Pakistan v India - 1st Test 2016 - Match Preview

Pakistan v India - 1st Test 2016 - Peshawar

Pitch: 80 -  Clay coloured strip, dry and very dusty. Should play fairly easily although the bounce may be rather low. Late in the game the pitch may begin to assist the spinners.

Day 1 Weather: 2 - Hot and sunny

Injuries:
Pakistan:
Zulfiqar Babar - 2 matches
Asad Shafiq - 2 matches

Pakistan XI:

Mohammad Hafeez
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Younis Khan
Misbah-ul-Haq (c)
Sarfraz Ahmed (wk)
Mohammad Nawaz
Yasir Shah
Wahab Riaz
Rahat Ali
Ehsan Adil

India XI:

M.Vijay
S.Dhawan
C.A.Pujara
V.Kohli (c)
A.M.Rahane
W.P.Saha (wk)
R.Ashwin
R.A.Jadeja
B.Kumar
A.Mishra
U.T.Yadav

Pakistan named a makeshift lineup because of injury, with Babar Azam coming in at number 3 to make his debut in place of Asad Shafiq, and allrounder Mohammad Nawaz as a like for like replacement for left arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar.
With the reserve openers form unimpressive in the tour matches Azhar Ali moves up to open.
Ehsan Adil is probably the major surprise, named ahead of a few others for his ability to find swing, something that might prove valuable when the pitch flattens out.
India named a predictable lineup, with Rahane retaining his place despite a pair in the tour match, and Mishra making the side in place of a 6th batsman.
India appear favourites judging by their bowlers form on tour so far, but experienced batsmen Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq should ensure a tight contest.