LAHORE: Pakistan’s bowling mainstay Shaheen Shah Afridi has been rested following his knee problem as Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee on Monday announced an 18-member squad for the historic Test series against England on home soil. 

Shaheen has been undergoing two-week rehabilitation after he landed awkwardly and sustained knee discomfort in the final of the recently-concluded T20 World Cup.

Whereas, Middle-order batter Fawad Alam has been dropped from the Test squad along with fast bowler Hasan Ali and leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Mohammad Ali earned their maiden call-ups in the national Test side on the back of their strong first-class performances.

“Twenty-four-year-old Abrar is in red-hot form in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Before the start of the last round on Sunday, Abrar had claimed 43 wickets at an average of 21.95. He has recorded five five-wicket hauls in six matches and has played an integral role in turning his side into serious contenders to secure a berth in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final,” the PCB said in a press release.

“Central Punjab’s Mohammad Ali has been the best fast bowler in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in the last two editions, taking 56 wickets. His 24 wickets, including two five wicket hauls, at 25.54 in six matches are the most for any fast bowler this first-class season. His 32 wickets at 22.78 in eight matches in 2021-22 were also the most for a fast bowler,” it added.

Meanwhile, legspinner Zahid Mehmood marked his return, in place of Shah, after being dropped in the last Test series against Sri Lanka.

Uncapped Muhammad Wasim Junior, who was part of the Test side for the three Tests against Australia earlier in the year, has also been named for the upcoming home series.

It is pertinent to mention that England will tour Pakistan for a three-match Test series, scheduled from December 1 to 21. Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will host the three matches respectively.

Complete Squad: 

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shan Masood, and Zahid Mehmood.

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