Pakistan has unveiled its playing XI (squad) for the upcoming first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, scheduled to kick off in Perth tomorrow. Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad are poised to make their Test debut as pacers for Pakistan.
In the wicketkeeping department, Sarfaraz Ahmed has been chosen over Mohammad Rizwan in the lineup.
Pakistan Squad
The confirmed playing XI for Pakistan includes:
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Shan Masood (c)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi
- Aamir Jamal
- Khuram Shahzad
Meanwhile, Australia has also finalized its lineup for the first Test. Pat Cummins will lead the home side, with Travis Head reappointed as vice-captain. Australia made a single change from the Ashes finale in August, with Nathan Lyon returning in place of Todd Murphy.
Australia Squad
Australia’s playing XI includes:
- David Warner
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitch Marsh
- Alex Carey
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
With Pakistan having faced whitewashes in their last five Test tours of Australia, the upcoming three-match series in Perth poses a challenging task for new captain Shan Masood. The depleted bowling corps further adds to the difficulties. The last time Pakistan won a Test in Australia was in 1995.
Series Schedule
The series schedule is as follows:
- First Test: December 14-18, Perth
- Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne
- Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney
