|| CF DESK ||

Pakistan announced a 16-member squad for the historic three-match-Test series against Australia, which will begin from March 4 in Rawalpindi.

Babar Azam will lead the team while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will serve as his deputy. The likes of Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are the other notable names in the batting department.

Three changes have been made in the squad from the series against Bangladesh. Haris Rauf has returned to replace off-spinner Bilal Asif, while Shan Masood, who last played in New Zealand in the 2020-21 season has also returned as Abid Ali, who is completing his rehabilitation after being diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PCB Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said, "We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary. This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future."

Australia will tour Pakistan for the first time since 1998, the first Test will take place in Rawalpindi (4-8 March), Karachi (12-16 March) and Lahore (21-25 March).

Test squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Zahid Mahmood.