The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled the Test squad that will compete in the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. Newly-appointed Test captain Shan Masood will lead the squad, marking a significant development in the team’s leadership. The Test series is scheduled to take place in Australia, and the team is gearing up for the challenging matches ahead.
Shan Masood, who recently assumed the role of Test captain, steps into the leadership position following Babar Azam’s decision to step down as the skipper across all formats. Babar’s departure from the captaincy comes after a disappointing campaign in the World Cup 2023, prompting a shift in leadership dynamics.
The squad for the Test series includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, reflecting the PCB’s strategy to build a competitive team for the challenges posed by the Australian cricketing conditions. The selected players have a crucial role in maintaining the team’s performance standards and adapting to the demands of the Australian pitches.
The announced squad comprises the following players:
- 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 three Test matches, providing ample opportunities for the players to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success:
First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium
Second Test: December 26-30, MCG
Third Test: January 3-7, SCG
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits this exciting Test series between Pakistan and Australia, fans and experts alike anticipate a fiercely contested battle on the cricket field. The selection of Shan Masood as captain adds an intriguing element to Pakistan’s approach, and the team aims to make a mark with their performance Down Under.