Pakistan announce 16-member Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka

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Pakistan Test Squad announced for the 2 Test Matches against Sri Lanka

Lahore- September 23, 2017: The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq today announced 16-member squad in a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the UAE. The first Test match will commence from September 28, 2017 to October 2, 2017 in Abu Dhabi. The second and final Test match will be a day-night Test match starting in Dubai from October 6, 2017 to October 10, 2017.

The selected players are:

1. Azhar Ali

2. Shan Masood

3. Sami Aslam

4. Babar Azam

5. Asad Shafiq

6. Haris Sohail

7. Usman Salahuddin

8. Sarfraz Ahmed (Captain) (WK)

9. Mohammad Amir

10. Wahab Riaz

11. Hasan Ali

12. Mohammad Abbas

13. Mir Hamza

14. Yasir Shah

15. Bilal Asif

16. Mohammad Asghar

 

[Arham_PakFan]

So they left out Ahmed Shehzad...but picked Shan Masood.

 

[shah_1]

Looks like Azhar Ali will open yaaay

We will get see both Usman and Harris play in the first test match

 

[Fahdi]

Bilal Asif? Is he test class bowler? He is not really a proper batsman for test cricket from what I remember, so either we are too desperate for an offie or he has improved a lot.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Shan Masood is a terrible selection.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Bilal Asif? Is he test class bowler? He is not really a proper batsman for test cricket from what I remember, so either we are too desperate for an offie or he has improved a lot.

Yup, it's the first scenario. We are desperate for an off spinner as Sri Lanka will have many lefties in their batting order and he is the only off spinner apart from Mohammad Hafeez we have right now. I don't think he has improved or something.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I thought Mohammad Irfan the leggie would be here!

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Shan Masood is a terrible selection.

Azhar Ali is a confirm first opener.. Good they dont want move him around to no.3 and then back to opening again..

they are going for a left handed opener to make right-left combo which is good...

 

[Arsalan Pro]

I thought Mohammad Irfan the leggie would be here!

He was only on standby for Yasir Shah, that is his selection was only possible if Yasir failed to make the Test squad due to his fitness.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Yup, it's the first scenario. We are desperate for an off spinner as Sri Lanka will have many lefties in their batting order and he is the only off spinner apart from Mohammad Hafeez we have right now. I don't think he has improved or something.

Yes if they pick Hafeez then they cant find young replacements for MIS|YOU as Hafeez will stick to one spot in the 11

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Aside from Shan and Wahab,a good test squad.

Should have looked for a younger offie than Bilal,but lets see how he fares.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Azhar Ali is a confirm first opener.. Good they dont want move him around to no.3 and then back to opening again..

they are going for a left handed opener to make right-left combo which is good...

They should have selected Ahmed Shehzad as the backup opener instead of Shan Masood and for the right-left combo, Azhar and Sami should be used in both Tests against Sri Lanka.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

They should have selected Ahmed Shehzad as the backup opener instead of Shan Masood and for the right-left combo, Azhar and Sami should be used in both Tests against Sri Lanka.

Agree Shaan shouldnt have been selected but both shehzad and shaan are at the same level competing for a backup opener spot...

 

[asfandyar]

They have tried to negate the effect of playing conditions by including Shan Masood (left-handed opener) and Bilal Asif (offspinner). This may easily backfire, as mediocre players remain mediocre even if the playing conditions are tilted in their favor (left handed batsmen against slow left arm bowlers / off spinners against left handed batsmen).

 

[Sultan Baba]

Junaid Khan In Place Of Wahab
Umar Amin In Place Of Masood

 

[arehaan]

1. Sami A.
2. Azhar A.
3. Asad S.
4. Usman S.
5. H. Sohail
6. Babar A. ( I think he is the least experienced at first class level and should bat at 6)
7. Sarfraz A.
8. M. Amir
9. Yasir Shah
10. Hassan Ali / Bilal Asif (Depending on Conditions)
11. M. Abbas

With Harris Sohail you get a left arm spinning part timer so Asghar will have to wait for his chance.

