Chief Selector for Pakistan’s Men Cricket Team Wahab Riaz on Monday announced the Test squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia.
This marks Wahab’s inaugural task in his new capacity, alongside newly appointed captain Shan Masood, who takes over from Babar Azam following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
In his inaugural presser, Wahab Riaz revealed that Haris Rauf, initially committed to playing Test cricket, withdrew from the series at the last minute citing concerns about potential fitness issues.
Despite efforts to address Rauf’s concerns and ensure his inclusion, the pacer opted out, leaving Riaz to express his belief that this setback could impact Pakistan’s performance.
Among the maiden calls in the squad is left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub, recognized for his exceptional performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24.
Another newcomer is right-arm fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, aged 23, who earned his Test call-up based on an outstanding domestic season.
Shahzad was the highest wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, claiming 36 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.31, and continued his success in the Pakistan Cup with 13 wickets at 16.62.
The squad sees the return of pace bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, absent from Test cricket since England’s tour of Pakistan in late 2022. Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, with 32 wickets at 20.88 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim Jnr are also making a comeback, having been part of the squad during New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan from December 2022 to January 2023.
Wahab Riaz, reflecting on the squad chosen for the Australia tour, emphasized its assembly with the challenging Australian conditions in mind. The inclusion of additional pace bowling resources aims to provide flexibility in team combinations across all three Test matches.
Riaz expressed confidence in Saim Ayub’s selection, citing his exceptional domestic season, and conveyed the team’s goal to build on their successful start in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, particularly after their triumph in Sri Lanka earlier in the year.
The chief selector expressed optimism, stating that the team has been equipped with the necessary resources to achieve success in Australia.