(Cricket news) Australia are all set to tour Pakistan for the first time in nearly 25 years. Cricket Australia and the players are in the midst of the controversial departure of head coach Justin Langer. Andrew McDonald is the interim coach and will take charge in Pakistan. 

Australia's 18-man Squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

The only player missing from the side that defeated England 4-0 in the Ashes is Jhye Richardson who has been rested to manage his workload. Ashton Agar is the only new addition to that side. Australia have gone for a full strength squad keeping the World Test Championship in mind. It goes without saying that none of the Australian players has ever played international cricket in Pakistan which will be a challenge.

Australia will be looking to play 2 spinners in the starting XI. Lyon is guaranteed to be the first one while Swepson and Agar can battle for the other spot. Agar will give more prowess with the willow while Swepson will be more dynamic with his wrist spin. Apart from being their best batters, Smith and Labuschagne are also two very reliable part time bowling options. The tour will be a massive challenge for Cameron Green who has never toured away with the Australian side.

The biggest challenge for Cummins and McDonald would be to sort out David Warner's opening partner. After Harris opened and failed to capitalise in the first 4 Ashes Tests, he was replaced by Khawaja. It will be interesting to see if the Aussies revert back to Harris or stick with Khawaja. Australia are currently 2nd on the World Test Championship table followed by Pakistan in 3rd which makes the series extremely crucial.

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