Following an embarrassing 360-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the first Test in Perth, Pakistan has managed to lock in a two-day practice game against Victoria XI ahead of the second Test at the MCG starting on Boxing Day. The Junction Oval in Melbourne will host the practice game on December 22 and 23.

This two-day practice game was not part of the original schedule, but concerns around lack of match practice led to Pakistan requesting Cricket Australia for the match. All parties involved locked this shortly after the end of the first Test.

Meanwhile, unlike the four-day practice tie against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra in the lead-up to the first Test, this match will not be a first-class game, allowing Pakistan to play more than 11 players during the match.&nbsp;

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"That [the Victoria tour game] was something extra we added into the schedule because it wasn't there earlier," Pakistan head coach Mohammad Hafeez said after the Test.&nbsp; 
"We wanted to have more practice rather than only one practice game. That had first-class status, so we couldn't give all the bowlers the chance to have a feel,” Hafeez added.&nbsp;

The newly-appointed head coach said they want all their players to be match-ready before the next game gets underway.&nbsp;

"That's the reason we wanted to have this practice game, so more guys could get a feel of a match scenario; we felt that would work well. We will definitely plan accordingly. All the players should use those two days to make themselves more familiar with the situations and the conditions,” Hafeez said.

While Pakistan will want its players to make the most of this two-day practice match, Victoria XI will also feature Marcus Harris – one of the contenders to replace Warner at the top in Tests, alongside Will Pucovski and captain Peter Handscomb.

<h2>Morris released to play BBL</h2>

Meanwhile, Australia released seamer Lance Morris&nbsp;from the squad (which is cut down to 13) for the second Test starting December 26. The young pacer, who was in line for his Test debut in Perth, will feature for Perth Scorchers in their next tie against Hobart Hurricanes on December 20 at Optus Stadium.&nbsp;

"Lance has been released for the Melbourne match but will stay prepared for Test cricket as he remains firmly in our plans for the summer, should an opportunity arise," national selector George Bailey said.

Australia squad for Melbourne Test -

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and Scott Boland

Following an embarrassing 360-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the first Test in Perth, Pakistan has managed to lock in a two-day practice game against Victoria XI ahead of the second Test at the MCG starting on Boxing Day.

Following an embarrassing 360-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the first Test in Perth, Pakistan has managed to lock in a two-day practice game against Victoria XI ahead of the second Test at the MCG starting on Boxing Day. The Junction Oval in Melbourne will host the practice game on December 22 and 23. This two-day practice game was not part of the original schedule, but concerns around lack of match practice led to Pakistan requesting Cricket Australia for the match. All parties involved locked this shortly after the end of the first Test. Meanwhile, unlike the four-day practice tie against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra in the lead-up to the first Test, this match will not be a first-class game, allowing Pakistan to play more than 11 players during the match. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: 'One should not be thinking sentimentally', Sanjay Manjrekar on Pandya's new role at MI "That [the Victoria tour game] was something extra we added into the schedule because it wasn't there earlier," Pakistan head coach Mohammad Hafeez said after the Test. "We wanted to have more practice rather than only one practice game. That had first-class status, so we couldn't give all the bowlers the chance to have a feel,” Hafeez added. The newly-appointed head coach said they want all their players to be match-ready before the next game gets underway. "That's the reason we wanted to have this practice game, so more guys could get a feel of a match scenario; we felt that would work well. We will definitely plan accordingly. All the players should use those two days to make themselves more familiar with the situations and the conditions,” Hafeez said. While Pakistan will want its players to make the most of this two-day practice match, Victoria XI will also feature Marcus Harris – one of the contenders to replace Warner at the top in Tests, alongside Will Pucovski and captain Peter Handscomb. Morris released to play BBL Meanwhile, Australia released seamer Lance Morris from the squad (which is cut down to 13) for the second Test starting December 26. The young pacer, who was in line for his Test debut in Perth, will feature for Perth Scorchers in their next tie against Hobart Hurricanes on December 20 at Optus Stadium. "Lance has been released for the Melbourne match but will stay prepared for Test cricket as he remains firmly in our plans for the summer, should an opportunity arise," national selector George Bailey said. Australia squad for Melbourne Test - David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and Scott Boland

Pakistan to play 2-day practice game ahead of MCG Test; Australia's Morris released from squad for BBL

Australia selection committee head George Bailey has commented on the team’s plan for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the Ashes after they announced the squad. The selection committee announced the squad for the WTC final and the first two Ashes matches on Wednesday, April 19 and have kept faith in Josh Hazlewood while Lance Morris missed out with David Warner also returning to the fold.&nbsp;

"He's having a bit of a de-load period, which I think is about four-to-six weeks, and then he will start to start to build after that," chief selector George Bailey said.

"Conservatively, we'll probably look to rebuild Lance and hopefully have a really big crack at the summer.

The squad for the WTC final also sees the return of David Warner in the squad while the selection committee hopes for a positive outcome of scans for players who missed out due to fitness issues. The selection committee will announce the squad for the remainder of the three Ashes Tests in June and will hope for Morris’ return to the team.

"He'll get another scan in four-to-six weeks and we'll get a better indication of how that back's going."

The Aussies have traditionally kept a backup option on long tours like England and India and will have the luxury to call some of their prime bowling assets already present in England. The likes of Michael Neser and Sean Abbott are already getting used to English conditions and could be called into action if needed for the Ashes.

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Both Neser and Abbott are playing in the English County Championship and will be available if there is a crisis of fast bowlers for the Aussies.

Australia plays India in the World Test Championship final at the Oval from June 7-11 before moving to the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston from June 16-20.

Australia touring party

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, David Warner

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Australia selection committee head George Bailey has commented on the team’s plan for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the Ashes after they announced the squad.

Australia selection committee head George Bailey has commented on the team’s plan for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the Ashes after they announced the squad. The selection committee announced the squad for the WTC final and the first two Ashes matches on Wednesday, April 19 and have kept faith in Josh Hazlewood while Lance Morris missed out with David Warner also returning to the fold. "He's having a bit of a de-load period, which I think is about four-to-six weeks, and then he will start to start to build after that," chief selector George Bailey said. "Conservatively, we'll probably look to rebuild Lance and hopefully have a really big crack at the summer. The squad for the WTC final also sees the return of David Warner in the squad while the selection committee hopes for a positive outcome of scans for players who missed out due to fitness issues. The selection committee will announce the squad for the remainder of the three Ashes Tests in June and will hope for Morris’ return to the team. "He'll get another scan in four-to-six weeks and we'll get a better indication of how that back's going." The Aussies have traditionally kept a backup option on long tours like England and India and will have the luxury to call some of their prime bowling assets already present in England. The likes of Michael Neser and Sean Abbott are already getting used to English conditions and could be called into action if needed for the Ashes. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: SHOCKING! Bats, other equipment stolen from Delhi Capitals players' kits Both Neser and Abbott are playing in the English County Championship and will be available if there is a crisis of fast bowlers for the Aussies. Australia plays India in the World Test Championship final at the Oval from June 7-11 before moving to the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston from June 16-20. Australia touring party Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, David Warner WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes 2023: Josh Hazlewood involvement hinges on IPL, Lance Morris out of calculation in busy English summer

Australia’s new pace sensation Lance Morris, regarded as the fastest bowler in the country by many, is close to&nbsp;making his Test debut against South Africa in Sydney, hinted Josh Hazlewood. In absence of pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who alongside Cameron Green suffered finger injuries during the Boxing Day Test and got ruled out of the third Test, Lance Morris could be the one filling his shoes.

Ahead of the start of the final match&nbsp;of the series, Josh Hazlewood, who himself was out due to side strain, commented on this new prospect to abc.net.au, saying&nbsp;Lance brings in a lot of speed and is very accurate with his line and length too. Josh feels on the dry Sydney pitch, that is likely to favour spin more, the presence of someone like Lance looks like the most suitable option going forward.

