Pakistan has announced its playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, which starts on August 21 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Shan Masood will lead the team for the first time in a home series. He will be joined at the top of the order by Abdullah Shafique, while Saud Shakeel and the dependable Babar Azam will strengthen the middle order.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the attack in the fast bowling department, supported by Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, and the promising Khurram Shahzad. This pace quartet is expected to play a vital role on the Rawalpindi pitch, which favors fast bowlers. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will be the team’s only spinner, offering bowling and batting skills.
Mohammad Rizwan, the reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, will stabilize the middle order.
This Test will also mark Jason Gillespie’s debut as the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, adding excitement to the series.
The announcement comes after all-rounder Aamer Jamal was released from the squad due to a back injury. Jamal, injured while playing county cricket for Warwickshire, was initially included in the team. Still, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed his release to focus on recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saim Ayub
- Shan Masood (c)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Ali
- Khurram Shahzad
Series schedule:
- 1st Test: August 21 – 25 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- 2nd Test: August 30 – September 4 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
