In anticipation of Pakistan’s crucial clash with Australia in the first Test next week, newly appointed captain Shan Masood has provided insights into the probable bowling lineup.
While confirming the inclusion of key pacers Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, Masood emphasized that the final composition of the bowling unit will depend on the conditions in Perth.
During the ongoing four-day tour match against a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, seven bowlers, including former captain Babar Azam, have been tested, with Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali rested ahead of the impending Test.
Masood expressed confidence in the return of Shaheen and Hasan for the series opener, but the choice of the third pacer to partner them in the absence of the injured Naseem Shah remains uncertain.
Left-armer Mir Hamza, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, and uncapped talent Khurram Shahzad have displayed promising performances in Canberra, making them potential candidates for the crucial role. Additionally, Abrar Ahmed seems likely to be the sole spin option, given his strong performance.
Although Masood hinted at his preferred bowling lineup, he acknowledged the need to assess the conditions in Perth before finalizing the playing XI. The 25-year-old Abrar Ahmed, who was the joint leading wicket-taker in Pakistan’s Test series against Sri Lanka, is expected to play a key role in Australia.
With an unbeaten record in their first two Tests of the new cycle, Pakistan currently leads the World Test Championship standings. The team aims to maintain its position at the top during the three-match series against the reigning champions on Australian soil.
Pakistan Squad:
Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi.