Image Source: AP
[Saba Sports News] Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam is set to retain his No. 4 spot in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, dismissing any talk of him moving up the order above captain Shan Masood. Despite a poor series in Australia, Abdullah Shafique is likely to keep his place in the XI. Youngster Muhammad Hurraira and leg-spinner Usama Mir are expected to make their Test debuts.
Pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are confirmed starters, with Mir Hamza likely to join them as the third seamer in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan plans to field three fast bowlers and one spinner.
This series is crucial for Pakistan, especially after a 0-3 loss to Australia. There were discussions about replacing Masood as captain, but he’s been given more time, with his leadership future potentially hinging on this series. Babar, too, faces pressure after struggling against Australia’s pacers.
The second Test in Karachi will be played without spectators due to ongoing renovations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Following the Bangladesh series, Pakistan will tour India for a two-match Test series.
Pakistan Squad: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudullah, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed.