The first test match of the series between Australia and Pakistan will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Aussies will be going into the series having won the previous series against West Indies 2-0, whereas Pakistan have just returned from a trip to New Zealand after tying the series 1-1. They could have just lost the series had it not been for rain intervening in the last game of the series. 
The Aussies will know that the Pakistanis will be more of a handful than their West Indian counterparts. For one, Pakistan has a much better bowling line-up than West Indies. In fact, I will not shy away from calling it one of the best bowling line-ups in the world today, with Mohammad Asif coming back in to the side. Secondly, there have been days on which the side has exuded some real talent with the bat as well, and that could well be something Australia need to look at. 
As compared to that, the Aussies are already sweating over the fitness of their skipper Ricky Ponting and his absence would be a blow to both, their batting and the captaincy. The bowling, on the other hand, will be propped up to an extent, as Peter Siddle will be coming into the line-up after passing the fitness test in place of Clint McKay.
There will be two other factors that could play a big part. The fielding, in which the Aussies should score over the Pakistanis is the first. But more importantly, it will be the spinners who could come into the picture and there is where either of Saeed Ajmal or Danish Kaneria will score over Nathan Hauritz.
To me, Aussies look definite favourites to win the game, 1.73 offered by Boylesports for that to happen. However, Bet365’s offer of 5.5 is also a tempting one for a Pakistan win, and I will not be surprised if it has many takers!