Chief selector Wahab Riaz has unveiled the 18-member Pakistan Test squad for the upcoming tour to Australia, featuring three matches from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
This marks Wahab’s first assignment since assuming the role of the head of the national men’s selection committee, and Shan Masood is named captain following Babar Azam’s resignation.
Masood is appointed as Pakistan’s captain for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle after taking over from Babar post a disappointing World Cup campaign. Haris Rauf, initially committed to playing Test cricket, has pulled out, citing concerns about potential fitness issues during the tour.
In his debut press conference as chief selector, Wahab Riaz expressed disappointment with Rauf’s withdrawal, emphasizing the efforts made to accommodate him. Despite assurances from the fitness consultant, Rauf withdrew at the last moment, posing a setback to Pakistan.
Maiden selections include left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub, recognized for his outstanding performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, and right-arm fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, based on his successful domestic season.
Returning to the squad are pace bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, and right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim Jnr, each bringing valuable experience. The selection aims to address the challenges of Australian conditions, with a focus on flexibility in team combinations.
The squad, assembling in Rawalpindi on November 22, will undergo a training camp from November 23 to 28 at Pindi Cricket Stadium before departing on November 30. The selected players are joined by additional invitees for the camp, including Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir.
The squad for the Australia tour comprises Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The tour schedule includes the First Test at Perth Stadium from December 14-18, the Second Test at MCG from December 26-30, and the Third Test at SCG from January 3-7.
