Pakistan squad for the 3-match Test series against Australia announced

[MenInG]

Lahore, 9 February 2022: Pakistan cricket selectors today announced 16 players and five reserves for the three Tests against Australia, which will be played in Rawalpindi (4-8 March), Karachi (12-16 March) and Lahore (21-25 March).

From the series against Bangladesh, three changes have been made in the national squad.

Haris Rauf, who was in the side for the South Africa and Zimbabwe Tests in 2021, has returned to replace off-spinner Bilal Asif, while Shan Masood, who last played in New Zealand in the 2020-21 season, has taken over from Abid Ali, who is completing his rehabilitation after being diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Yasir Shah has been added to the reserve pool.

Test players who are not involved in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 will assemble in Karachi on Wednesday, 16 February, for a training camp that will be held at the National Stadium.

Test squad:

Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab)

Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab)

Azhar Ali (Central Punjab)

Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab)

Fawad Alam (Sindh)

Haris Rauf (Northern)

Hasan Ali (Central Punjab)

Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan)

Mohammad Nawaz (Northern)

Nauman Ali (Northern)

Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Saud Shakeel (Sindh)

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Shan Masood (Balochistan)

Zahid Mahmood (Sindh)

Reserves

Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab)

Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab)

Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh)

Yasir Shah (Balochistan)

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim: “We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary. This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future.

“These are the best available, most talented and in-form players in the domestic circuit. I am confident they will put up an impressive performance against a formidable Australia side.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed Saqlain Mushtaq will continue as head coach for another 12 months, while it also announced the appointments of Shaun Tait as fast bowling coach for 12 months and Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach for the Australia series.

Player Support Personnel: Mansoor Rana (manager), Saqlain Mushtaq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach), Shaun Tait (bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaiman (trainer/strength and conditioning coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media and digital manager), Col (retd) Usman Anwari (security manager), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

 

[MenInG]

 

[Savak]

Shaun Tait? Not sure if he is a wise appointment over Philander

 

[Moiz14]

Philander for t20 World Cup who is one of the best test bowlers in the world and Shaun Tait for tests who was one of the best in white ball during his prime.. Hats off PCB... ������

 

[Savak]

Good to see Ramiz put aside his differences with Yousaf for the greater good of the team

 

[Moiz14]

Nice squad.. I think he has selected everyone to escape from critics.. I mean 16 players and 5 reserves.. 21 players in a home series .... Nothing left..
Don't know the romance of M. Waseem for Azhar Ali and this senior player culture.. He is not worth it since 2 years at least.. Abdullah and shan should open and Saud should come 1 down now just like Azhar Ali was given chance when he was of Saud's age.. Look at India.. They have replaced Pujara and Rahane... Far far better players and performers than Azhar but we are stuck with same midget mindset... Thank God yasir is gone to reserves

 

[Titan24]

Decent squad, good to see Nawaz there as I think he is one of the most accurate spinners around and he has developed the ability to spin the ball as well in last couple of years with more revs that he impart alongside obviously his batting ability.

Haris Rauf over Naseem is the only surprise but, Haris' sixfer in QAE seemed to have impressed the selectors alongside him having more exposure to international cricket. Question would be that if he will be able to maintain consistent line and length when required if he gets a game.

This squad allows Pakistan to cover all combinations in the bowling attack. If they want three frontline pacers they can have Nawaz as the all rounder followed by a frontline spinner and if they want two frontline spinners they can go with Faheem Ashraf as the all rounder alongside two frontline pacers.

 

[Moiz14]

If they are so keen to see Harris as test bowler then when on earth will we see him getting test debut?? I mean he is occasionally added to the tests but just as a viewer...
And how is bilal asif dropped now without even getting a single game??? Unbelievable... Incompetent M. Wasim... He should be asked

 

[Titan24]

Shaun Tait? Not sure if he is a wise appointment over Philander

Yes not sure what are the credentials of Tait in coaching especially in red ball cricket. I think he was recently appointed as the bowling coach of Afghanistan few months ago but, he decided to quit when Klusener didn't want to continue as well.

 

[Titan24]

If they are so keen to see Harris as test bowler then when on earth will we see him getting test debut?? I mean he is occasionally added to the tests but just as a viewer...
And how is bilal asif dropped now without even getting a single game??? Unbelievable... Incompetent M. Wasim... He should be asked

Bilal Asif played two QAE matches this season in early November and he went for 1/143 and 2/117 in the two innings he bowled. Not sure if its something to do with his fitness but, he hasnt bowled or performed much in last 3 months or so. Even in QAE 2020 he took just 6 wickets in 3 matches at an avg of 70 odd.

The only reason I can think of why he was added was that Sajid was unknown commodity at international level and selectors wanted a backup off spinner (There arent many around).

 

[Shafi]

4 useless players again. Nauman, Fahim, Azhar and Sarfraz. Nauman was struggling to get a single wicket in a spin pitch against Bangladesh and now Aussie batsmen will eat him alive. Fahim is neither a bowler nor a batsman. Azhar and Sarfraz finished but due to their connection they keep retaining the place. Pathetic.

 

[Shafi]

So no good foreign coach has applied for the head coach position. Looks like PCB has lack of fund to attract good foreign coaches.
Also why bother advertise for head coach if they already had Saqlain in their mind? Another Misbah saga.

 

[DRsohail]

Azhar Kai Sarfaraz , Mohammad Abbas and Numan Ali are the most pathetic slecetions , Yasir Shah still there lol.

 

[Shafi]

Azhar Kai Sarfaraz , Mohammad Abbas and Numan Ali are the most pathetic slecetions , Yasir Shah still there lol.

Sarfraz is a political election so as Azhar. Nauman and Yasir will be murdered by Aussie batsmen. 3-0 for Astralia.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Haris Rauf being the third pacer doesn't look well on paper with only 4 FC games under his belt. We don't have a realistic option of 3rd pacer, someone under 30 with 100+ wickets averaging under 30 apart from Ehsan Adil, Zia ul Haq and Sameen Gul I guess. Of these three, Ehsan Adil and Zia were out of form in the recent QeA trophy. Sameen was in fine form though. Some damning stats.

Nauman was pretty harmless in Bangladesh. Let's see how his form is currently.

 

[shariqnoor]

We keep selecting Shan Masood in his worst format. Azhar Ali is awful yet will play all 6 innings to average 21. The only good thing in the squad is that Yasir Shah is out of the team. But then we have two spinners in Sajid and Nauman who both will be harmless to Australia. It's a terrible team but I guess this is really the best Pakistan has. Australia should easily win the series if not clean sweep it. People will now realise that UAE is what ensured Pakistan's dominance. Playing in Pakistan hurts Pakistan more as the pitches dont turn here.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Cant blame Mo. Wasim too much here
. Pakistan's issues will revolve around 3rd pacer and/or 2nd spinner. Nauman looked very ordinary in BD and I'm not sure what Yasir has left in the tank.

Rauf's consistent selection in the test squad is interesting. He hasnt played anywhere near enough FC cricket nor is he a spring chicken but the selectors seem hell bent on having outright pace in the squad.

All in all, I dont think a better squad could have been selected considering the recent QEA stats.

 

[Nasty Naz]

So many spin option selected when it is unlikely to be much of a factor. Seems like they don't have a spinner they trust yet and want as many options as possible.

3 openers in Imam/Shan/Shafique selected as Azhar spot at 3 is safe unfortunately. Rauf seems likely to make his Test debut at some point in the series. Not much of a FC track record but he has bowled well when he has. Will be interesting to watch.

Overall, Pakistan's weaknesses lie in their batting as it has been for years. The openers generally have been very poor along with Azhar being mediocre at 3 & Babar being not great at 4. I think Babar will need to have a great series for Pakistan to win.

 

[Amjid Javed]

useless quota filled

Azhar Ali
Faheem Ashraf
Sarfaraz Ahmed
imam ul haq
Shan Masood

Always going backwards

Pakistans top 3 will be the reason they will now struggle in this series.

 

[Amjid Javed]

pakistan playing just 5 frontline batsmen with a shambolic top 3 will be exposed, we have got away with that in last few home test series and away to WI

 

[Energy]

Nawaz's selection is positive and allows us to play an extra fast bowler. A good strategy for the opening Pindi test.

 

[Omer2002]

Nawaz is definately a good selection but our spinners are not good enough. I think the Aussies will beat us easily for some reason. faddy and Azar havent played for a while. Naseem over Rauf would have been better.