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"Lance obviously brings that extra pace that we probably lack with (Mitchell) Starcy (injured)," Hazlewood said.

"Usually when you get that in a youngster (bowler), they spray them around a bit, but his accuracy is very good for that sort of pace. There's quite a number of guys on my 'not-facing list' (in the nets) and he's at the top of the tree," added Hazlewood.

Despite being called as the ‘Wild Thing’ for being super quick, Lance was never considered is Tests before. However, Josh feels with him (Lance) now in the squad, the captain gets more options to pick from, which is always a good thing.

"Everyone's battling everyone at the moment. It's good to have options. We're all a little bit different," veteran speedster said.

On being asked if he would return to the XI for the final home Test of the season, Hazlewood said while he understands in one’s absence the opportunity goes to someone else, he is hopeful of making the cut and if he doesn’t, he is sure to be disappointed about it.

"I guess that's what happens when you miss out with injury, you give other people an opportunity and they take it," Hazlewood said.

"I think that's how I got my first go with Ryan Harris sitting out and Peter Siddle injured. "You get your opportunity then you put pressure on the older guys. I feel like that just comes and goes as your career goes along. I'd be definitely disappointed if I missed out," he concluded.

The third Test of the series will begin on January 4th at the SCG. Australia is leading the 3-match series 2-0.

Australia’s new pace sensation Lance Morris, regarded as the fastest bowler in the country by many, is close to making his Test debut against South Africa in Sydney, hinted Josh Hazlewood.

Australia’s new pace sensation Lance Morris, regarded as the fastest bowler in the country by many, is close to making his Test debut against South Africa in Sydney, hinted Josh Hazlewood. In absence of pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who alongside Cameron Green suffered finger injuries during the Boxing Day Test and got ruled out of the third Test, Lance Morris could be the one filling his shoes. Ahead of the start of the final match of the series, Josh Hazlewood, who himself was out due to side strain, commented on this new prospect to abc.net.au, saying Lance brings in a lot of speed and is very accurate with his line and length too. Josh feels on the dry Sydney pitch, that is likely to favour spin more, the presence of someone like Lance looks like the most suitable option going forward. ALSO READ: Star Kiwi pacer pulls out of India, Pakistan tours due to lack of preparation "Lance obviously brings that extra pace that we probably lack with (Mitchell) Starcy (injured)," Hazlewood said. "Usually when you get that in a youngster (bowler), they spray them around a bit, but his accuracy is very good for that sort of pace. There's quite a number of guys on my 'not-facing list' (in the nets) and he's at the top of the tree," added Hazlewood. Despite being called as the ‘Wild Thing’ for being super quick, Lance was never considered is Tests before. However, Josh feels with him (Lance) now in the squad, the captain gets more options to pick from, which is always a good thing. "Everyone's battling everyone at the moment. It's good to have options. We're all a little bit different," veteran speedster said. On being asked if he would return to the XI for the final home Test of the season, Hazlewood said while he understands in one’s absence the opportunity goes to someone else, he is hopeful of making the cut and if he doesn’t, he is sure to be disappointed about it. "I guess that's what happens when you miss out with injury, you give other people an opportunity and they take it," Hazlewood said. "I think that's how I got my first go with Ryan Harris sitting out and Peter Siddle injured. "You get your opportunity then you put pressure on the older guys. I feel like that just comes and goes as your career goes along. I'd be definitely disappointed if I missed out," he concluded. The third Test of the series will begin on January 4th at the SCG. Australia is leading the 3-match series 2-0.

Australia to unleash THIS 'express fast bowler' for Sydney Test against South Africa, reveals Josh Hazlewood

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Pakistan to play 2-day practice game ahead of MCG Test; Australia's Morris released from squad for BBL

Ashes 2023: Josh Hazlewood involvement hinges on IPL, Lance Morris out of calculation in busy English summer

Australia to unleash THIS 'express fast bowler' for Sydney Test against South Africa, reveals Josh Hazlewood