Pakistan have announced their playing XI for their first Test against Bangladesh which begins on Wednesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Shan Masood-led Pakistan team has decided to with a pace-heavy line-up consisting of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali.

 Saim Ayub is all set to open with Abdullah Shafique while Mohammad Rizwan has been selected as the wicketkeeper batter over the experienced Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Apart from these players, star batter Babar Azam will continue with his number 4 position in the batting line-up

As per the speculations, the pitch is expected to assist seamers in Rawalpindi so the hosts have decided to go with an all-out pace attack.

This will be the first time Masood will be leading the side in a Test at home.

Salman Ali Agha and vice-captain Saud Shakeel are the only spin options available for Pakistan for the opening Test.

does not have a single specialist spinner in their Playing 11.

This will be the first such instance in 28 years that Pakistan will be playing without a specialist spinner in a home Test match.

However, the decision couldn't be seen as a surprise as Pakistan had no spinners in the squad. Abrar Ahmed was released from the squad to play for Pakistan Shaheens.

Furthermore, this match marks the debut of Jason Gillespie as the coach of the Pakistan cricket team.

Right-arm pacer Aamir Jamal was released from the squad on Monday and has been advised to work on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

 

PAKISTAN PLAYING XI FOR FIRST TEST

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali.