Salman Ali Agha, who quit in the middle of the England tour, earned a Pakistan Test recall; Rizwan and Imam are missing
Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha (AP/PTI) Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman have been given a chance to revive their Test careers after being recalled to Pakistan’s original 14-man squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, months after they were among seven players dropped midway through the tour of England in August.The selection marks a return for the duo after their omission midway through the series as Pakistan look to reshape their Test setup while retaining Babar Azam as captain. The squad also features three new faces, with Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman and Sameer Minhas receiving their first Test call-ups.However, there is no place for Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were also among the players sent home during the England tour. Their continued absence makes the latest selection important as Pakistan prepare for the task in Sri Lanka.
Three players get the first test call
The main additions are Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman and Sameer Minhas who have been rewarded for their performances in domestic cricket. The pull has been particularly prolific in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class competition. The 26-year-old left-hander leads the run charts with 730 runs in seven matches, including three hundreds and a top score of 225.Suleman also made a significant impact as he ranked fifth in the competition’s run charts with 652 runs and three hundreds. Their performances earned them their first opportunity in the Pakistan Test team. Meanwhile, Sameer scored 405 runs in seven matches during his first season in first-class cricket. After progressing through Pakistan’s under-19 set-up, the youngster’s first call-up represents the next step in his transition to senior level.
Rizwan, the Imam is absent as Babar continues as captain
While Salman and Ali return to the fold, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq remain out of the squad after being among the seven players sent home from Great Britain during the England tour.Rizwan was also the subject of an investigation by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency after his phone was seized in London the night the Lord’s Test ended.
Do you agree with Babar Azam continuing as Test team captain?
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
More than 5,000 users have already voted today
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
Share an opinion
Pakistan Test Team for Sri Lanka Series
Babar Azam (Captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (Goalkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (Goalkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shameer Minhas and Saud.