Australia has opted to maintain its winning combination for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, aiming to secure the series against Pakistan. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan has dropped experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed and faces challenges due to several key players' injuries.

Despite the anticipation of showers and potential thunderstorms on the first day of play, the weather forecast suggests clearing conditions by Wednesday afternoon, instilling confidence in Australian captain Pat Cummins regarding achieving a result.

Injuries have plagued Pakistan since the Perth Test, with fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, as well as spinners Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali, ruled out of contention for the Melbourne match. The 12-man squad announced by Pakistan excludes Sarfaraz Ahmed and speedster Faheem Ashraf.

Mohammad Nawaz will don the gloves for Pakistan, while the fast bowling attack will see Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali competing for Shahzad’s spot alongside the seasoned Shaheen Shah Afridi and promising newcomer Aamer Jamal. 

With Ahmed and Ali sidelined, Sajid Khan stands as the sole spin option for the visiting team.

In the first Test at Perth, the host dominated Shan Masood’s side, securing a comprehensive 360-run victory within four days. Australia's pace spearheads, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, emerged unscathed from the encounter.

Australia's XI for the Boxing Day Test:

1. David Warner

2. Usman Khawaja

3. Marnus Labuschagne

4. Steve Smith

5. Travis Head

6. Mitch Marsh

7. Alex Carey

8. Mitchell Starc

9. Pat Cummins (capt)

10. Nathan Lyon

11. Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan's XII:

1. Imam-ul-Haq

2. Abdullah Shafique

3. Shan Masood (capt)

4. Babar Azam

5. Saud Shakeel

6. Mohammad Rizwan

7. Agha Salman

8. Shaheen Shah Afridi

9. Hasan Ali

10. Mir Hamza

11. Aamer Jamal

12. Sajid Khan