 

[Cric1234]

They have tried to negate the effect of playing conditions by including Shan Masood (left-handed opener) and Bilal Asif (offspinner). This may easily backfire, as mediocre players remain mediocre even if the playing conditions are tilted in their favor (left handed batsmen against slow left arm bowlers / off spinners against left handed batsmen).

Somehow Shan Masood gets selected with a FC average in the 30s then you realise like Farhat before him he has good backing.

 

[Boi]

Good squad. I don't think Shan will play and we need an off spinning option so no harm in selecting Bilal.

 

[Markhor]

Other than Shan Masood it's a good squad. Plenty of young talent with some senior pros who need to step up in the post-Younis/Misbah era.

Pleased to hear Arthur and Inzamam not wanting to chop and change too much after the Iqbal Qasim and Haroon Rashid eras where we adopted a scattergun approach to selection.

I don't rate Bilal Asif but he's one of the very few off spinners in the country. Wahab Riaz should be kept away from LOIs but in Tests on dry, placid surfaces in the UAE he can provide pace and reverse swing.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Excited to see how Asghar develops and how Yasir Shah responds to the challenge from Shadab for his spot.

 

[Dios]

Why is a 32 year old who has played 15 FC matches to date in the Test squad?

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

So they left out Ahmed Shehzad...but picked Shan Masood.

Shezhad'dad isn't on the board

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Why is a 32 year old who has played 15 FC matches to date in the Test squad?

Because he is one of the few half decent offspiners in Pakistan and an okay slogger

It's a punt selection but a smart punt

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Good squad. I don't think Shan will play and we need an off spinning option so no harm in selecting Bilal.

If Azhar moves to 3 as expected than Shan will play

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Somehow Shan Masood gets selected with a FC average in the 30s then you realise like Farhat before him he has good backing.

Irony is that despite the obvious corruption Farhat did have great domestic stats

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Yasir and Irfan should be our 2 first choice spinners but unfortunately both are leggies.

 

[asadee]

If you listened to Sarfaraz's press conference it is clear that Azhar Ali will bat 1 down

 

[Boi]

If you listened to Sarfaraz's press conference it is clear that Azhar Ali will bat 1 down

What did he say?

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Yup, it's the first scenario. We are desperate for an off spinner as Sri Lanka will have many lefties in their batting order and he is the only off spinner apart from Mohammad Hafeez we have right now. I don't think he has improved or something.

Then they could have selected Mohammad Hafeez instead of Shan Masood. It's the same thing but Hafeez would have given us that off-spin option and Bilal wouldn't have been needed.

But yea I am sure Bilal won't get a game as that would disturb the balance of the side.

 

[Red Devil]

Bilal Asif might actually do decently on those Sri Lankan pitches.

 

[UN talkz]

Bilal Asif might actually do decently on those Sri Lankan pitches.

The test series is in UAE.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

If you listened to Sarfaraz's press conference it is clear that Azhar Ali will bat 1 down

yep
Azhar will definitely play at 3 if he is fit. So poor from management.
Haris and Usman >> Masood but they are worried because middle order will become very inexperienced.

 

[90MPH]

Glad to see Sami back.

It was disgraceful to drop him from the WI tour.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Some nice picks and I hope a guy like Mir Hamza gets a shot, but its extremely disappointing to see Shan Masood and Bilal Asif selected. There is nothing to suggest Masood is any good, he has been terrible over his International career, his FC record is mediocre as well. His technique is poor and he is not even that young. Just give up on him already.

If there is a format for Bilal Asif to be selected, its as a T20 specialist and nowhere near the ODI/Test format. If he plays, he will probably be awful.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

yep
Azhar will definitely play at 3 if he is fit. So poor from management.
Haris and Usman >> Masood but they are worried because middle order will become very inexperienced.

