Pakistan vs Australia 1st test 2009 - Live

Pakistan has not been one of the best test teams in recent times but with the current superb bowling lineup they have you can expect them to be very challenging to Australia. The first test at Melbourne which is the boxing day test match can be decided by the performance of the pace attack of the respective team. It will be a battle between the high quality pace bowling which includes Bollinger, Johnson and Siddle on one side and Asif, Gul and Aamer on other. Australia's superior batting lineup is neutralized by the Pakistani spin attack which seems better.

Australia v Pakistan, 1st Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground,Melbourne
Match time: 00:01 AM GMT / 05:31 AM IST / 6:01 AM Pakistani Time
26th December, 2009


Talking about the team, Pakistan are likely to open with Butt and Farhat. Other batsmen are likely to be Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Faisal Iqbal and Misbah. There may be either 2 spinner and pace bowlers each or 3 pacers and 1 spinner. If so, Kaneria may be the first choice for spinner. If they are to drop a pacer Umar Gul may be dropped from group of three.

Australia will open with Watson and Katich. Ponting, North, Clarke, Hussey, Haddin, Johnson are ultimate choice. They will go with pacers Siddle and Bollinger. With Hauritz not being so effective in 4th inning, leg-spinner Steve Smith may get a chance instead of him.

Final verdict for match: The pace bowling seems balanced. Australia seem better batting side while Pakistan's spin department is better. I must say its slightly in favour of Australia.

Watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st test - Live:

On TV: You can watch on Channel 9 in Australia, Geo Super in Pakistan, Star Cricket in India, SKY SPorts in UK and so on in other countries. Find more here.

On Internet: Willow.tv which is a paid site seems to be a great option. Find more here.