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PAK vs AUS: Hosts announce 16-member squad for Test series
Babar Azam will lead Pakistan (Photo credit: Twitter/@ICC)

PAK vs AUS: Hosts announce 16-member squad for Test series

Feb 09, 2022
12:17 pm

What's the story

Pakistan have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting March 4. The three-match Test series will be played in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. Haris Rauf and Shan Masood have returned to the squad. Pakistan have also named five reserve players with Yasir Shah being a part of that. Here are the key details.

Twitter Post

Squad announced for series versus Australia

Squad

A look at Pakistan's squad

Pakistan's 16-member squad for the Test series: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood Reserve players for the series: Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah

Australia

Hazlewood, Agar included in Australia's squad for Pakistan Tests

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia (CA) named an 18-man squad for their first tour of Pakistan in the 21st century. Ashton Agar has been recalled to Australia's squad as the third spinner. Ace seamer Josh Hazlewood, who picked a side strain during the Ashes series opener at the Gabba, has returned to Australia's main squad. He missed the last four Ashes Tests.

Duo

Rauf and Masood included

Rauf, who was part of the Test series against South Africa and Zimbabwe last year, has replaced off-spinner Bilal Asif in the squad. Asif was part of Pakistan's squad for the tour of Bangladesh but did not play. Masood has been brought back to replace Abid Ali, who is still in his rehabilitation process after being diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Reaction

We have opted for consistency: Muhammad Wasim

PCB chief selector Muhammad Wasim said, "We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary." "This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future," he added.

Information

A look at Australia's Test squad

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (vice-captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson

Information

Saqlain to be Pakistan's head coach

The PCB has confirmed that former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq will carry on as head coach for another 12 months. Also, former Aussie pacer Shaun Tait has been appointed as fast bowling coach for the same period. Mohammad Yousuf meanwhile will serve as batting coach.