Oh once Shan masood gets a few low scores the management will go back to Azhar opening the innings. It's the Pakistani way of doing things!

Maar kha ke he akal ati is qaum ko!

 

[UN talkz]

Asad Shafiq has NOT been appointed as VC of Pakistan test team.. We have checked with PCB. No VC has been named yet.

 

[Brilliance]

1 Sami Aslam.
2 Azhar Ali.
3 Haris Sohail.
4 Asad Shafiq.
5 Usman Salahuddin.
6 Babar Azam.
7 Sarfaraz Ahmad.
8 Bilal Asif.
9 Yasir Shah.
10 Mohammad Amir.
11 Wahab Riaz.

 

[babajee]

Azhar Ali will essentially be opening anyway. What hope do you have from an opening pair including Shan Masood

 

[Dios]

Pakistan's Test squad should be

Sami Aslam
Ahmed Shehzad
Azhar Ali
Fawad Alam
Asad Shafiq (vc)
Sarfaraz Ahmed+*
Imad Wasim
Yasir Shah
Mohammad Amir
Wahab Riaz
Hasan Ali

Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mir Hamza

 

[shane]

I quite like Shan Masood, and I know Mickey Arthur does too. Given enough chances, he will come good.

As for Wahab Riaz, all I can say is "Why?" Is it because he bowls the occasional ball at 90mph (which normally ends up at the boundary)?

 

[Mainul]

Pakistani selectors never ran short of scandal!! This time they selected Masood again!!

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Shan Masood is the new Imran Farhat. Everyone in the media & Forums need to raise a voice about his continued selection & non performance.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I quite like Shan Masood, and I know Mickey Arthur does too. Given enough chances, he will come good.

As for Wahab Riaz, all I can say is "Why?" Is it because he bowls the occasional ball at 90mph (which normally ends up at the boundary)?

what evidence is there that he will come good?

He cant even come good in domestic cricket

 

[shane]

what evidence is there that he will come good?

He cant even come good in domestic cricket

It's not really possible to produce evidence of a future event. But if you are looking for signs, I do like the way he conducts himself on the field and Arthur says he works extremely hard. He has not produced the results yet, but a little patience will pay off here.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

It's not really possible to produce evidence of a future event. But if you are looking for signs, I do like the way he conducts himself on the field and Arthur says he works extremely hard. He has not produced the results yet, but a little patience will pay off here.

By that logic you can get any well meaning cricketer from regional cricket to play, the only difference between them and Shan is that Shan has the right father

Hard work is not a reason to select someone. It's performance

 

[Leo23]

Looks like Azhar Ali will open yaaay

We will get see both Usman and Harris play in the first test match

Azhar Ali is a confirm first opener.. Good they dont want move him around to no.3 and then back to opening again..

they are going for a left handed opener to make right-left combo which is good...

nope

azhar will bat at 3 and shan and sami will open

 

[Leo23]

i don't understand why some people are still struggling to realize that azhar will bat at 3. i mean its so obvious.

- the management will not introduce two new middle order batsmen at the same time

- babar is not comfortable at 3

the only question now now is whether haris plays or salahudin. it is down to haris's bowling vs salahudin's superior fitness.

 

[backfootpunch]

I'm dreading Sami and Shan opening. Score will go nowhere and every possibility that they will lose 2 quick wickets on the best batting surfaces in the globe - yet most PPers think SL are going to be defeated easily but I don't think so.

1-0 Pak or 1-1 SL. SL winning the series is also on the cards but unlikely.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

I'm dreading Sami and Shan opening. Score will go nowhere and every possibility that they will lose 2 quick wickets on the best batting surfaces in the globe - yet most PPers think SL are going to be defeated easily but I don't think so.

1-0 Pak or 1-1 SL. SL winning the series is also on the cards but unlikely.

Our bowling is pretty good and quite capable of restricting them to a lower total than what we score.

