Pakistan has unveiled its 18-member squad for the upcoming three-Test series in Australia, set to commence in December. The experienced Shan Masood will take on the leadership role for the team, with new chief selector Wahab Riaz including uncapped players Saim Ayub, Aamir Jamal, and Khurrum Shehzad. Unfortunately, fast bowler Naseem Shah, recovering from a shoulder surgery, won't be available for the tour. However, the Test squad also welcomes the return of left-arm pacer Mir Hamza.
Saim Ayub, despite being uncapped, has already displayed his skills in eight T20 internationals. Aamir Jamal, with four T20 matches under his belt, brings his experience to the squad. Meanwhile, Khurrum Shehzad, making his debut appearance in the national squad, earned the selectors' nod due to his impressive performances in domestic cricket.
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Wahab Riaz clarified that Naseem Shah would not be part of the tour as he is still in the recovery phase, gradually increasing his bowling workload and expected to reach 50-60 percent capacity in three weeks. The selectors have also retained key players from the World Cup squad, including Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Imam ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Muhammad Wasim junior.
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However, certain players like Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed did not make the cut for the Test tour. Despite being part of the World Cup squad, they were not considered for the red-ball format in Australia.
Former captain and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, spinners Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali, as well as all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, have also been excluded from the Test squad. The selectors engaged in discussions with fast bowler Haris Rauf, who initially gave his consent for the Tests but later made himself unavailable due to concerns over workload and fitness issues.
Wahab Riaz emphasized that the squad has been carefully chosen with a focus on the challenging Australian conditions. They aim to strengthen the batting lineup with the inclusion of Saim Ayub, who had an exceptional domestic season. The team will undergo a training camp in Rawalpindi from November 23 to 28 before departing for Australia on November 30. Pakistan will play three Tests in Australia before moving on to a five-match T20 series in New Zealand.
Pakistan squad for Australia Test series: Shan Masood (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi