Australia are currently unbeaten on their home campaign versus Pakistan. After emerging victorious in the T20Is, the hosts rolled over the Asian powerhouse in the opening Test at The Gabba in Brisbane as well. The Aussies won the encounter by an innings and five runs. The focus now shifts to the all-important Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting Friday, November 29.

The Aussies have played five Tests with the pink-ball and are yet to be defeated. In fact, they have won all the matches. Adelaide is also set to host it’s fourth Day-Night Test. Previously, Pakistan and Australia have faced each other in a pin-ball Test at The Gabba with the latter winning by 39 runs. As far as the upcoming game is concerned, the home team again look like firm favourites.

Bancroft and Pattinson released

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) has announced an unchanged playing eleven for the contest. In the previous match, their batting and bowling performed as a unit and the management’s decision didn’t spring a surprise. Cameron Bancroft and James Pattinson, who didn’t play the Brisbane Test, have been released to play Sheffield Shield cricket. It was confirmed by skipper Tim Paine.

Their top-order, comprising of David Warner, Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne looked in imperious form. It was the top three that set the platform for Australia’s thumping victory. Steve Smith, who was going through a purple patch, succumbed cheaply to Yasir Shah. Like most venues, he has a decent record in Adelaide and the run-machine will be looking for redemption.

Warner also made amends after some horrendous outings in the Ashes. Labuschagne has gone from strength to strength ever since he came in as Smith’s concussion substitute in the Lord’s Test. The 185 he got last time around would keep the right-handed batter in pretty good stead.

The pink-ball is expected to swing much and hence, the pace troika of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will play a massive role. The trio picked up 18 wickets last time around and won’t be easy prospects under the lights. Nathan Lyon is likely to be used to stem the run-flow.

Here is the Australia Playing XI

David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (C & WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood