In Pakistan cricket, several developments have unfolded after their disappointing performance in the ongoing World Cup 2023. Firstly, Chief Selector Inzamam ul Haq resigned, followed by the bowling coach. Now, Pakistan’s all-format captain, Babar Azam, has stepped down.
In addition, Pakistan’s crucial tour commences next month, involving three crucial test matches vital for their championship cycle. Notably, Pakistan has never clinched a test series on Australian soil, highlighting the tour’s difficulty. With the previous chief selector’s resignation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will appoint a new chief selector responsible for assembling the squad for the Australia series.
This article discusses the probable and strong candidate that will give the tough time to Aussies on this tour.
Also Read: The Struggle of Babar Azam against Left-Arm Spin – A Statistical Analysis
When will PCB announce the Squad for the Australia Series?
In the coming days, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the new selection committee and its head. Reports indicate that Wahab Riaz is the frontrunner for this position, as suggested by various sources and media reports.
This committee is scheduled to convene a crucial meeting between November 20 and 24 to determine the squad for the Australia Series. Sources also claimed that a camp would be conducted in order to finalise the squad and domestic performers should be preferred in this selection as well in the future.
Top Order
Regarding Pakistan’s opening combination, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafiq should be the primary choices. In spite of Imam’s recent poor performance, Pakistan does not take any risks in the absence of another emerging opener in Abdulah in this tour as Pakistan needs experience.
Sahibzada Farhan is expected to accompany the team as the third opener, owing to his excellent performance in recent years within the domestic circuit. Shan Masood, the newly appointed captain of Pakistan’s test team, will bat at number three, showcasing his skill and quality through an aggressive approach to batting.
Middle Order
Former Pakistan captain and one of the best batsmen in the world Babar Azam will hold his spot at number four. After stepping down, Babar’s extra pressure has now been released and hopefully, he will perform better as a batter. In addition, Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel will be included in the team.
Wicket Keepers
Sarfaraz Ahmed will serve as Pakistan’s primary wicket-keeper for this tour, given his outstanding recent performances both on the international and domestic circuit. Muhammad Rizwan will accompany the team as the backup wicketkeeper.
Spinners
Despite Australian pitches and conditions generally being unfavourable for spinners except at the Sydney pitch, the importance of spin bowling remains undeniable. Pakistan will likely field one specialist spinner in its playing eleven in the form of Abrar Ahmed. However, Nouman Ali will also be included in the Australia series as a backup spinner.
Fast Bowers
Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to lead the fast-bowling attack. Naseem Shah remains unfit and is undergoing rehabilitation, while Hassan Ali is expected to be Shaheen’s primary bowling partner.
Faheem Ashraf is likely to secure a spot in the squad as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Pakistan can also recall Mohammad Abbas and Mir Hamza to the squad for the Australia series due to their recent domestic performances.
Pakistan Probable Squad for Australia Series
Batters
- Abdullah Shafiq
- Imam ul Haq
- Shan Masood (Captain)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Agha Salman
- Sahibzada Farhan
Wicket Keepers
- Muhammad Rizwan
- Sarfazar Ahmed
Spinners
- Abrar Ahmed
- Nouman Ali
Fast Bowlers
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi
- Hassan Ali
- Haris Rauf
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Abbas
Also Read:
