Pakistan have officially announced their playing XI for the first Test of three-match series against England, set to commence on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. This match marks an important moment for Pakistan as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 series defeat against Bangladesh earlier this year.
In fact, they have lost five consecutive Tests and suffered five defeats in their last seven home Tests. Despite this, Pakistan did not make significant efforts to address their struggles. The Test players were involved in a domestic one-day tournament during the intervening period, and their only red-ball practice was a five-day pre-series camp in Multan.
Key changes and strategy
Shan Masood will continue to lead Pakistan as they opt for a bowling attack comprising three seamers and one specialist spinner in form of Abrar Ahmed. Salman Ali Agha could also contribute as a part-time off-spinner if needed.
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi couldn’t find a place in Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh. Along with Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Aamir Jamal have been included in the starting XI for the first Test against England. Naseem was dropped from the second Test versus Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, while Jamal missed the entire red-ball series due to back injury.
Also READ: England announces playing XI for the first Test match against Pakistan
In the pre-match press-conference, skipper Shan Masood acknowledged the challenge England can post even in the absence of their injured captain Ben Stokes. “Stokes’s absence will definitely affect England, but their playing XI is still strong,” he said.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test against England
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.