 

[Shafi]

Looks like even Australia has far better spinner than us. Their fast bowling is really good so as batting. 3-0 for Australia. Saqlain will keep play Azhar & Nauman whole series regardless performance.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

useless quota filled

Azhar Ali
Faheem Ashraf
Sarfaraz Ahmed
imam ul haq
Shan Masood

Always going backwards

Pakistans top 3 will be the reason they will now struggle in this series.

Add haris rauf to the list. Shan masood may be a good option for opening

 

[IMMY69]

Nawaz is a good selection although I would have liked to have seen Shadab given a go in home conditions.

 

[Thanos]

Who'll be lead spinner? Seems like Yasir is no more first choice.

 

[arehaan]

1. Shan M
2. Abdullah S.
3. Azhar A.
4. Babar A.
5. Fawad A.
6. Rizwan
7. Faheem A / M. Nawaz (All rounder slot)
8. Nauman / Haris R (Depends on all rounder type)
9. Hassan A.
10. Sajid Khan (Will play as front line spinner especially with all those left handers)
11. Shaheen Shah


At this stage to start the series there are 2 slots up for grabs. 1) All rounder 2) 3rd Bowler with 4 players competing Faheem, Nawaz, Haris, Nauman.

Test team is fairly stable and not many slots open.

 

[arehaan]

Who'll be lead spinner? Seems like Yasir is no more first choice.

Sajid Khan after a very good bangladesh series and QEA trophy final

 

[Markhor]

As expected, no real surprises. The biggest problem is at #3 - Azhar Ali cannot play quality pace bowling anymore and Australia have several of them.

The pace attack lacks depth too. Only Shaheen and Hasan are proven, and Hasan's more suited for low slow Asian conditions where reverse swing comes into play.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

The masseur's name is awesome!

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Any particular reason Yasir Shah is on the reserves?

 

[arehaan]

Any particular reason Yasir Shah is on the reserves?

Yasir Shah has been out of favor for quite some time and is no longer considered the front line spinner. With Zahid Mehmood in main squad it suggests he has been marked as the 1st choice leg spinner.

 

[mon858]

1. No guts to drop Azhar, should have put Kamran Ghulam in place of him, who can also bowl some handy left arm to give break to bowlers.

2. Spin heavy squad, unless we place 2 spinners in all cities Haris Rauf may be debuting in Pindi. Not sure if he is ready. I would have gone with Nasim over him who has had test cricket under his belt and I think some more firsr class. Even Dahani may have played more first class than Haris.

3. Not convinced about Zahid Mehmood either but we don't seem to have any high class leggie alternative either, I wonder if instead we could have considered going with spin all rounder like Shadab over Fahim if we didn't have high class leggie.

 

[Extra_Cover]

This is best squad the selector could have put together. We all understand that the third seamer role in SENA conditions is an unaddressed area and ideally we all would like Naseem, Dahani or someone else put their hands up for this role.

Based on recent test cricket played by Pak it is understood that both Nauman and Sajid would play. The interesting selection would like with the allrounder i.e. would they continue to go with Faheem or would they throw Nawaz in the mix. I think this will depend on the surface as they would not want to tire out Hasan and Shaheen with bulk of fast bowling so they might select Faheem but if its a big spinning wicket and given the form Nawaz has it would be a no brainer to play him.

The XI would be as follows:
- Shan Masood
- Imam ul Haq
- Azhar Ali (I really hope he retires after this series)
- Babar Azam
- Fawad Alam
- Rizwan
- Faheem / Nawaz (Faheem would be preferred but Nawaz could play depending on conditions)
- Nauman Ali
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen
- Sajid Khan

Excited for this series and hoping we can get maximum points for our WTC journey.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Yasir shah is still the best legspinner they have got, not sure why they replace him with zahid mehmood..

Zahid mehmood FC avg is 36.74 , yes that is his bowling avg and his batting avg is 12.2.. Wasim has no clue what he is selecting, just another selector like ilyas, qasim and sallu..

And Nauman ali , was horrible in spin pitches in bangladesh, went wicketless

 

[ask_analyse_act]

This is best squad the selector could have put together. We all understand that the third seamer role in SENA conditions is an unaddressed area and ideally we all would like Naseem, Dahani or someone else put their hands up for this role.

Based on recent test cricket played by Pak it is understood that both Nauman and Sajid would play. The interesting selection would like with the allrounder i.e. would they continue to go with Faheem or would they throw Nawaz in the mix. I think this will depend on the surface as they would not want to tire out Hasan and Shaheen with bulk of fast bowling so they might select Faheem but if its a big spinning wicket and given the form Nawaz has it would be a no brainer to play him.

