David Warner
David Warner will be a key batsman for Australia in the series.Reuters

A good crowd is expected at the Gabba in Brisbane for the day-night Test match featuring home side Australia and Pakistan. The two teams are set for a major three-match Test series, with the first game starting on Thursday.

The contest is expected to be of top quality in the first Test, where both Australia and Pakistan will hope to shine after their respective series loss against South Africa and New Zealand. With the game set to take place at Gabba, which is known as one of the fastest pitches in the world, the bowlers will eye for a fine performance. 

Australia have dominated teams at Gabba in the past, and have not been shy in playing with an all-pace attack without any spinner. Australia are also mulling on the same lines, and playing with four bowlers, means Chadd Sayers would get a Test debut at the expense of spinner Nathan Lyon. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will obviously lead the bowling line-up.

The home team skipper has not taken a call on the matter, but will take into consideration the right-handers in Pakistan side before making a final call.

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"I need to have another look at the wicket to determine how much grass there is on the wicket. It's obviously a different opposition, Pakistan have a lot of right-hand batters, which might come into the equation. But we'll wait and see," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Smith as saying.

"I daresay Jackson will probably play. He played the last game and played pretty well, so I daresay he'll be in."

The bouncy pitch in Gabba would suit bowlers, but it is not going to be unplayable, and with class batsmen on both sides, a close contest is expected. Smith and David Warner are going to be the key for Australia in the batting line-up.

The Australia batsmen will also not find it too easy, though they will be playing at home. Pakistan have some amazing bowlers including Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir to trouble the Australia batsmen. If these bowlers get their pace and swing going, Australia will find it tough in front of the home crowd.

Besides the pacers, Yasir Shah can spread his magic with his spin variations too.

Pakistan know that they are second favourites for the Test series, but that does not mean they will take things lying down. In Mishbah Ul Haq, they have a no-nonsense captain, and throw the experience of Younis Khan and talented players like Azhar Ali and Babar Azam, they have the goods to outshine Australia.

Where to watch live

Australia vs Pakistan first Test is scheduled for 2 pm local time (03:00 GMT, 08:30 IST, 8 pm Pakistan)

India: TV: Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD2. Live Streaming: Hotstar.

Australia: TV - Channel 9. Live streaming - Channel 9 live

UK: TV: BT Sport. Live Streaming:Watch BT Sport

US, Canada: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.