The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced an 18-player roster for the next tour of Australia, which is scheduled to begin on December 14th, in the wake of major changes to their leadership and management group.
Pakistan is gearing up for a crucial 3-match test series against Australia, and the team will witness a significant change with Shan Masood leading for the first time as skipper. In the ICC World Test Championship, Pakistan currently holds the lead with 24 points from 2 games.
Wahab Riaz, the national chief selector, has unveiled an 18-member squad under the captaincy of Shan Masood, introducing notable changes to the team composition. Among the fresh faces is left-handed opening batsman Saim Ayub, who has earned his maiden call-up to the Pakistan team. Saim Ayub showcased his prowess in the 2023–24 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, amassing an impressive 553 runs in the tournament. At just 22 years old, he is set to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s batting order.
Saim Ayub isn’t the only one receiving a well-deserved call-up; Khurram Shahzad, the right-arm pace bowler, is also making his debut in the squad. Khurram Shahzad has been on fire in the Quaide-e-Azam Trophy, leading the wicket-taking charts with an impressive 36 wickets so far. Making a comeback to the Pakistan test squad are the pace-bowling all-rounders Faheem Ashraf, left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, and right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr., adding more depth and experience to the team after a hiatus.
Babar Azam has stepped down as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, as per several media reports. Rumors suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board exerted pressure on Babar Azam to resign from his leadership role, leading to the selection of a new captain. Shan Masood, with 30 test matches under his belt, has amassed 1597 runs at an average of 28.51. His career includes 4 test centuries and 7 half-centuries. Notably, the inaugural test of this series is scheduled to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on December 14th.
Pakistan Test Squad For Australia Tour:
Shan Masood (c), 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
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