Pakistan’s selectors today announced their squad for the first Test against England, starting on October 7. And they have brought back pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi in the fold.
Previously called the first of the two tests against Bangladesh in this month, Rao was taken out of the team due to poor performance.
He is now back in the squad for the match set to take place in Multan, which is set in a historic city.
Another addition in the squad, steady left-arm spin bowler Noman Ali has also been included. He was ineligible for selection for the last two tests against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh won both of these tests which were a huge shocker.
Shehzad was the other pace bowler in the starting XI Ellis had but unfortunately could not remain fit due to an injury sustained in the home series against Bangladesh.
All-rounder Aamer Jamal was in the injury list during the Bangladesh series and has now been included in the squad after being medically cleared.
Players in the UK series and Nepal series in July made up the rest of the squad.
According to the Islamabad capital region cricket governing body, the selected players must withdraw for now according to head coach Jason Gillispie. This is done in order to have them ready for the series against England.
Babar Azam remained in the Champions Cup playheads while Shan Masood was attending the practice with a few others.
Pakistan Test squad: Shan Masood (Capt), Saud Shakil (Vice Capt), Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Huraira, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah.
