The Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for an important Test series against England, following a challenging home series against Bangladesh where they faced a disappointing clean sweep. As they prepare for this new challenge, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the first Test, which will take place in Multan on October 7, 2024.
Looking Ahead: New Challenges for Pakistan
Despite the recent failures, the PCB has retained Shan Masood as captain to lead the team into battle. Notably, star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have also been included in the squad, despite their lackluster performance in the previous series. The selection reflects the board’s belief in the players’ potential to perform better against a formidable opponent like England.
Squad Announcement and Preparations
On September 24, the PCB revealed a 15-member squad for the first Test match, announcing that key players currently competing in the ongoing Champions One Day Cup tournament will be given rest before the match. Following consultations with Test team coach Jason Gillespie, the board prioritized ensuring the players are well-rested and mentally prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Retaining Key Players Despite Setbacks
This week’s connection camp in Faisalabad served as a platform for team officials, players, and coaching staff to address critical issues, particularly the need for unity within the team. The discussions undoubtedly influenced the final squad selection. Key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Abdullah Shafiq, despite their poor performances against Bangladesh, are expected to rise to the occasion in this series.
Injury Updates and Squad Adjustments
Unfortunately, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the squad due to injury, leading to the inclusion of spinner Noman Ali, who has previously played 15 Test matches. Additionally, batsman Mohammad Huraira has returned to the squad, although it seems unlikely he will make his Test debut during this series.
Unfortunate Exclusions Amid Controversy
The board’s decision to drop experienced batsman Kamran Ghulam, who was part of the squad against Bangladesh but did not get the opportunity to play, has raised eyebrows. Ghulam is currently performing well in the Champions ODI Cup, having scored 248 runs and holding the second position in the tournament’s run charts. His exclusion without a fair chance reflects the complexities of team selection processes in professional cricket.
Upcoming Matches and Conditions
This three-match Test series will be held exclusively in Multan and Rawalpindi, with the first two Tests taking place in Multan and the final Test in Rawalpindiโwhere Pakistan faced defeat against Bangladesh in the earlier series. This setting adds extra pressure on the team as they aim to reverse their fortunes and reclaim their competitive edge.
Pakistan Squad Overview
The following players have been selected for the first Test against England:
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Saim Ayub
- Saud Shakeel
- Babar Azam
- Abdullah Shafiq
- Aamir Jamal
- Abrar Ahmed
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Naseem Shah
- Noman Ali
- Salman Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
As the team prepares for this crucial series, fans will be hopeful for a turnaround in fortunes and will be eagerly watching how the squad performs against a strong England side.
