Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 16-member squad for the Test series against England and Ireland. Both the series will be played this summer.
The selectors had gone in for youth, and the squad looks inexperienced at a glance. As many as five members in the announced squad are yet to make their Test debut. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq announced the squad in front of a packed press conference.
As many as nine batsmen were included in the announced squad, and the most notable inclusion is that of Inzamam’s nephew, Imam Ul Haq. The young opening batsman will look to consolidate his place in the national team.
Fakhar Zaman who had impressed in limited overs cricket for Pakistan might also get the chance to don the white jersey for his country on England tour. Saad Ali, the leading runscorer in the Quaid-Azam Trophy, will also look to make his mark in the Test series against England.
Fawad Alam, Yasir Shah Misses Out
Limited overs’ specialist Fawad Alam once again failed to make it to the Test squad. On the other hand, leg-spinner Yasir Shah misses out after suffering from a hip injury.
The selection was announced after players took part in a five-day fitness camp in Gaddafi stadium. Coach Mickey Arthur, along with chief selector Inzamam and chairman Najam Sethi had observed the proceedings closely.
Pakistan will start their campaign with a four-day warm-up match against County side Kent. They will then face Ireland in a one-off Test game on May 11.
The squad will then play a two-match Test series against England starting May 24 and the second one would begin on June 1. The tour will come to an end after the two T20 games against Scotland on June 12 and 13, respectively.
Pakistan squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Sami Aslam, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saad Ali, Asad Shafiq, Usman Salahuddin, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Faheem Ashraf.
