Pakistan make one addition to squad for first Test against England

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has added leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood to the squad for the first of the three-match Test series against England.

The first Test is set to take place in Multan from 7-11 October, while the training camp will commence from 1 October.

Zahid will join the team’s training camp in Multan, however, the squad will be trimmed to 15 players at the start of the first Test on October 7.

Meanwhile, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali will be reserve players, but they will continue to play in the domestic matches.

“Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali will remain on reserve but will continue playing domestic matches to stay match-ready,” the PCB said in a statement.

“All three players are part of the Pakistan Test team setup, but 15 players are sufficient for the home Test series due to cricketing and logistical reasons,” he added.

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Following the squad announcement and based on the recommendation of head coach Jason Gillespie, the selected players have been withdrawn from the Champions One-Day Cup playoffs to allow them some rest ahead of the series.

“With a busy domestic and international cricket schedule, it makes sense to give our players some much-needed rest ahead of the Test series against England,” said Gillespie.

“We are very much looking forward to the series against England here in Pakistan and cannot wait for it to begin. We are excited about playing in front of our wonderful supporters,” he added.

Pakistan Squad for first England Test:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mahmood.

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