Pakistan Announce 15-Player Squad for First Test Against England in Multan
Pakistan Announce 15-Player Squad for First Test Against England in Multan: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-player squad on Tuesday for the first Test against England, set to be held in Multan from 7-11 October. The eagerly awaited Test match is the opening fixture of a two-match series, with the squad handpicked to face a challenging English side.
In line with the announcement, the PCB has also confirmed that the selected players have been withdrawn from the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup playoffs. This decision, made on the recommendation of head coach Jason Gillespie, aims to give the squad sufficient rest before the crucial Test series. The squad is set to gather in Multan on Monday, 30 September, with a training camp scheduled to commence on 1 October.
Squad for the First Test:
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
- Naseem Shah
- Noman Ali
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
The most notable inclusion in the squad is left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who has made a solid impact in Test cricket, taking 47 wickets in just 15 matches. Ali has been brought in to replace fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who was ruled out of the series due to injury.
Under the leadership of Shan Masood, who has been appointed captain for the series, Pakistan will rely on a blend of experienced stars and rising talent. The lineup features seasoned players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside promising newcomers like Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed.
Head coach Jason Gillespie’s focus on rest and preparation reflects the team’s determination to bounce back after a competitive few months. The resting of key players from domestic playoff duties signals the importance of the Test series against England, which marks a significant challenge for the team, particularly as they build toward the next Test Championship cycle.
Although Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali were part of the squad for the previous Test series against Bangladesh, they have not been selected for this match. However, the selectors reiterated that these players remain an integral part of future plans. The decision to limit the squad to 15 players stems from a desire for consistency and continuity, according to the selectors.
Ghulam and Ali have been encouraged to continue playing in the domestic circuit, particularly the Champions One-Day Cup and the President’s Cup, starting on 3 October. This ensures that they remain match-fit and in form, keeping them ready for any future international duties.
With the first Test set to begin on 7 October, anticipation is high as Pakistan’s players gear up for an intense clash against a formidable English side. Fans will be keen to see how the mix of experience and youth in Pakistan’s squad will fare, especially on the turning tracks of Multan, where spinners like Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed are expected to play pivotal roles. The selection of a well-balanced squad emphasizes Pakistan’s ambition to make a strong statement in the series, with the first Test shaping up to be a thrilling contest.
