Saim Ayub and Khurram Shahzad Earn Maiden Call-ups as Pakistan Announces 18-Member Test Squad for Australia Tour

The Pakistan Test squad for the upcoming Australia tour has been finalized, featuring an 18-member team led by Shan Masood. This tour marks Wahab Riaz’s first task as the chief selector.

Notably, Saim Ayub and Khurram Shahzad, both in excellent form during the domestic season, have received their maiden Test call-ups. Saim Ayub showcased an outstanding performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup, securing his place with consistent batting displays. Khurram Shahzad, the top wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, joins the team as a promising right-arm fast bowler.

The squad also welcomes the return of Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr. Faheem Ashraf, an all-rounder, re-enters the Test side after his last appearance during England’s tour of Pakistan in 2022. Mir Hamza, with a strong record in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr, previously part of the squad during New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan, strengthen the fast bowling department.

Chief selector Wahab Riaz emphasized the squad’s focus on adjusting to the challenging Australian conditions, especially the addition of more pace bowling resources to maintain flexibility in team combinations across the three Test matches. He praised Saim Ayub’s exceptional domestic season, emphasizing his selection to fortify the batting lineup.

The squad is set to convene in Rawalpindi for a training camp starting on November 22 at Pindi Cricket Stadium before departing for Australia on November 30. Additionally, several players have been invited to participate in the training camp, including Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir.

The schedule for the Australia tour includes three Test matches, with the series kicking off in Perth on December 14, followed by matches in Melbourne from December 26 and Sydney from January 3, 2024.

This selection aims to bolster the team’s resources and continue Pakistan’s positive momentum from their earlier success in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 against Sri Lanka.