Ahmed, who is leading his side in the Asia Cup at the moment, says he expects a lot of verbal sparring ahead of the Test matches in the UAE.

“If you play against Australia you have to play a good series. Lots of sledging as well. Starc might do something like that, so I think this will be a good series. I don’t like sledging though,” said the wicket-keeper to cricket.com.au recently.

[caption id=”attachment_82507″ align=”alignnone” width=”1024″] Starc has claimed 16 wickets against Pakistan in four Tests[/caption]

Starc, who is a part of Australia’s 15-member squad that will travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said he was surprised by Ahmed’s statement. 

“I did read that actually – raised an eyebrow to it,” Starc said. “I don’t think I’ve ever said anything to him on a cricket field. Bowled him once or twice, but haven’t said anything to him.

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“It’s going to be a good series. I’m sure there’s going to be a bit of feeling in it – there’s obviously great competition between both sides. It was a quality series last time they were out here and we haven’t been to the UAE for a few years.”

Peter Siddle, who last played a Test in late 2016, is set to return to the Australia side and team up with Mitchell Starc in a new-look pace attack in a new-look team.

Australia's squad for Pakistan Tests ⬇️https://t.co/lOYWxCMDbw pic.twitter.com/qZqPfnQX4Q

— ICC (@ICC) September 11, 2018

Starc, who has picked up 16 wickets in four Test matches against Pakistan so far, will be the lynchpin of Australia’s bowling attack. With Peter Siddle returning to the Test team after a gap and the likes of Michael Neser and Brendon Doggett yet to make their Test debuts, a majority of the onus will fall on Starc’s experienced shoulders, especially with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins still out.

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“I don’t think I’ll be one to say too much out there – it’s going to be quite warm and quite flat, so hopefully I’ll let the ball do the talking,” Starc said.

Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc.