The upcoming two-match Test series between Pakistan and Australia is scheduled to be commencing on Sunday. This is going to be a crucial series for both of these teams considering their recent international performances. While the heat will be on in both the encounters, the Australia skipper Tim Paine is trying to extend an olive branch before the series begins as a mark of respect. Hence, he has requested Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed of a pre-series handshake prior to day one of the first Test.
Sarfraz had no skepticisms in accepting the offer and replied that he is looking forward to it. The Pakistan skipper confirmed the same during the pre-match press conference.
This is not the first time that the Australian team is doing this. They have done the same earlier this year in the series ahead of the series against England. Tim Paine, who was handed over the reigns after the bans were imposed on David Warner and Steve Smith following the ball-tampering scandal, wants to restore the dignity of the Australian team.
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Post the incident, it was very important for the Aussies to bridge the gaps and regain their reputation and trust so it feels like water under the bridge to their oppositions. This act will certainly help them get there up to a certain extent.
Also, Australia would be keen on getting a win under their belt. They have lost twelve out of the last fifteen Tests that they played. With the bowling lineup looking quite settled, the onus will be on the batsmen to deliver. It would be interesting to see how they would deal against spin as their fortunes in the series will largely depend upon how well they play Yasir Shah and Co.
On the other hand, Pakistan would be playing a Test nearly after four months. They last played England in May-June and drew the two-match series. With their cricketers under the pump after the performance in the Asia Cup, the team would be focussing on an improved show. This series is also very crucial for skipper Sarfraz Ahmed as there are already demands of him being axed as the captain of the side.
