AUS vs PAK 1st Test Optus Stadium Pitch Report Today Match
Curator Isaac McDonald anticipates that the Perth Stadium pitch will challenge the limits of grass coverage in the upcoming first Test between Australia and Pakistan, seeking a better balance between bat and ball compared to the relatively flat pitch in the previous Australia-West Indies Test. The surface is expected to benefit from additional moisture due to five consecutive days of 30-plus degrees heat in Perth leading up to the Test, providing early movement and subsequently hardening for increased bounce.
McDonald emphasizes that the aim is for the pitch to endure the entire game, benefitting from the sustained moisture. Despite warm and mostly sunny conditions forecasted throughout the Test, with temperatures around 30 degrees each day, the possibility of rapid drying, aided by 20-30km/h winds, may not lead to significant surface cracks.
The unique tray setup of the wickets, coupled with compaction, limits massive cracking, as healthy grass on top prevents extensive deterioration. Fast bowlers, particularly with the new ball, are expected to find assistance, although spinners like Nathan Lyon could play a significant role, capitalizing on bounce-friendly conditions. Lyon has an impressive record at Optus Stadium with 22 wickets at an average of 18.45 in three Tests, showcasing his effectiveness in such conditions.
Mitchell Starc follows with 18 wickets at an average of 18.77, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also boast solid figures. In terms of batting, Marnus Labuschagne stands out with three centuries and a half-century in four innings, accumulating 501 runs on the ground. Steve Smith follows closely with 279 runs, including a memorable 200* against West Indies last year.
Also read: Optus Stadium Test Records & Stats- Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test 2023/24
AUS vs PAK 1st Test Optus Stadium Avg Score, Highest Total and More Today Match- AUS vs PAK 2023
| City | Perth | ||
| Country | Australia | ||
| Also or previously Known as | Optus Stadium | ||
| First Test Match | 14/12/2018 | ||
| Last Test Match | 30/11/2022 | ||
| Matches Played | 3 | ||
| Matches Won by Home Side | 3 (100.00%) | ||
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Matches Won by Neutral Side | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 3 (100.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 3 (100.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Matches Drawn | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Matches Tied | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 204 | M Labuschagne (Australia) | 30/11/2022 v West Indies |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 6/56 | Mohammed Shami (India) | 14/12/2018 v Australia |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 9/97 | M A Starc (Australia) | 12/12/2019 v New Zealand |
| Highest Team Innings | 598/4 dec (Australia) | 30/11/2022 v West Indies | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 140 (India) | 14/12/2018 v Australia | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | N/A | ||
| Average Opening Stand (Runs) | 38.75 | ||
| Average Runs per Wicket | 31.98 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 3.06 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 447 | ||
