PAK vs AUS: Hosts announce 16-member squad for Test series
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
Pakistan squad for Test series against Australia announced #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/j4O93DhbjR
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 9, 2022
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.