Cricket: Akmal refuses to be dropped

HOBART - Pakistan's team for the third cricket test against Australia remains a mystery as vice-captain Kamran Akmal refuses to be dropped.

Akmal, one of four tour selectors, has been told by management to fall on his sword and allow rookie wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed to make his test debut in Hobart today.

But the 48-test incumbent says he won't drop himself, posing the possibility of a selection stalemate.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting shook his head over the tourists' dramas but said his team hadn't spoken about their potential changes and state of disarray after losing the first two tests.

"I don't know what's happening this week to tell the truth," he said. "There's all sorts of things going on at the moment.

"So I'll wait and see at the toss what 11 players they have on that team sheet. That's all we can worry about."

Although drizzling rain was falling in Hobart, hot weather leading into the game has dried the Bellerive pitch out to make for batsman-friendly conditions.

Ponting expected a typical Hobart wicket which has traditionally made it hard work for bowlers as the Australians chase a clean sweep.

"The state games have been pretty good batting wickets and it's been hard to bowl sides out," he said.

Australia named a predictable 11 for the match, with Victorian paceman Clint McKay dropping out. Opener Simon Katich is fit again to take the place of Phillip Hughes.

- AAP