The XI would be as follows:
- Shan Masood
- Imam ul Haq
- Azhar Ali (I really hope he retires after this series)
- Babar Azam
- Fawad Alam
- Rizwan
- Faheem / Nawaz (Faheem would be preferred but Nawaz could play depending on conditions)
- Nauman Ali
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen
- Sajid Khan

Excited for this series and hoping we can get maximum points for our WTC journey.

Abdullah Shafique
Shan Masood
Azhar ali (didnt want him in there)
Babar Azam
Fawad Alam
Rizwan
Nawaz
Hasan Ali
Sajid Khan
Shaheen Afridi
Zahid mehmood ( Yasir shah should have been there )

 

[mazkhan]

Shan
Abdullah
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Nawaz
Faheem
Sajid khan
Hasan ali
Shaheen afridi

 

[Savak]

Yasir shah is still the best legspinner they have got, not sure why they replace him with zahid mehmood..

Zahid mehmood FC avg is 36.74 , yes that is his bowling avg and his batting avg is 12.2.. Wasim has no clue what he is selecting, just another selector like ilyas, qasim and sallu..

And Nauman ali , was horrible in spin pitches in bangladesh, went wicketless

Didn't Yasir Shah single handedly lose the first WI test match? There has to be some accountability

 

[Anis Shivani]

Quite a sad selection. Shan Masood is back? OMG! Azhar, Sarfraz, Imam, and Abbas shouldn't be there. Especially Azhar. Yasir shouldn't be there either, he's done. We need five more selections like Abdullah Shafique and Kamran Ghulam in the main squad. Where are Dhani and Mohammad Wasim? I think they've waited too long to bring in Saud Shakeel, maybe 5 years too long, we'll see.

 

[Moiz14]

Instead of nasim Shah, why don't we go for Khurram shehzad and sameen gul.. Good bowlers

 

[Oneking]

Why wouldn’t they try Fakhar for home series as a opener?

 

[gazza619]

Does anyone have Zahid Mehmood’s FC stats for last season?

 

[hitthestump]

Whatever happens Pakistan are going to have a very capable tail if Sajid is pencilled in at number 10.

I'm more worried about the bowling. We look very inexperienced and unproven compared to the Aussies.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Whatever happens Pakistan are going to have a very capable tail if Sajid is pencilled in at number 10.

I'm more worried about the bowling. We look very inexperienced and unproven compared to the Aussies.

The tail is probably better then the top 3.

 

[ARK Rafay]

I think Fakhar Zaman would've been useful here at no. 3.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yasir Shah has been out of favor for quite some time and is no longer considered the front line spinner. With Zahid Mehmood in main squad it suggests he has been marked as the 1st choice leg spinner.

He's still a proven performer though. Hasn't played alot of cricket in recent times due to injuries so I don't know how fair it is to keep him out on form.

 

[Savak]

He's still a proven performer though. Hasn't played alot of cricket in recent times due to injuries so I don't know how fair it is to keep him out on form.

Wonder if Yasir getting involved with the Islamabad Police in that controversy has something to do with him being benched

 

[Savak]

On Pakistani wickets both pacers and spinners have to play a role which makes them more sporting than Indian and Bangladeshi wickets.

 

[Zaz]

He's still a proven performer though. Hasn't played alot of cricket in recent times due to injuries so I don't know how fair it is to keep him out on form.

Its fair He needs to start earning his place again Hes in mid 30s and has had a poor 2 years Theres only so long you will be picked on name and past history

Ditto Azhar Who shouldnt really be a selection anymore

 

[Ami]

No real surprises in there...I hope Imam get a nod ahead of Shan and Yasir is kept out.
Rest is the best we have...!

 

[YousafTheBeast]

4 useless players again. Nauman, Fahim, Azhar and Sarfraz. Nauman was struggling to get a single wicket in a spin pitch against Bangladesh and now Aussie batsmen will eat him alive. Fahim is neither a bowler nor a batsman. Azhar and Sarfraz finished but due to their connection they keep retaining the place. Pathetic.

Clearly you don’t watch Test cricket if you think Faheem Ashraf is a “useless player”. Playing as an all rounder, he averages mid 30’s with both bat and ball.*

 

[shamaan]

Decent squad, good to see Nawaz there as I think he is one of the most accurate spinners around and he has developed the ability to spin the ball as well in last couple of years with more revs that he impart alongside obviously his batting ability.

Haris Rauf over Naseem is the only surprise but, Haris' sixfer in QAE seemed to have impressed the selectors alongside him having more exposure to international cricket. Question would be that if he will be able to maintain consistent line and length when required if he gets a game.

This squad allows Pakistan to cover all combinations in the bowling attack. If they want three frontline pacers they can have Nawaz as the all rounder followed by a frontline spinner and if they want two frontline spinners they can go with Faheem Ashraf as the all rounder alongside two frontline pacers.

I would have gone with a domestic bowler such as Irfanullah,Sameen Gull,Naseem Shah or Dahani.

 

[shamaan]

4 useless players again. Nauman, Fahim, Azhar and Sarfraz. Nauman was struggling to get a single wicket in a spin pitch against Bangladesh and now Aussie batsmen will eat him alive. Fahim is neither a bowler nor a batsman. Azhar and Sarfraz finished but due to their connection they keep retaining the place. Pathetic.

Fahim has performed well in the last year.Rohail Nazir should be in the squad instead of Sarfraz.

 

[shamaan]

Haris Rauf being the third pacer doesn't look well on paper with only 4 FC games under his belt. We don't have a realistic option of 3rd pacer, someone under 30 with 100+ wickets averaging under 30 apart from Ehsan Adil, Zia ul Haq and Sameen Gul I guess. Of these three, Ehsan Adil and Zia were out of form in the recent QeA trophy. Sameen was in fine form though. Some damning stats.

Nauman was pretty harmless in Bangladesh. Let's see how his form is currently.

I would have gone with sameen gull or irfnaullah Shah

 

[shamaan]

Cant blame Mo. Wasim too much here
. Pakistan's issues will revolve around 3rd pacer and/or 2nd spinner. Nauman looked very ordinary in BD and I'm not sure what Yasir has left in the tank.

Rauf's consistent selection in the test squad is interesting. He hasnt played anywhere near enough FC cricket nor is he a spring chicken but the selectors seem hell bent on having outright pace in the squad.

All in all, I dont think a better squad could have been selected considering the recent QEA stats.

If we go on recent stats then definitely Rauf shouldn't be in the squad.

 

[shamaan]

I would have liked a domestic performer over Rauf if a domestic performer wasn't avaliable i would gone with Naseem in the 15 man squad.

Abdullah
Shan Masood in form even thou it's t20s
Azhar Ali won't be dropped
Babar Azam
Fawad
Rizwan
Fahim
Sajid Khan
Hassan Ali
Nuaman
Shaheen

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Wonder if Yasir getting involved with the Islamabad Police in that controversy has something to do with him being benched

I mean if it did than I would have expected them to drop him completely.

But I dunno, maybe it does have something to do with that.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Its fair He needs to start earning his place again Hes in mid 30s and has had a poor 2 years Theres only so long you will be picked on name and past history

Ditto Azhar Who shouldnt really be a selection anymore

Are you being serious right now?

Azhar averaged 42 last year and 41 the year before that. He's a lynchpin of the test batting line-up and someone who deserves a little more respect from our ungrateful fans.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I feel like certain fans here don't watch Pakistan play test cricket at all if they think that Azhar Ali and Faheem Ashraf should be dropped from the test side.

Azhar averaged 42 last year and 41 the year before that. While Faheem averaged 40 with the ball and 38.5 with the bat last year which is freaking excellent and the kind of numbers you can get from very few all-rounders in test cricket...in the world.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Are you being serious right now?

Azhar averaged 42 last year and 41 the year before that. He's a lynchpin of the test batting line-up and someone who deserves a little more respect from our ungrateful fans.

wow are you for real?

Should we break down his stats for the 2 years?

2020 - "41" Average - played 5 tests (3 vs england and 2 vs NZ) - scored 287 runs in 8 inns, 141 of those came in 1 knock vs england. Pretty much failed in other 7 inns.

2021 - "42" Average from 9 tests - Averaged 15 vs WI (2 tests), 38 vs SA (2 tests), 40 vs Bangla (2 tests) and 81 vs zimbos (2 tests)

so pretty much minnow bashed last year and has been exposed pretty much for last 2 years against decent bowlers, 3 years before that was shambolic.

