The Newly appointed Chief Selector Wahab Riaz, has announced an 18-man Test team for the coming tour of Australia. In particular, left-handed opening batsman Saim Ayub gained his first Test call-up after excellent performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24.
Shan Masood will captain the team for the first time on their tour to Australia. The Tour starts from December 14, 2023 till January 7, 2024.
🚨 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 🚨
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 20, 2023
Our 18-member squad for the three-match Test series against Australia 🇵🇰
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/eHP9NXPkOu#AUSvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/ioKnv0cBxJ
The 1st test will starts on December 14,2023, following with 2nd test match as boxing day test from December 26,2023. The 3rd and the last test match will commence on January 3, 2024.
Saim’s outstanding season, in which he scored 553 runs and three hundreds, including a match-winning double-century, has won him a position on the red-ball squad. Also, Khurram Shehzad, the top wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 36 wickets, earns his first Test call-up, adding a formidable bowling option to the side.
Faheem Ashraf’s comeback to the Test side following his last appearance in 2022 brings experience to the team. In addition, left-arm pacer Mir Hamza and Mohammad Wasim Jr return, adding to the squad’s depth.
The newly appointed chief selector Wahab Riaz emphasized the confidence on the Squad. “The team formed with a focus on the challenging Australian conditions.”, He stated. He underlined the need of pitch consideration, with a concentration on pace bowling resources to provide flexibility in squad combinations over the three Test matches.
Chief selector Wahab Riaz announces Pakistan squad for Australia series #AUSvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/9kR7vh1ofZ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 20, 2023
Wahab said of Saim Ayub’s inclusion, “His inclusion will strengthen our solid batting line-up,” referring to Saim Ayub’s outstanding domestic season, which made a compelling argument for selection.
As Pakistan looks to build on their success in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, the squad is strategically prepared with the tools needed to navigate the demands of the Australia series.
