ADELAIDE: The addition of opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq and seam bowler Mohammad Abbas are two changes being considered by Pakistan for the day-night Test against Australia beginning from Friday here at the Adelaide Oval.

Imam, a 23-year-old left-hander, said on Wednesday he was preparing to play but was still unsure if he’ll be required for the second and final Test after Australia won the first Test by an innings and five runs at the Gabba in Brisbane at the weekend.

Pakistan are also tipped to recall the experienced Abbas, possibly at the expense of Imran Khan. Abbas, who did not play in the first Test for Pakistan, took 17 wickets in two Tests at an average of 10.58 the last time he played against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.

Australia captain Tim Paine said he was surprised when Abbas was left out, but Pakistan said his recent lack of pace was the reason. Australia amassed 580 in the Brisbane Test.

“Mohammad Abbas is always a very tough competitor and he’s a very class act,” Imam told reporters on Wednesday. “His performances and his stats show that ... he’s difficult to judge off the pitch because his ball nips around, especially the new ball. And with a pink ball under lights (he) will be difficult.”

The potential inclusion of Imam, who averages 28.41 in his 10 Tests, would prompt a reshuffle in the batting order. Imam has been suggested as a replacement for Haris Sohail, who was dismissed twice caught behind from Mitchell Starc’s bowling for scores of one and eight.

Haris batted third in Brisbane but captain Azhar Ali would likely shift from opener to No.3 if Imam is recalled.

“As a cricket player, as a 15-man squad, you have to be mentally ready [to play] so whenever you get a chance you should be ready,” Imam said.

After Pakistan’s openers put on a 75-run partnership in its first innings, the visitors lost five wickets for 19 runs.

“You play one bad session and you’re all over the place,” Imam said. “We played outstandingly in the first session and they [Australia] were panicked. But they came back really strong.

Australia head coach Justin Langer, meanwhile, said it’s unlikely they’ll be any changes to his side.

“The boys all played well [in Brisbane], they had a day off having finished in four days,” Langer said on Wednesday. We haven’t had a look at the wicket yet ... but my gut feel is well probably go with the same XI.”

Pace bowler James Pattinson is available for selection after serving a one-Test ban for abusing an opponent during a domestic game but Langer saw little need for change.

“The boys all played well (in Brisbane), they had a day off having finished in four days, he told reporters in Adelaide on Wednesday. “But my gut feel is well probably go with the same XI.”

Australia’s re-jigged top six performed well at the Gabba, with recalled opener Joe Burns falling just short of a century and Marnus Labuschagne cementing his place at number three with his first Test ton.

Recalled middle-order batsman Travis Head may yet feel pressure to score runs after falling for 24 in Brisbane but Australia had already posted 500 when he was dismissed by occasional spinner Haris.

Langer backed Head to perform in front of his home crowd.

“It’s often a really hard time to come into bat,” Langer said of Head’s 29-ball knock in Brisbane. “But I was impressed [because] he was sharp, he was busy, he played well and got a pretty unlucky dismissal down the leg side.

“One of the reasons we selected him in the squad is we knew the second test was in Adelaide.

We all know he’s a great young bloke, he’s a very good young player and hopefully he does well this week. There’s no reason he shouldn’t. He’s in good nick.”

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2019