Australia stick to winning formula for Warner's farewell Test; Pakistan aim to spoil the party

NEW DELHI: As Australia seek to clinch a series sweep against Pakistan in the third and final Test, captain Pat Cummins confirmed that the same winning team from the first two matches would take the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The decision aims to bid farewell to veteran opener David Warner on a high note in his 112th and final Test, following convincing victories in Perth and Melbourne.

Cummins, addressing the media on Tuesday, praised Warner as Australia's "greatest three-form player" and emphasized the veteran's significant contributions across formats.
"Every time he walks out there, he's competitive, ready to go, so just a champion of Australian sport and hopefully he gets a good send-off this week," Cummins remarked.
Warner, who announced his retirement from one-day internationals on Monday, leaves a notable void in the top order for Australia. Cummins did not reveal who would fill the opening position in the upcoming series against West Indies in January but cited Warner's current partner, Usman Khawaja, as an example of a non-specialist who earned his place in the team.

On the other side, Pakistan captain Shan Masood faces the challenge of motivating his team after consecutive defeats. Masood acknowledged Australia's dominance but highlighted the positive aspects of Pakistan's performance in Melbourne.
"We have to make sure that we're not making a lot of mistakes to close out games," Masood noted.
Masood refrained from naming the playing XI on Tuesday due to some "fitness issues," but spinner Abrar Ahmed is in contention to play his first test of the tour, especially considering the possibility of a turning wicket in Sydney.
While acknowledging the significance of Warner's farewell, Masood expressed the team's focus on the game and their aim to challenge the Australian side.
"Our job is to get David Warner out early," Masood said. "But we wish him all the best with this test match and what's to come forward for him as well."
As the cricketing world anticipates the culmination of "Warner Week," both teams prepare for a crucial clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Australia aiming for a clean sweep and Pakistan seeking to spoil the farewell party for the veteran opener.
(With inputs from Reuters)