Pakistan announce Test squad against Australia
AFP
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Chief selector Wahab Riaz has unveiled an 18-member Pakistan Test squad for the upcoming tour to Australia, featuring three matches scheduled from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
This marks Wahab's inaugural assignment since assuming control of the national men’s selection committee just last week.
Shan Masood is set to lead the side in his first role as Test captain, having been appointed to captain Pakistan for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, taking over from Babar Azam.
A notable inclusion in the squad is left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub, earning his maiden call-up to the Test team after an impressive showing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24.
The 22-year-old amassed 553 runs in four matches for Karachi Whites, securing three centuries, including a match-winning double century against Faisalabad in the tournament final. His form continued in the Pakistan Cup, where he was recognized as the best batter of the tournament, finishing as the competition’s highest run-scorer.
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Another new face in the squad is right-arm fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, earning his maiden Test call-up on the back of a successful domestic season.
The 23-year-old emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, claiming 36 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.31. Additionally, he picked up 13 wickets at 16.62 in the recently concluded Pakistan Cup.
Pace bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, absent from Test appearances for Pakistan since England’s tour in late 2022, makes a return to the squad.
Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, boasting 32 wickets at 20.88 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, and right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim Jnr, both make a comeback to the squad.
These two fast bowlers were part of Pakistan’s squad during New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan from December 2022 to January 2023.
The announcement reflects a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, showcasing the selectors' emphasis on form and performance in domestic competitions.
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
