SYDNEY, Australia: Pakistan has unveiled their lineup for the New Year’s Test versus Australia, commencing on Wednesday, January 3.
Notably absent from the roster are Imam-ul-Haq, the opener, and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. In their places step in Saim Ayub, a 21-year-old, and Sajid Khan, aged 30, both making significant leaps into the team.
🚨 Our playing XI for the SCG Test 🚨#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/xTJzOcgy2n
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 2, 2024
Saim, debuting in T20Is just last March, earns his spot on the back of impressive List A performances with Karachi. This will mark his premiere in Test cricket. Across his 8 T20Is, he’s secured 123 runs, boasting an average of 17.57.
Sajid Khan reenters the Test side after nearly a two-year hiatus, last seen against Australia in March 2022 during Pakistan’s home series. His Test record includes 22 wickets across seven games.
In tandem, Australia declared their playing XI for the upcoming match, opting to maintain their lineup from the previous Test. Additionally, this match signals David Warner’s final appearance in an Australian Test uniform.
The third Test, scheduled in Sydney from January 3 to 7, will occur with Australia already holding an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series, currently occupying the No.3 position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the third Test comprises: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal.
