Shan-led Pakistan’s 18-member team named for Australia sojourn

 

Shan-led Pakistan’s 18-member team named for Australia sojourn  

Saim Ayub, Khurram Shahzad new entrants, Mir Hamza, Faheem Ashraf stage comebacks

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday revealed an 18-member Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, comprising three Test matches set to take place from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

The squad, led by newly appointed Test captain Shan Masood, features a mix of experienced players and promising debutants.

Shan Masood, the side’s new Test captain, taking over from Babar Azam, will be deputized by someone whose details are yet to be disclosed.

The squad was selected by newly-appointed Chief Selector Wahab Riaz, who expressed his commitment to building a competitive team for the challenging Australian conditions.

The notable inclusions in the team are the 22-year-old left-handed opening batter, Saim Ayub, has earned his maiden Test call-up after an exceptional run in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24. With 553 runs in four matches, including a match-winning double century in the final, Ayub's inclusion strengthens the batting lineup.

Khurram Shahzad, the 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler, is set to make his Test debut following an impressive domestic season. Finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24 with 36 wickets, Shahzad adds depth to the pace-bowling department.

Those who made a comeback included experienced players of the likes of Faheem Ashraf, a pace bowling all-rounder who having last appeared in Tests during England's tour of Pakistan in late 2022. Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, who secured 32 wickets at an average of 20.88 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, is making a comeback to the Test squad.

Some of the prominent exclusions due to certain reasons and injury concerns are Haris Rauf who has made himself unavailable for selection, leading to disappointment expressed by Chief Selector Wahab Riaz. Naseem Shah, the young pace sensation continues his recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him from the recently concluded World Cup.

Wahab Riaz, however, stated: "Haris pulled out at the last moment, and I feel this will hurt Pakistan cricket."

The selected squad will assemble in Rawalpindi on November 22 for a comprehensive training camp at Pindi Cricket Stadium, scheduled from November 23 to 28.

Departure for Australia is set for November 30, emphasizing ample preparation time before the rigorous Test series.

He further said that the squad selection emphasizes the challenging Australian conditions, with a focus on adapting to pitches and bolstering pace bowling resources.

The management aims to build on the momentum gained from the successful series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Alongside the squad members, additional players invited to feature in the training camp include Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir.

“The announced squad reflects a strategic approach to blend experience and emerging talent. The training camp serves as a crucial platform for players to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the demanding Test series in Australia. The focus remains on building a competitive team capable of making a mark in the challenging overseas conditions. The cricket fraternity eagerly awaits the performances of the new faces and the seasoned campaigners on the Australian tour,” said Wahab.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Full schedule:

1st Test – Perth, 14-18 December 2023

2nd Test – Melbourne, 26-30 December 2023

3rd Test – Sydney, 3-7 January 2024