The chief selector of Pakistan National Cricket Team Inzamam-Ul-Haq on Friday (March 8) has announced a 16-man squad for the home-bound five-match One-day International series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has made a return after a prolonged gap of well over two years. He last featured against Australia at Adelaide Oval on 26th of January 2017. Shoaib Malik will lead the Men in Green at their second-adopted home.
Meanwhile, Sarfraz Ahmed has been rested alongside Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi respectively. But Hussain Talat stands dropped following the South Africa tour.
The veteran added they had no doubt over his potential of a talented batsman, but fitness was a major concern.
“Umar Akmal has done well in the PSL. We never questioned his potential, but the fitness has always cropped up,” Inzamam told in a press conference on Pakistan’s squad announcement.
Inzamam cleared the air by saying Umar has shown fitness during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). He also had a word regarding the rift between head coach Mickey Arthur and Umar.
“While being at the helm of affairs I don’t see anyone would like to get personal, as of now, Umar has done well, we’re happy to introduce him back in the line-up,” Umar added.
The right-handed batsman Umar has smashed 228 off eights innings in nine matches with the batting average of 38. He’s sixth highest run-getter in the fourth edition of the PSL while attributing it with two half-centuries with the best of 75.
Umar, who’s represented Quetta Gladiators, has improved a lot on the fitness ground.
Inzamam has also quashed the reports of players being unfit who have had been rested.
The ODI series will run between March 22 and March 31. The first game will be played at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, and the ODI leg will culminate at Dubai International Stadium.
Earlier, senior campaigner Mohammad Hafeez has picked a finger injury which served as a huge blow to Pakistan.
Inzamam also cited that Pakistan could perhaps go with two spinners for the upcoming 2019 World Cup scheduled in England. He reiterated they’ve focused on the bowlers who have a good strike-rate of taking wickets.
The 18-year-old Muhammad Hasnain, who clocks the ball at 150 kph has made it to a squad. Interestingly, he’s the part of this year’s PSL for Gladiators. Besides, Junaid Khan and Harris Sohail have made a return after being marred by injuries.
Here’re Pakistan’s 16-man squad for home series against Australia:
Shoaib Malik (c), Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Harris Sohail, Saad Ali, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan (Wk), Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Junaid Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammed Amir, Usman Shinwari and Muhammad Hasnain.