Pakistan Cricket team have recalled Wahab Riaz for the upcoming Test series against Australia starting from October 7 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meanwhile, Riaz replaces Mohammad Amir after missing the tour of Ireland and England earlier this year for a questionable work ethic. Reportedly, Amir had requested the management to rest him for the Zimbabwe tour. However, the management turned down the request and included him in the limited-overs squads.
However, after a dry patch in the last five ODI’s, the selectors have decided to give him a break. Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur had expressed concerns over his inability to get wickets.
Wahab Riaz was not even a part of the 25-member preparatory squad for the UK tour. Though the left-arm quick had passed the yo-yo test, Arthur wanted him to do more.
“The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions of the UAE, where Amir has been dropped from the side and Riaz and Mir Hamza come in the side,” the PCB said in a statement.
Pakistan had included three specialist spinners for the Test series. A call possibly taken after realising the necessity of using the spinners on the slow and ever-spinning surfaces.
Furthermore, they have also included Mohammad Rizwan as a backup to Sarfraz Ahmed. Notably, Ahmed admitted of the too much pressure taking a toll on his body after the Asia Cup exit.
Pakistan squad for the Test series against Australia
Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk)