Australia have arrived in Dubai for 2 and half weeks lead into the first test from Sunday October 7. Skipper Tim Paine leads the Australian side for his first full test tour in charge having taken over the captaincy for one test match 6 months ago in South Africa when Australia played without Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Paine will also be without fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood as they rest at home ahead of the home summer with a big 4 test series with India from December.
fWith the heat in Dubai expected to reach over 42 degrees every day of the short 2 test series Tim Paine has indicated that he will manage his first bowlers in short spells to combat the tough conditions. UAE is a very tough tour to play but October is one of the hottest months making it important on Mitch Starc as the leader of the attack to be on top of his game.
Paine will also look to off spinner and Nathan Lyon to lead the spin attack which may also see left arm spinnner Jon Holland play 1 or both tests in the likely spinning but flat batting wickets.
Australia last toured UAE in 2014 losing the series 2-0 but expect Paine and new coach Justin Langer to well prepared. A problem last tour was lack of drink breaks and this issue is likely to be addressed before the opening test. Paine will shake hands with the Pakistan team if they agree but also expect a few more stops in play when the temps rich the high 40s. A lot to consider for Tim and his team but the experience players will stand up. Give the team support and understanding this tour and over the home summer.
Fox Cricket Channel 501 will have the October Test Series and T20 matches live. Tests start at 5pm AEST each day from October 7
