Babar Azam to bat at No. 4 as Pakistan announces XI for first Test in Pak vs Ban series
While all eyes on the start of the Pak vs Ban series, Babar Azam will be continuing to bat at No. 4 as Pakistan has announced its playing XI for first Test in Rawalpindi. There was some suggestion new coach Jason Gillespie might hand Babar the No. 3 position again but Pakistan have decided to maintain their top rated Test batsman at his choice in No. The surprise move is a strategic one taken by PCB as Pakistan will be gearing up for their make-or-break ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh on home turf.
On Wednesday, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will be the openers while Shan Masood is at 3. In Babar Azam, Pakistan also have a world-class batsman at No. 4 capable of holding their middle order together. At number five will be vice-captain Saud Shakeel, No. 6 wicketkeeping and Mohammad Rizwan
The strength of their bowling attack from the first Test in Pakistan vs. Bang series is speed and they have selected 4 dynamic quartet bowlers of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali The selection has no specialist spinner, a trend that could be justified given the assumption about pitch conditions in Rawalpindi which are expected to suit fast bowlers. The last XI was without the services of Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira and Sarfaraz Ahmed while fast bowler Aamir Jamal had been sent home earlier this week.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha provides an off-spinning option and is adamant over Pakistan’s bowling balance as they look to achieve the target of 20 wickets against Bangladesh. Green pitch shows fast bowlers will have advantage, says Salman as he talks about Pakistans dangermen ahead of the event
Salman, who took two wickets in his final Test against Australia at Sydney said he was also looking to perform as both a bowler and batsman specialist.
With the frontline opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy missing due to injury, Salman believes that Bangladesh will be a tough team for his side. “Bangladesh is a strong and competitive side with the perfect balance of experience in youth,” said Salman.
Playing XI for First Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh:
Sindh: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel,Sohail Khan,Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammed Hasnain Salman Ali Agha,,Shaheen Afridi,Naseem ShahMohammed Asif Khurram Manzoor