But lets hide behind stats as hes so called improved.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I feel like certain fans here don't watch Pakistan play test cricket at all if they think that Azhar Ali and Faheem Ashraf should be dropped from the test side.

Azhar averaged 42 last year and 41 the year before that. While Faheem averaged 40 with the ball and 38.5 with the bat last year which is freaking excellent and the kind of numbers you can get from very few all-rounders in test cricket...in the world.

clearly you watch tv on the radio if you think Azhars performances with bat have been good against quality opposition in last few years.

 

[sali]

Batting is decent but Azhar Ali needs to do something because Abid Ali coming back wont leave a slot for him. I expect Shan Masood to seal his position and emerge as #3 contender. He plays pace much better than Azhar Ali and another left hander will do well for Pakistan. Spin department is really weak except Sajid Khan could enjoy bowling against lefties. I hope Pakistan makes seaming tracks and plays with 3 pace bowlers. No Fahim pls.

 

[PakEngFan]

The amount of hate Faheem gets is ridiculous. He has awful in odis and t20s but in test he’s done an excellent job. Do people even watch him play tests or they just assume based of his odi and t20 career. If they did watch him they won’t question him at all.

 

[Maher96]

Looking at the squad I feel we will play,

Shan
Abdullah
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Nawaz
Faheem
Hassan
Sajid Khan
Shaheen

Think last few results with include Sajid Khan and Nawaz given his batting prowess needs a go I feel.

 

[Rana]

I feel like certain fans here don't watch Pakistan play test cricket at all if they think that Azhar Ali and Faheem Ashraf should be dropped from the test side.

Azhar averaged 42 last year and 41 the year before that. While Faheem averaged 40 with the ball and 38.5 with the bat last year which is freaking excellent and the kind of numbers you can get from very few all-rounders in test cricket...in the world.

Azhar should play as an opener and Pakistan can then play the extra middle order Batsman, either Saud or Kamran.

Pakistan packs a strong punch in the middle and that’s why they could do well if they add the extra batsman who can build strong partnerships with Rizwan and Fawad Alam. Babar is unreliable and will need cover

 

[Rana]

My line up would be,

1. Abdullah
2. Azhar
3. Kamran
4. Babar
5. Fawad
6. Rizwan
7. Faheem
8. Hassan
9. Nauman
10. Sajid
11. Shaheen

 

[Savak]

I am concerned about the bowling combination. We should try to go in with 5 reliable bowlers. Afridi, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Rizwan, Sajid Ali.

 

[Savak]

1) Azhar Ali
2) Asad Shafiq
3) Babar Azam
4) Fawad Alam
5) Mohd Rizwan
6) Faheem Ashraf
7) Mohd Nawaz
8) Nauman Ali/Zahid Mehmood
9) Hasan Ali
10) Sajid Ali
11) Shaheen Afridi

3 pacers, 2 all rounders, 3 spinning options. All basis covered and a deep batting line up.

 

[MuqaddarKaSikandar]

Shadab SHOULD be in the test team

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Does anyone have Zahid Mehmood’s FC stats for last season?

in 21/22 QeA, Zahid Mahmood played only one First Class Match...

First Innings: 2/153 of 23 overs, economy of 6.65
Second Innings: 6/101 of 24 overs, economy of 4.20. Wins the Match for Sindh

But to be honest, I won't take performances and stats from the 21/22 QeA season seriously, as it was a joke of a season, with batsmen (more like sloggers), amateurs, and youngsters making double, triple hundreds, while a lot of average bowlers taking 5-fers.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

The squad is decent, but a few poor selctions;

Zahid Mahmood preferred over Yasir Shah makes no sense, as Zahid Mahmood played only one first-class match, and doesn't even have that good of a First-Class record. Even Though Yasir Shah is old, inconsistent and not as good as he was, he is still one of Pakistans best spinners.

A leg spinner is one of the toughest roles in cricket, it is very very hard to be a consistent and successful leg spinner. A leg spinner is guaranteed to bowl poor deliveries, however, at the same time a leg spinner has the ability to be a match-winner. So don't expect Zahid Mahmood to be consistent and better than Yasir Shah.

Imam Ul-Haq is lucky to be in the test squad (even as a backup), he was never good in test cricket, he is only in the squad due to a limited number of openers.