 

[Leo23]

I'm dreading Sami and Shan opening. Score will go nowhere and every possibility that they will lose 2 quick wickets on the best batting surfaces in the globe - yet most PPers think SL are going to be defeated easily but I don't think so.

1-0 Pak or 1-1 SL. SL winning the series is also on the cards but unlikely.

the main reason why sami was dropped was because he was extremely defensive. as a result the scoreboard did not move and he will waste balls building pressure on himself. that imo was also the main reason for his flow show in australia.

you cannot block your way to runs in australia and you need to show intent and play your shots

sami responded well in the pakistan cup where he scored at a high strike rate. i am confident he will manage have a healthier strike rate this time around.

shan is hopeless case but he might make merry against his favorite opposition who have a c grade attack

 

[htariq25]

Loads of bowlers selected for a 2 match series. Mir Hamza is a bit of an unnecessary selection.

 

[htariq25]

I'm actually sorta happy with the selection of bilal asif considering we needed an off spinner who can bat a bit and I prefer him to Hafeez.

 

[backfootpunch]

Our bowling is pretty good and quite capable of restricting them to a lower total than what we score.

I agree but UAE isn't easy to get wickets and also who knows if Yasir fails his fitness test.

 

[backfootpunch]

the main reason why sami was dropped was because he was extremely defensive. as a result the scoreboard did not move and he will waste balls building pressure on himself. that imo was also the main reason for his flow show in australia.

you cannot block your way to runs in australia and you need to show intent and play your shots

sami responded well in the pakistan cup where he scored at a high strike rate. i am confident he will manage have a healthier strike rate this time around.

shan is hopeless case but he might make merry against his favorite opposition who have a c grade attack

You could be right about Sami, he did respond in the Pakistan Cup to Inzy when he was told by him that he needs to score quicker after his exclusion. The 169 he scored was a terrific innings and a great insight to his potential.

But having said all that last year in UAE he was still awfully slow on such true batting wickets - I don't know if he's playing for his place or he feels under pressure at intl cricket but this inhibitory mindset has to disappear if he is going to prevail at the top level.

Personally I would have given him another 2 seasons of FC before considering him.

Shan Masood obviously has contacts up in the PCB - that's an open secret.

 

[MMHS]

Azhar, Sami
Babar, Haris, Sarfraz, Asad
Bilal
Yasir, Amir, Hasan, Asghar

should be the team. Bilal is a strategic pick, against 4/5 lefties, also in this heat, 5th bowler is a must.

 

[Abdullah719]

Azhar, Sami
Babar, Haris, Sarfraz, Asad
Bilal
Yasir, Amir, Hasan, Asghar

should be the team. Bilal is a strategic pick, against 4/5 lefties, also in this heat, 5th bowler is a must.

Sarfaraz basically ruled this out at the press conference. Clearly said that they're looking to go with a 6bat+1wk combination, plus either 3+1 or 2+2 pace/spin options.

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar
Sami
Babar
Harris
Asad
Saluhdain
Sarfraz
Hasan
Asghar
Yasir
Amir

Don't think Bilal Asif is a long term opition tbh so would rather go with 4 bowlers. Salahuddin deserves a chance, we already know what Harris is capable off.

Azhar should stay as an opener, Pakistan think tank will again prove why they are useless if they drop him to 3 when he is performing even better as an opener than at 3. Sami should start of Shan who is usless. Asghar deserves a chance, he can prove a good foil for Yasir.

 

[mak36]

I'm dreading Sami and Shan opening. Score will go nowhere and every possibility that they will lose 2 quick wickets on the best batting surfaces in the globe - yet most PPers think SL are going to be defeated easily but I don't think so.

1-0 Pak or 1-1 SL. SL winning the series is also on the cards but unlikely.

So in other words, Pakistan could either win, draw or lose the series. How insightful.

 

[backfootpunch]

So in other words, Pakistan could either win, draw or lose the series. How insightful.

I'm saying Pakistan won't whitewash SL

 

[mak36]

Sami will be gold- mark my words. Mickey just needs to give him his full backing, and Sami will make that position his own for years to come.

