Pakistan’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting August 21, features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent. Shan Masood will captain the team, supported by key batsmen Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Abdullah Shafique. This lineup is expected to provide a solid foundation for Pakistan’s innings. The team’s bowling attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, complemented by Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, and the promising Khurram Shahzad, forming a formidable pace quartet. Wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, who is the sole spinner in the squad, round out the team.
In a notable development, this Test series will mark Jason Gillespie’s debut as the head coach of Pakistan’s cricket team. Gillespie’s appointment is highly anticipated, as he brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team’s strategy and performance.
However, there has been a setback with the exclusion of all-rounder Aamer Jamal from the squad due to a back injury sustained while playing county cricket for Warwickshire. Jamal, who has been struggling with fitness issues, was released from the squad after failing to recover in time for the series. The PCB has advised him to focus on his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
The two-Test series will be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the first Test running from August 21 to 25 and the second from August 30 to September 4. This series will be a crucial test for both teams as they look to build momentum and gain crucial points in the ongoing international cricket calendar.
