Australia’s proposed Test series against Pakistan in October this year is to be reduced to a two-match series and the venue for the encounter is expected to be the UAE.
Despite the ICC Future Tours Programme indicating that the tour would have three Tests, one Test has been replaced by a series of limited-overs matches, likely to include three ODIs and a Twenty20 fixture.
“Our expectation will be that it will be in the UAE, and my expectation is that it won’t be three Test matches, it will probably be two Test matches and a combination of one-dayers,” James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia chief executive, told ABC Radio.
“Perhaps with a view to the fact there’s a World Cup here in Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2015.”
Australia have begun the year in sensational fashion as they reclaimed the Ashes in dominant style by defeating England 5-0 on home soil.
Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson appears back to his very best as he claimed 37 wickets in the five Test matches, while wicket-keeper Brad Haddin was sensational throughout, both with the gloves and with bat in hand.
While Australia have impressed at the start of 2014 it has been a different story for Pakistan who currently find themselves 1-0 down to Sri Lanka in their three-Test series in the UAE.
After drawing the first Test in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan were well beaten in Dubai as they lost by nine-wickets in a one-sided affair that saw the home side struggle both with the ball and the bat.
Star bowler Saeed Ajmal has taken just five wickets in the first two Tests but will be hoping to make a difference for his side in the final match in Sharjah.
Before the visit of Australia, Pakistan will have the opportunity to win a major tournament when they take part in the World Twenty20 which begins on March 16 in Bangladesh.
