Pak vs Eng, 2nd Test: Pakistan has decided to rest its main batter Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and other key players from the ongoing two Tests against England. The remaining games between Pakistan and England will be played at Multan and Rawalpindi. Apart from this, spinner Abrar Ahmed is already out of action due to dengue fever.
Pakistan name squad for 2nd and 3rd England Tests
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 13, 2024
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/vWp6IJeDkj#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome
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Fresh Faces In The Squad
The four players who would depart the side are to be replaced with uncapped talents Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with the fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. Besides that, Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially released from the side of the first Test, were also included in the new list of 16.
Decision By The Selection Panel
It is after Pakistan lost the first Test as an innings defeat that has led to an overhauling of the selection panel. The new panel is largely comprised of Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, and Azhar Ali while Asad Shafiq, Hasan Cheema, and the team’s coach and captain.
Aaqib Javed’s Comment
Commenting on the selection process, Aaqib Javed said, “The team selection for Tests against Australia has been tough. We had in mind the fitness of the players, the need to regain the momentum of the series, and the fact that Pakistan boasts a very heavy international itinerary planned for 2024-25.”
Javed said, “Resting key players, as this would rejuvenate the lot and get them fit and confident to return stronger for future challenges. We are committed to supporting them during this period.”
Opportunities For Uncapped Players
The selection also opens up opportunities for uncapped players like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam besides Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood. Javed was of the view that these players would make the most of this opportunity against the mighty English team.
Pakistan Squad For 2nd And 3rd Tests
Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.
The second Test of the series will be played in Multan on October 15 when Pakistan seeks to come out of the woe of recent defeat.
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