NEW DELHI: Australia have opted to maintain an unchanged line-up, choosing not to include a second spinner in the squad for
David Warner
's farewell match in a crucial decision ahead of the final Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Captain
Pat Cummins
confirmed the fitness of Australia's fast-bowling trio, highlighting their recovery from the tense second Test in Melbourne, where they secured a series-clinching 79-run victory.
Despite the SCG's reputation for favoring spin, the hosts have decided against adding a second spinner to partner
Nathan Lyon
.
"The weather looks pretty good this week, and that's not always the case in Sydney," Cummins stated, expressing confidence in the pitch conditions. "The groundsman seems happy with where it's at. It looks like decent coverage of grass, so it should be a good week ahead."
The
Sydney Test
, known for its potential to be rain-affected, has seen 26 washed-out days, the highest among Australian Test venues. However, there is only a medium chance of showers during this week's match.
Meanwhile, veteran opener David Warner made a public plea for the return of his
baggy green
cap, which went missing during transit from Melbourne. In an Instagram post, Warner disclosed the loss of some possessions and appealed for the return of his cherished Baggy Green cap.
"Someone has taken my backpack out of my luggage from Melbourne to Sydney... inside this backpack was my Baggy Green cap," Warner lamented, emphasizing the sentimental value of the item.
As Warner gears up for his 112th and final Test, Cummins expressed hopes for a fitting send-off, envisioning a century from the departing opener and perhaps a leg-spinner taking the last wicket of the game from the rough.
"Best-case scenario is a (Warner) hundred and maybe a leg-spinner to take the last wicket of the game out of the rough," Cummins remarked. "If he could score some runs and go off in style with a few fours and sixes, I think that'd be a pretty fitting end. 'Warner Week' has started."
Warner, 37, enters his final Test with an impressive record of 8,695 runs at an average of 44.58, featuring 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries.
(With inputs from AFP)
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