With the high-profile tour of India fast approaching, former Australia captain Mark Taylor wants the Pat Cummins-led side to explore the option of playing with five bowlers in the third and final Test against South Africa beginning on Wednesday.

The tour of India, comprising four Tests for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will take place in February-March.

Going into the final Test at the SCG, the hosts are holding an unassailable 2-0 series lead, providing them with an opportunity to explore a few other options.

“Australia have got an opportunity in Sydney to try out a few things. I know people say you shouldn’t try things in Test matches, but with Cameron Green not playing, I’d really like to see Alex Carey bat at No.6 and Australia pick five bowlers.

“They can go on an all-out attack with the ball and rely on their top five and Carey to make enough runs to win the Test match,’ Taylor was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports.

Owing to injuries to Mitchell Starc and Green during their massive win in Melbourne, Australia have called up Matthew Renshaw and Ashton Agar.

“I think with the bowling they’ve got there and whoever those quicks are going to be, you’ve got enough guys there to take the 20 wickets. South Africa only just made 200 in the second innings in Melbourne for the first time in four Test matches, and their batting is very gettable at the moment.

“So I’d be looking to attack with the ball,” Taylor added.

Lively track on offer

Babar Azam after scoring a century during the first Test in Karachi. PTI photo

Karachi: Pakistan and New Zealand will be looking for a much-awaited Test victory and leave a disappointing 2022 behind in red-ball cricket when they lock horns in the second and final game beginning on Monday.

The flat and dry pitches remained a focal point throughout Pakistan’s home Test matches. But the hosts hope the wicket for this Test will be livelier and provide bowlers with more opportunities. New chief selector Shahid Afridi and a former PCB curator were overlooking the pitch preparation for the past two days. “This (pitch) here at the moment does look different,” said New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi.

“With the surface being a little bit different, we’ll wait and see how it pulls up.”

⚫ Match starts: 10.30am (IST). Live on Sony Sports Network

AP/PTI