Lahore:
After the defeat to South Africa, the national team is now ready for the Test cricket series against the West Indies at home ground, the possible squad has been revealed.
Two Test matches between West Indies and Pakistan will be played at Multan Stadium for which the visiting team has reached Pakistan two days ago.
Who can be in and out of the squad?
Saeem Ayub, who suffered an ankle injury in the Test match against South Africa, will not be seen in action in this series as doctors have advised him to rest for 6 weeks.
Abdullah Shafiq is likely to replace Saami in the series against West Indies.
Captain Shaun Masood will form Pakistan’s top order along with Shafiq and Babar Azam, who played a brilliant innings in the tour of South Africa.
Apart from this, the middle order will include Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel and wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha.
It is expected that Salman Ali Agha will take full advantage of the home ground and pitch in the series against the West Indies, but there is also a possibility that Salman Ali Agha will be given a rest due to the Champions Trophy and replaced by Qasim Akram. Be given a place in the squad.
No place for Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah?
While Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of Tests due to workload management, his long-time partner Naseem Shah may also be overlooked for the upcoming West Indies series.
The right-arm pacer was dropped from the XI for the second Test against South Africa after a poor performance in the series opener at SuperSport Park.
Mohammad Abbas, who bowled brilliantly in South Africa, is likely to retain his place in the team.
The focus is on the Champions Trophy, with Naseem Shah resting in the Test against the West Indies. The PCB may decide to handle his workload and keep him fresh for the tri-series and Champions Trophy next month.
In the absence of Shaheen and Naseem, Mir Hamza and Khurram Shehzad are likely to lead Pakistan’s pace battery with in-form Mohammad Abbas.
Meanwhile, the formidable spin bowling duo of Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali will lead the spin department after playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s historic victory in England’s home series.
Pakistan’s probable squad for the West Indies Test
Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafiq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Abbas, Nouman Ali, Sajid Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Haseebullah Khan (WK). , Muhammad Harira, Qasim Akram