Why are Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah in the squad??? Firstly, unlike what everyone here believes, Naseem Shah is NOT ready to play for Pakistan in any format. He still just isn't consistent in all formats, on his bad days, he gets smashed a lot (for FC and T20), however, the good news is he has shown the ability to take five-fers, and bowl brilliant spells. Select him Pakistan A team, not National Team.

Haris Rauf played one first-class match, and yes he got a six-fer, but that's a one-off in the joke 21/22 QeA season. His selection is a clear indicator of how low the standards are.
Although another reason is that due to his pace, his bowling to batsmen in the nets prepares batsmen for quick Aussie, South African and other overseas bowlers.

I was hoping they wouldn't select Azhar Ali... Azhar Ali should only be opening (since Abdullah Shafique is getting fast-tracked), otherwise shouldn't be playing. However, I wouldn't have Azhar at all, he is finished.

I'm not a fan at all of the two mediocre players Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan, but Sajid Khan will probably get selected after 8-fer.

So basically, I would have replaced Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf for Sameen Gul (or Ihsanullah) and Iftikhar Ahmed, while also putting Azhar Ali in reserves and replacing Sarfaraz for any upcoming wicketkeeper. And replace Yasir Shah for Zahid Mahmood.


Here is my starting 11;
1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Shan Masood
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Babar Azam (c)
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Sajid Khan
10. Hassan Ali
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

But in reality, they will put Azhar at 3

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

clearly you watch tv on the radio if you think Azhars performances with bat have been good against quality opposition in last few years.

wow are you for real?

Should we break down his stats for the 2 years?

2020 - "41" Average - played 5 tests (3 vs england and 2 vs NZ) - scored 287 runs in 8 inns, 141 of those came in 1 knock vs england. Pretty much failed in other 7 inns.

2021 - "42" Average from 9 tests - Averaged 15 vs WI (2 tests), 38 vs SA (2 tests), 40 vs Bangla (2 tests) and 81 vs zimbos (2 tests)

so pretty much minnow bashed last year and has been exposed pretty much for last 2 years against decent bowlers, 3 years before that was shambolic.

But lets hide behind stats as hes so called improved.

Why not apply the same measuring stick to players like Abid Ali who average like 70 against Bangladesh and 300 against? And not even hitting 30 against a half decent opposition.

Atleast Azhar has scored runs and played big innings against quality oppositions like England, New Zealand. Not his fault that Pakistan has series against minnows on the FTP.

And his numbers are good. Average is averaging in the mid-30s. He has improved after two terrible years. You clearly seem to have some sort of personal dislike for him which is probably why you are insulting everyone's intelligence here by downplaying his numbers and his integral role in Pakistan's test side.

 

[arif_2021]

I hope they give chances to saud shakeel

 

[arif_2021]

What about iftikhar Ahmed who scored a century in the qea final?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Azhar should play as an opener and Pakistan can then play the extra middle order Batsman, either Saud or Kamran.

Pakistan packs a strong punch in the middle and that’s why they could do well if they add the extra batsman who can build strong partnerships with Rizwan and Fawad Alam. Babar is unreliable and will need cover

Honestly I would like to see Azhar and Shan Masood as openers. And Abdullah Shafique or Saud Shakeel in the middle-order. I just don't think Abid Ali is a very good batsman in challenging conditions where the ball is moving around and at his age the time for him to improve as a batsman is very limited.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

wow are you for real?

Should we break down his stats for the 2 years?

2020 - "41" Average - played 5 tests (3 vs england and 2 vs NZ) - scored 287 runs in 8 inns, 141 of those came in 1 knock vs england. Pretty much failed in other 7 inns.

2021 - "42" Average from 9 tests - Averaged 15 vs WI (2 tests), 38 vs SA (2 tests), 40 vs Bangla (2 tests) and 81 vs zimbos (2 tests)

so pretty much minnow bashed last year and has been exposed pretty much for last 2 years against decent bowlers, 3 years before that was shambolic.

But lets hide behind stats as hes so called improved.

clearly you watch tv on the radio if you think Azhars performances with bat have been good against quality opposition in last few years.

Why not apply the same measuring stick to players like Abid Ali who average like 70 against Bangladesh and 300 against Zimbabwe? And not even hitting 30 against a half decent opposition.

Atleast Azhar has scored runs and played big innings against quality oppositions like England, New Zealand. Not his fault that Pakistan has series against minnows on the FTP.

