Australia v Pakistan Test series: Dates, schedule, venues and history

Australia are currently in the middle of a T20 International series with India, but attention will soon turn to a busy summer of Test cricket back on home soil.

There are two Test series to look forward to, with the West Indies arriving in Australia to play two matches in mid to late January.

But before that the Aussies will entertain Pakistan in a three-match series, including the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

The summer Test matches are always a highlight on the Australian sporting calendar, so let’s take a closer look at the opening series against Pakistan.

Dates and venues

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan will take place at Optus Stadium in Perth. The match will begin on Thursday 14th December and could run through to the 18th December if it lasts the five days.

Onto the second Test, which will take place at the MCG in Melbourne. As always it will begin on Boxing Day and has the potential to run through until 30th December.

Then the two teams will head to Sydney for the third and final Test to be played at the SCG for 3rd to 7th January.

Australia v Pakistan head-to-heads

Australia have dominated against Pakistan in recent history. Indeed, Australia have won nine of the last 12 series played between the two sides.

The last time they met in Australia in 2019/20, the home side wrapped up a comfortable series win.

Pakistan have failed to win a Test match against Australia in the last five series, including a 3-0 whitewash in Australia in the 2016/17 season.

Australia will once again be the hot fancies heading into this latest series and expectations will be high among the home support.

Warner to call it a day

Opening batter David Warner will be retiring from Test cricket at the end of the summer, so will be looking to go out on a high with some swashbuckling batting.

Warner has been rested during the recent India T20 games, so he should be fit and raring to go.

Mitchell Marsh will be another player looking to pile on the runs following some star performances in the shorter formats of the game.

Marsh was pivotal in the recent World Cup success and, if selected for the Test team, he has vowed to carry on in the same fashion.

The Australians have yet to name their squad, but it should have a very familiar look to it.

Rauf blow for Pakistan

Pakistan’s chances have been hit after fast bowler Haris Rauf snubbed the Test side in order to play T20 cricket.

Rauf will be in Australia, but rather than play for Pakistan, he will be turning out for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League instead.

The talented all-rounder will be a big loss for Pakistan, and his decision has caused a stir in the Pakistan ranks.