Sports Desk
LAHORE: Strong first-class performances have earned mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Mohammad Ali their first-ever Test call-ups.
Earlier, Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim announced an 18-person roster for Pakistan’s three-match ICC World Test Championship series against England in December.
Abrar, 24, is in hot form in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The bowler had taken 43 wickets at an average of 21.95 before the final round of the trophy began on Sunday (20 November). In six games, he has taken 5 five-wicket hauls, which have been a critical factor in lifting his team’s opportunities to reach the tournament finals.
Pace sensation Mohammad Ali of Central Punjab has been the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy’s top fast bowler for the past two seasons, taking 56 wickets. Ali is also known for his 24 wickets, which includes 2 five-wicket hauls, at 25.54 in six games — the most wickets for a fast bowler in the first-class season. Furthermore, in eight games in 2021–2022, he took 32 wickets at a strike rate of 22.78, which was also the most for a fast bowler.
Pakistan Cricket Team Squad:
Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Adnan Ahmad, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imam ul Haq, M. Ali, M. Nawaz, M. Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfraz Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood.
The team has undergone four changes since Pakistan’s most recent Test match, which was played in Sri Lanka and resulted in a 1-1 tie in the two-match series. Hasan Ali, Fawad Alam, Yasir Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are the four players who have not made it to the squad.
Uncapped Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Zahid Mehmood return to the squad. Both were part of the Test team for the three Tests against Australia earlier this year.
“This series has provided opportunities to Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zahid Mehmood, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Ali,” said Chief Selector M. Wasim.
Abrar Ahmad:
“Abrar has been in sights since his debut first-class season in 2020-21,” he added.
“He is in exceptional form this season, so it makes sense to make him available to Babar Azam (captain) so he can use the conviction and talent of this youngster in the upcoming series,” said the selector.
Zahid Mehmood:
“Zahid Mehmood is another bowler who has been in the considerations. He has shown progress over the years and has been part of the consecutive squads,” added Wasim.
Mohammad Wasim Jr:
“We have amplified our fast bowling options with the best available talent. There is no question about the abilities of Mohammad Wasim Jr. He swings the new and old ball sideways at a high pace, which is a massive advantage for any side,” the selector added.
Mohammad Ali:
While talking about pacer Mohammad Ali, the selector said, “Mohammad Ali has shown great tolerance and command, and his numbers voice his coherence. He has been our finest pace bowler in the QEA Trophy with 56 wickets, averaging 24 over the last two seasons.”
M.Wasim said that he was confident of the selection. “I am confident that this team will ensure that the upcoming Test series against England will end in the same manner as it did when they last toured Pakistan in 2005.”
England will tour Pakistan for a three-match test series scheduled in December. The teams will play the first test match in Rawalpindi on 1-5 December 2022.
Multan will host the second test match from 9-13 December, whereas the teams will play the final test in Karachi from 17-23 December.
