In a significant announcement, the newly appointed Chief Selector, Wahab Riaz, has revealed the 15-member squad that will represent Pakistan in the upcoming red-ball series against Australia. The Green Shirts are gearing up for a challenging three-test series, including a warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI. Let’s delve into the details of the squad and the anticipated series.
1. Pakistan Squad for the Series
The selected squad comprises a mix of experienced players and promising talents:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Sarfraz Ahmed (wk)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Agha Ali Salman
- Faheem Ashraf
- Aamer Jamal
- Shaheen Afridi
- Khurram Shehzad
- Mir Hamza
- Hasan Ali
- Saim Ayub
- Abrar Ahmed
- Mohammad Waim Jr
- Noman Ali
Shan Masood, taking the helm as the captain for the red-ball format after Babar Azam’s resignation, will guide the team through this critical test series.
2. Player Highlights and Absences
- Naseem Shah: Currently recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the World Cup 2023, Naseem Shah remains unavailable for the Australia tour.
- Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali: Leading the pace attack, the responsibility falls on the experienced shoulders of Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali to spearhead the bowling department.
3. Tour Schedule
The tour is scheduled to commence with a 4-day warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI on December 6, 2023, at 4:30 AM in Canberra. The first test match against Australia is set to kick off at 7:20 AM in Perth on December 14, 2023.
The subsequent tests, along with the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, are slated to begin at 4:30 AM. The series will conclude with the third test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, commencing on January 3, 2024.
4. Anticipated Matches
The series promises high-intensity cricket, with the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground adding an extra layer of excitement. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the clashes between these two cricketing giants.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, Wahab Riaz’s unveiling of the Pakistan squad for the red-ball series against Australia sets the stage for an exhilarating cricketing spectacle. The selected players, under the leadership of Shan Masood, are poised to showcase their skills and determination in the challenging conditions of Australian cricket.
6. FAQs
Q1: Why did Babar Azam resign from the captaincy for the red-ball format?
Babar Azam resigned, paving the way for Shan Masood to lead the team in the red-ball format, allowing him to focus on his batting.
Q2: When is Naseem Shah expected to return to the squad?
Naseem Shah is currently recovering from an injury, and his return date is yet to be confirmed.
Q3: How can fans watch the matches live?
Details about live broadcasts and streaming options will be shared closer to the match dates.
Q4: Are there any surprise inclusions in the squad?
The squad features a balanced mix of experience and youth, with no major surprise inclusions.
Q5: Can fans attend the matches in person?
Details about spectator attendance will be announced based on the prevailing health and safety guidelines closer to the match dates.
