The Pakistan Test squad led by Shan Masood has left Pakistan for Sydney to play their upcoming series against Australia.
Comprising 18 players and supported by a 17-member management team, the Men in Green will touch down in Sydney after a layover in Dubai.
The team is slated to proceed to Canberra, where a practice match against Australia Prime Minister’s XI awaits them on December 6.
Adding to the coaching staff, newly appointed batting coach Adam Hollioake and high-performance coach Simon Grant Helmot will join the contingent in Australia.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has outlined the team’s training schedule, set to commence in Canberra on Sunday at 10 am local time.
The Test series against Australia is scheduled to kick off in Perth from December 14 to 18, followed by matches in Melbourne starting on December 26 and in Sydney on January 3, 2024.
During a recent press conference, Test captain Shan Masood affirmed that Babar Azam’s position in the playing XI is secure, emphasizing the team’s intention to build around the prolific batter.
Masood expressed confidence in the team selection process, indicating unanimity among stakeholders.
He disclosed that the opening pair would feature Abdullah Shafique and Imam Ul Haq, with himself slated to bat at number 3.
Masood highlighted the settled nature of the Test team and underscored the importance of continuity in the World Test Championship.
Notable inclusions in the squad, such as Saim Ayub, Khurram Shehzad, and Mir Hamza, were acknowledged for their impressive domestic performances.
Regarding player availability, Masood addressed the case of Haris Rauf, noting that player discretion plays a pivotal role.
Pakistan Test Squad for Australia Series: Shan Masood (captain), 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 and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
