Fast bowler Haris Rauf and opener Shan Masood have been recalled within the 16-member Pakistan squad for the upcoming three-match dwelling Test sequence towards Australia starting on March 4. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated Saqlain Mushtaq will proceed as head coach for one more 12 months.
Former Australia fast Shaun Tait will take over as quick bowling coach for 12 months, whereas Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed because the batting coach for this sequence.
Veteran leg-spinner Yasir Shah was named within the five-player reserve pool, which will even have the likes of younger Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas.
The tour will mark Australia’s first sequence in Pakistan since 1998. The three Tests can be performed in Rawalpindi (March 4-8), Karachi (March 12-16) and Lahore (March 21-25). The squad, to be led by Babar Azam, has no different surprises from the one which performed two Tests matches in Bangladesh in November-December final 12 months.
“Haris Rauf, who was in the side for South Africa and Zimbabwe Tests in 2021, has returned to replace off-spinner Bilal Asif, while Shan Masood, who last played in New Zealand in 2020-21 season, has taken over from Abid Ali , who is completing his rehabilitation after being diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome,” the PCB stated in an announcement.
The 28-year-old Rauf is but to play a Test for Pakistan although he has featured in eight ODIs and 34 T20Is. Test gamers who usually are not concerned within the Pakistan Super League will assemble in Karachi on February 16 for a coaching camp that can be held on the National Stadium.
“We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary,” chief selector Muhammad Wasim stated.
“This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future.”
Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood.
Reserves: Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
