Four changes likely in Pak squad for third test following Sydney debacle

Sydney, Jan. 8 (ANI): Pakistan is likely to make four changes in its squad for the Hobart test match against Australia starting January 14. The side had lost the second Test despite reaching a strong position.

Kamran Akmal, the biggest culprit of Pakistan's 36-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Wednesday, will most likely be replaced by young wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

Akmal dropped four catches in the second Australian innings, out of which three came off the bat of Michael Hussey who made a match-winning century.

Also facing the axe is the experienced middle order bat Misbah-ul-Haq, who is expected to be dropped in favour of Shoaib Malik, the former Pakistan captain who is yet to get an opportunity to play on this tour.

"We are thinking about playing Malik in Hobart. Misbah is not in good form and we need somebody experienced to take his place if he is out of the team for the next Test," The News quoted Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam, as saying.

Faisal Iqbal is also likely to sit out of the third Test, paving the way for opening batsman Khurram Manzoor.

Fast bowler Mohammad Aaamer, who missed the Sydney Test because of a groin problem, is fit and is all set to return to the playing eleven in Hobart. He is expected to replace fast bowler Mohammad Sami.

Sami bowled well in Sydney but the team management is expected to pick Umar Gul as one of the three pacers along with Aamer and Mohammad Asif. (ANI)