Pakistan recall big guns for ODIs against Australia
Lahore, May 22
Experienced batter Babar Azam and pacer Haris Rauf are among the big names returned to the side as Pakistan named a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
The three-match ODI series will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from May 30 to June 4.
Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the side, while Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim, who were not part of the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March have been recalled to the side.
Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain have all retained their places after featuring in the Bangladesh series as well.
Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir are the three players selected in the squad who are yet to represent Pakistan in ODI cricket.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been named as the two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad after Usman Khan was not considered for selection due to illness.
Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain have all retained their places after featuring in the Bangladesh series as well.
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were also not considered for selection as they had earlier been ruled out due to injuries and will continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.
The 16-member squad will assemble in Islamabad on Friday evening and will train under the coaching staff from Saturday.
Australia men's team will arrive in Islamabad on 23 May. They will also take part in training sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, details of which will be announced in due course.
Squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Australian fan, I'm glad to see the full strength Pakistani side back. It makes for a more competitive series. Babar Azam vs Pat Cummins will be a treat to watch. But I really feel for Fakhar Zaman - he's been ruled out due to injury. He's such an explosive opener. Hope he recovers soon.
From an Indian perspective, this Pakistan squad looks strong on paper. Babar and Rauf's inclusion definitely bolsters their chances. But I'm curious about the absence of some regulars like Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub - injuries are always unfortunate. Also, Shadab Khan's recall is interesting given his recent form. Should be a good series to watch, though I hope it remains injury-free and competitive. 🇮🇳
Honestly, I think this is a bit of a gamble for Pakistan. Bringing back Babar and Rauf after they were rested/dropped sends mixed signals. The squad looks good, but I worry about the middle order being too inexperienced. Australia's pace attack will be lethal on those Rawalpindi pitches. Still, never count out Pakistan at home - they always punch above their weight when least expected.
As an Aussie living in the subcontinent, I'm really looking forward to this series. Babar vs Starc is mouth-watering. But I'm a bit disappointed that Usman Khan is out due to illness - he was playing well in the PSL. Also, three uncapped players in the squad? That's bold from PCB. Hope they get a game or two to show their talent. The atmosphere in Lahore should be electric 🔥
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