Pakistan’s national selectors have announced a 17-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with exciting fast bowler Naseem Shah making a return to the longest format after a hiatus of over a year. The 21-year-old last played a Test match 13 months ago in Sri Lanka, and his inclusion in the squad marks a significant comeback following recent injury troubles.
Naseem Shah’s selection is part of two key decisions made by the Pakistan Cricket Board, with the national selectors also appointing Saud Shakeel as the vice-captain of the team. Shakeel will take over the leadership role from Shaheen Afridi as part of a strategic decision to manage the workload of the lead left-arm pacer in the upcoming cricket calendar, which will see Pakistan participate in nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs.
The Pakistan squad for the Bangladesh Tests includes Shan Masood as captain, Saud Shakeel as vice-captain, and players like Aamer Jamal (subject to fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, and more. Notably, 13 members from the squad that toured Australia earlier this year have retained their places, with newcomers like Ghulam, Ali, and Huraira earning call-ups based on their impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Kamran Ghulam, who scored 1,025 runs in 11 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season, has been rewarded for his consistent displays with a spot in the Test squad. Similarly, Mohammad Ali, who last featured in Tests against England in 2022, has been recalled after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket. Mohammad Huraira, who recently hit a double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’, has also been included in the squad following his remarkable form in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
The Test squad will undergo a training camp in Rawalpindi under the guidance of head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood to prepare for the series against Bangladesh. The two Tests, scheduled as part of the World Test Championship, will be held in Rawalpindi starting from August 21, followed by a match in Karachi from August 30.
The return of Naseem Shah and the inclusion of promising new talents in the squad have generated excitement among cricket fans in Pakistan, who are eager to see their team in action against Bangladesh. With a mix of experienced players and emerging stars, the Pakistan Test squad is gearing up for a competitive series that promises thrilling cricketing action for fans around the world.
Pakistan’s Test Squad for Bangladesh Series
Pakistan’s national selectors have recently announced a 17-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with some interesting changes and additions to the team. One of the most notable inclusions is that of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who is making a return to the Test format after a break of over a year. Shah’s comeback is significant given his talent and potential as a young, exciting bowler for Pakistan.
Key Decisions by Pakistan Cricket Board
In addition to Naseem Shah’s return, the PCB has also made the strategic decision to appoint Saud Shakeel as the vice-captain of the team. This move is aimed at managing the workload of lead left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, who has been shouldering significant responsibilities in the bowling department. With a busy cricket calendar ahead, including participation in nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs, the selectors are looking to balance the team effectively.
Composition of the Squad
The Pakistan squad for the Bangladesh Tests is led by Shan Masood as captain, with Saud Shakeel serving as vice-captain. The team comprises a mix of experienced players like Babar Azam and Shan Masood, along with newcomers like Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Huraira. These fresh faces have earned their spots in the squad based on their impressive performances in domestic cricket, showcasing the depth of talent in Pakistan’s cricketing pool.
A notable mention goes to Kamran Ghulam, who scored over 1,000 runs in the previous first-class season, earning him a well-deserved place in the Test squad. Mohammad Ali’s recall after a gap also highlights the selectors’ focus on rewarding consistent performers in domestic cricket, while Mohammad Huraira’s recent double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’ has caught the attention of the selectors.
Preparation for the Series
The Test squad will undergo a training camp in Rawalpindi under the guidance of head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood to fine-tune their skills and strategies for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The team will be looking to build cohesion and form as they prepare to take on their opponents in the challenging Test matches.
Excitement Among Fans
The return of Naseem Shah and the inclusion of promising new talents have sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars, the Pakistan Test squad is gearing up for a competitive series that promises thrilling cricketing action for fans around the globe. The anticipation is high as the team prepares to showcase their skills and talent on the field.
Overall, the selection of the squad, the strategic decisions made by the PCB, and the preparations underway indicate a focused and determined approach by Pakistan as they gear up for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Cricket fans can look forward to an exciting contest as the two teams lock horns in what promises to be an enthralling cricketing spectacle.