Australia are confident that their short and interrupted build-up to the Pakistan tour will not affect their performance in the three-match T20I series or their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, skipper Mitchell Marsh said ahead of the series opener.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, several members of the Australian squad, including Marsh, were involved in the Big Bash League (BBL) final in Perth on Sunday night, while the rest of the touring party had been preparing in Dubai.
The players from the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, who featured in the BBL decider, have now joined the squad, leaving limited time for the full group to train together before Thursday’s opening T20I in Lahore.
“One of the things about our group is that preparation can look different for every tour,” Marsh told the media. “The majority of the group have been preparing in Dubai, while some guys have been playing competitive games in the Big Bash. We’re ready to go and looking forward to a great series.”
Marsh acknowledged the challenge of playing away from home, particularly against Pakistan’s formidable fast-bowling attack.
“Winning away from home is always hard, especially in conditions that are foreign to us,” he said. “We have great respect for Pakistan. They’ve got some amazing cricketers, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Pakistan has a great history of fast bowlers. That’s a challenge we’re really looking forward to.”
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka beginning on February 7, the series forms a key part of Australia’s build-up, though several senior players will only join the squad later.
“This tour is really important for our World Cup preparations,” Marsh said. “We’ve got a few guys back home managing fitness and preparing to meet us in Sri Lanka. There’s no stress from our end.”
Australia will be without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, and Glenn Maxwell for the Pakistan series, with the quintet continuing their recovery from fitness concerns ahead of the global event.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, meanwhile, said his side was well prepared for the series and focused on execution.
“We have prepared really well over the last 10 days,” Salman said. “There are no weak opponents in T20 cricket. Our focus is on executing our plans and playing smart, quality cricket. Having experienced and senior players in the group makes a big difference when you are trying to win a series.”
The T20I series begins on Thursday in Lahore, with both teams using the contest as crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup.
