The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled its 18-member Pakistan squad for Australia 2023 Test series. The squad, led by veteran batter Shan Masood in his debut as Test captain, combines experienced players and promising newcomers.
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New Faces in the Pakistan Squad
Left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub received his maiden Test call-up following his remarkable performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24. Ayub, who amassed 553 runs in four matches for Karachi Whites, including a match-winning double-century, strengthens Pakistan’s batting lineup.
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Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, the highest wicket-taker of the pakistan doemstic tournament Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24 with 36 wickets at an average of 20.31, also earned his maiden Test call-up. His inclusion adds depth to Pakistan’s pace-bowling resources.
Return of Experienced Players
Faheem Ashraf returns to the Test side after his last appearance in 2022. Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza and Mohammad Wasim Jr also make comebacks, providing additional options to the squad.
Chief Selector’s Perspective
Wahab Riaz, the newly appointed chief selector, emphasized that the squad was assembled considering the challenging Australian conditions. The inclusion of more pace-bowling resources aims to provide flexibility in team combinations for all three Test matches.
Regarding Saim Ayub’s inclusion, Wahab mentioned the young batter’s exceptional domestic season, stating that Ayub’s impressive performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup warranted his selection.
Pakistan Squad for Australia 2023 Composition
The squad includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents:
- 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
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan tour of Australia 2023 Details
Pakistan is scheduled to play three Tests in Australia from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The team aims to carry forward the momentum from their successful start in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, building on their earlier triumph in Sri Lanka.
The squad’s composition reflects a strategic approach, considering the challenging Australian pitches. The management aims to ensure the team has the necessary resources for success in Australia.
Pakistan faces a tough challenge in Australia, aiming to break their streak of 14 consecutive Test match losses on Australian soil. The inclusion of promising talents like Saim Ayub and Khurram Shahzad adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to Pakistan’s campaign Down Under.
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