Domestic Standouts Earn Pakistan Test Squad Calls
Pakistan’s selectors have named a 17-member Test squad for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, featuring some familiar faces along with a few new additions rewarded for their consistent domestic performances.
Veteran fast bowler Naseem Shah returns to the fold after a 13-month absence, while Saud Shakeel has been appointed as vice-captain, taking over the role from the rested Shaheen Shah Afridi. The selectors have also handed call-ups to batter Kamran Ghulam, pacer Mohammad Ali, and young batting sensation Muhammad Huraira.
Shan Masood will lead the side, with the selectors citing a strategic decision to manage the workload of lead fast bowler Shaheen during Pakistan’s packed schedule over the next eight months. Aamer Jamal has also been included, subject to his fitness.
Kamran Ghulam, who was part of the squad for the home Tests against New Zealand in 2022-23 but is yet to make his debut, has strengthened his case with a prolific 2023-24 domestic season, amassing 1025 runs in 11 first-class matches. He also impressed with scores of 100* and 48 against Bangladesh A last month.
Mohammad Ali, who last played Tests in December 2022 against England, has been rewarded for his remarkable performances, taking 24 wickets in six first-class games in 2022-23 and a further 47 wickets in 14 matches the following season. He shone against Bangladesh A as well, claiming nine scalps, including a 6-for in the second innings.
The 22-year-old Muhammad Huraira, who was part of the Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour in July 2023 but didn’t feature, has been given another opportunity after a stellar domestic run. He averaged 56.24 from 39 first-class games, which included a double-century against Bangladesh A last month. Huraira was the only batter to score over 1000 runs in the 2022-23 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and followed it up with another 961 runs in the 2023-24 season.
The two-match Test series against Bangladesh, part of the World Test Championship, will be played from August 21-25 in Rawalpindi and August 30-September 3 in Karachi. The Pakistan Shaheen squad for the upcoming four-day game against Bangladesh A has also been announced, with Shakeel leading the side.
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