Will be keeping a close eye on his s/r this series.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Sami will be gold- mark my words. Mickey just needs to give him his full backing, and Sami will make that position his own for years to come.

Will be keeping a close eye on his s/r this series.

I get a feeling that Sami will make a strong comeback after he is dropped. I agree with you. He will make the opening position his own and soon will be making a case as odi opener. The kid has this kind of personality.

 

[babajee]

I get a feeling that Sami will make a strong comeback after he is dropped. I agree with you. He will make the opening position his own and soon will be making a case as odi opener. The kid has this kind of personality.

New username:
AzharSamiHarisBabarUsman(No 6)Sarfi

Who do you think we need at no 6 [MENTION=143023]SarfiBabarHaris[/MENTION]. Your opinion is gold!

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

New username:
AzharSamiHarisBabarUsman(No 6)Sarfi

Who do you think we need at no 6 [MENTION=143023]SarfiBabarHaris[/MENTION]. Your opinion is gold!

Hahah no username will not be changed ;p agr hua bhi to Shadab aye ga as he is my 4th fav player
Apart from Haris, Babar and Usman the 4th middle order batsman that I like is Saud Shakeel. I think he will come good in long term. I have to see him and Usman more though because there is more to game than batting ability.

 

[Saj]

Overall a good squad. Can't really argue with most of the selections.

 

[mak36]

I get a feeling that Sami will make a strong comeback after he is dropped. I agree with you. He will make the opening position his own and soon will be making a case as odi opener. The kid has this kind of personality.

Happy to see we are of one mind.

Good point regarding ODIs. He was written off too early, he has certainly shown he has the ability for the shorter format.

 

[mak36]

Hahah no username will not be changed ;p agr hua bhi to Shadab aye ga as he is my 4th fav player
Apart from Haris, Babar and Usman the 4th middle order batsman that I like is Saud Shakeel. I think he will come good in long term. I have to see him and Usman more though because there is more to game than batting ability.

There's certainly a lot to like regarding the current Pakistan team. So much potential brimming in these young players.

Saud Shakeel is a special talent. His cover drive is Sangakarra-esque. Unfortunately he hasn't done too well in recent A tours, but I am optimistic he will turn it around.

 

[mak36]

Overall a good squad. Can't really argue with most of the selections.

Do you know what the management think of Agha Salman? Surprised Bilal Asif was picked ahead of him.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Aside from Shan and Wahab,a good test squad.

Should have looked for a younger offie than Bilal,but lets see how he fares.

How about Arsal Shaikh!

 

[mak36]

How about Arsal Shaikh!

Suddenly the selection of Bilal Asif seems a brilliant idea.

 

[coy0607]

If you listened to Sarfaraz's press conference it is clear that Azhar Ali will bat 1 down

Yep. Mickey had been indicating that for a week.

Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are set to open.

One of Usman or Haris will make the first test- most likely Usman since Haris has played virtually no cricket in the last 18 months other than 4-5 List A matches

 

[MMHS]

Sarfaraz basically ruled this out at the press conference. Clearly said that they're looking to go with a 6bat+1wk combination, plus either 3+1 or 2+2 pace/spin options.

Not a bad idea, if it's a 5 day wicket - Azhar, Haris, Babar can manage 20 overs between them. Problem is, Abu Dhabi wicket is a 10 day wicket.

If 614 was the strategy, then I have to say Inzi's selection was flawed - Bilal can never make the team as off spinner only. In that regard, they should have opted for 3rd specialist spinner, preferably an offie.

This is one issue, I wrote 2 years bac & that actually did cost PAK Abu Dhabi Test, after posting 550+ against Poms. If it's given that PAK will go with 2 spinners & no 2.5 with a spin all rounder - in that case, they should have picked Irfan instead of Bilal for squad, or at least Shadab. Just in case if one of the spinners get injured, team'll be forced to play 3 pacers. India is by far the best team on such tracks - one reason being that, they are spot on in their strategy & team selection. India has unlimited resources of such "spinal-rounders", but they always pick 3 specialist spinners in even 13 men squad, to make sure that at least 2 spinners has to do something wrong before toss, if they are are to miss out playing with 2 specialist spinners.

