberra
- 1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
- 2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- 3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCGTop of Form