And his numbers are good. Average is averaging in the mid-30s. He has improved after two terrible years. You clearly seem to have some sort of personal dislike for him which is probably why you are insulting everyone's intelligence here by downplaying his numbers and his integral role in Pakistan's test side.

 

[Anis Shivani]

The squad is decent, but a few poor selctions;

Zahid Mahmood preferred over Yasir Shah makes no sense, as Zahid Mahmood played only one first-class match, and doesn't even have that good of a First-Class record. Even Though Yasir Shah is old, inconsistent and not as good as he was, he is still one of Pakistans best spinners.

A leg spinner is one of the toughest roles in cricket, it is very very hard to be a consistent and successful leg spinner. A leg spinner is guaranteed to bowl poor deliveries, however, at the same time a leg spinner has the ability to be a match-winner. So don't expect Zahid Mahmood to be consistent and better than Yasir Shah.

Imam Ul-Haq is lucky to be in the test squad (even as a backup), he was never good in test cricket, he is only in the squad due to a limited number of openers.

Why are Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah in the squad??? Firstly, unlike what everyone here believes, Naseem Shah is NOT ready to play for Pakistan in any format. He still just isn't consistent in all formats, on his bad days, he gets smashed a lot (for FC and T20), however, the good news is he has shown the ability to take five-fers, and bowl brilliant spells. Select him Pakistan A team, not National Team.

Haris Rauf played one first-class match, and yes he got a six-fer, but that's a one-off in the joke 21/22 QeA season. His selection is a clear indicator of how low the standards are.
Although another reason is that due to his pace, his bowling to batsmen in the nets prepares batsmen for quick Aussie, South African and other overseas bowlers.

I was hoping they wouldn't select Azhar Ali... Azhar Ali should only be opening (since Abdullah Shafique is getting fast-tracked), otherwise shouldn't be playing. However, I wouldn't have Azhar at all, he is finished.

I'm not a fan at all of the two mediocre players Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan, but Sajid Khan will probably get selected after 8-fer.

So basically, I would have replaced Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf for Sameen Gul (or Ihsanullah) and Iftikhar Ahmed, while also putting Azhar Ali in reserves and replacing Sarfaraz for any upcoming wicketkeeper. And replace Yasir Shah for Zahid Mahmood.


Here is my starting 11;
1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Shan Masood
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Babar Azam (c)
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Sajid Khan
10. Hassan Ali
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

But in reality, they will put Azhar at 3

I agree with all of this except for the point about Yasir Shah. I would have liked to have seen someone other than Naseem Shah (rushing him again) and Haris Rauf, and instead of Azhar Ali plug in another talented young batsman along the lines of Abdullah Shafique and Kamran Ghulam. If Saud Shakeel still can't get in it will be a travesty. And try a younger wicketkeeper other than Sarfraz, he's truly done, he has no batting to offer. This is a very defensive selection.

 

[arif_2021]

Absence of iftikhar Ahmed is non sensical. He scored a century in the final of qea coming in 3 down for not many runs…

If you’re using domestic performances as a benchmark then what’s up with that?

 

[moghul]

When will we get rid of hopeless and useless players like Azhar, Sarfraz, Faheem and Nauman ??

 

[Titan24]

I would have gone with a domestic bowler such as Irfanullah,Sameen Gull,Naseem Shah or Dahani.

Yes all are decent options. I think one thing they would have considered though is that the third frontline seamer if plays provide something extra with the older ball as Shaheen and Hassan are most likely to open the attack like they have been doing for sometime except Windies tour when Abbas opened the bowling.

Sameen Gul, Irfanullah Shah are pretty good with the new ball and are tall as well so do get that extra bounce on occasions but they dont have the zip/pace as the 1st change seamer to generate something out of the wicket when there is not much assistance.

Dahani is just coming off a septum surgery (Month or so ago) and was lacking match practice and training (His speeds were down in PSL before that impressive spell against PZ where he really cranked it up). Otherwise I think he would have at least made the reserves.

Naseem or Rauf was the closest call selection committee had to make as both have that extra pace/zip to be effective with the older ball as well on surfaces that might not provide enough assistance. Naseem played two QAE matches this season due to Shaheens and Pak tour commitments. I think Naseem's bowling effort of 20-1-137-2 against Northern might have been the difference as he struggled a bit with consistency (Going at 6.85) but, then came back pretty well with 4/46 and 1/34 vs Sindh. Haris played one match and took 9 wickets in that making the game one sided for his team.