Asghar is on debut, while Yasir had a failed fitness test couple of days back - and, Inzi has picked a squad with 2 specialist spinners & Sarfu is telling that, he is ready to risk 125+ overs from Yasir & the kid without back-up in XI, on a track, that breaks after 7 days & offers absolutely nothing to the pacers. I wish, SRL doesn't get away with 0-0 in this series, after sufferring 3 (2) straight inning nfs defeat at home to India.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Happy to see we are of one mind.

Good point regarding ODIs. He was written off too early, he has certainly shown he has the ability for the shorter format.

Sami seems like that kid in class jisko ap khtay ho k you are limited and you won't succeed and then he takes it at heart and comes back hardly..

One of my concern is k he is too concerned about his stats but he is young and I hope he will soon understand putting the first and foremost. On track now...

 

[hussain.r97]

Sarfaraz basically ruled this out at the press conference. Clearly said that they're looking to go with a 6bat+1wk combination, plus either 3+1 or 2+2 pace/spin options.

In that case, I am hoping for.

Azhar; Sami; Babar; Haris; Usman; Asad; Sarfraz+*; Amir; Yasir; Hasan; Asghar

Haris, Azhar, and Babar can share a few overs.

 

[Saj]

2 questionable selections I guess. Shan Masood and Wahab Riaz.

Both need to really up their game as neither has really performed well enough given the chances they have had.

 

[hadi123]

2 questionable selections I guess. Shan Masood and Wahab Riaz.

Both need to really up their game as neither has really performed well enough given the chances they have had.

Agree with you there. Bilal Asif's selection has raised a few eyebrows among some fans but I think as it's in UAE where the pitches are better for spinners, you do need an off break bowler in the squad and I think Inzi feels it's time to move on from Hafeez

 

[Lefthanded]

So, Haris Sohail hasn't played first class cricket since 2014.

I have no earthly idea why he's been selected for Test matches.

Also, is this sort of thing common in Pakistan or anywhere else? Selecting someone for Tests who hasn't played four day cricket in years?

 

[Lefthanded]

Bilal Asif, "32 year old" who has played 15 FC matches over 6 years in which he averages 19 with the bat and 38 with the ball. In List A, 19 with bat and 32 with the ball.

All rounder?

What sense is the logic in selecting him?

 

[Amjid Javed]

2 questionable selections I guess. Shan Masood and Wahab Riaz.

Both need to really up their game as neither has really performed well enough given the chances they have had.

Sad to see both players selected. Wahab on past reputation but hes flattered to decieve to often and should not have been included.

Shan masood, well i guess he fills the speaks good english and hes got good fitness quota required for the team.

Sad to see certain players still being picked based on non-cricketing reasons.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Bilal Asif, "32 year old" who has played 15 FC matches over 6 years in which he averages 19 with the bat and 38 with the ball. In List A, 19 with bat and 32 with the ball.

All rounder?

What sense is the logic in selecting him?

There is none. The only format Bilal Asif should be considered and possibly selected for is T20, which he still hasn't despite it overwhelming being his best format.

If Pakistan wanted an all-rounder off spin option that badly and didn't want to take Hafeez, then select Iftikhar Ahmed.

 

[Abdullah719]

There is none. The only format Bilal Asif should be considered and possibly selected for is T20, which he still hasn't despite it overwhelming being his best format.

If Pakistan wanted an all-rounder off spin option that badly and didn't want to take Hafeez, then select Iftikhar Ahmed.

Iftikhar is a darter. I'm sure Bilal is a better offie, he's more conventional IIRC.

Another name that should have been considered is Agha Salman.