Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is set to make a comeback to Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match away series against Sri Lanka next month. The men’s national selection committee has also included uncapped batter Mohammad Huraira and all-rounder Aamir Jamal in the 16-strong squad, as Pakistan embarks on their first assignment in the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
The squad, led by captain Babar Azam and vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan, has been carefully curated to suit the conditions that the team will encounter in Sri Lanka. It comprises four spinners, including the mystery spin of Abrar Ahmed, four fast bowlers, six specialist batters, and two keeper-batters.
Shaheen Afridi, who is just one wicket away from reaching a century of Test wickets, has been a key player for Pakistan since making his debut on 3 December 2018. With an impressive average of 24.86 and an economy rate of 3.04, the 23-year-old left-arm fast bowler has been a consistent performer for the team. Shaheen expressed his excitement about returning to the Test side after a year and his determination to complete a century of wickets in Test cricket.
Mohammad Huraira, the 21-year-old uncapped batter, has earned his spot in the squad with his impressive performances. He was the leading run-scorer in the last two editions of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and played a vital role in Northern’s first-class title win. With a remarkable average of 73.14, Huraira scored 1,024 runs, including four centuries and two half-centuries, in the 2022-23 season. He continued his fine form during the tour of Zimbabwe, recording scores of 178 and 64 against Zimbabwe A.
Joining Huraira in the squad is his Northern and Shaheens’ teammate, Aamir Jamal. The 27-year-old fast bowler was the leading wicket-taker among the fast bowlers in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23, taking 31 scalps with an average of 29.71 and two five-wicket hauls. Aamir also impressed on his Pakistan debut in September last year when he defended 15 runs in the last over against England’s Moeen Ali in a thrilling T20 International.
Haroon Rashid, the national men’s chief selector, congratulated all the selected players, particularly Mohammad Huraira and Aamir Jamal, for their consistent performances. Rashid emphasized that the squad has been chosen with the Sri Lankan conditions in mind and expressed confidence in their ability to provide a solid start to Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC World Test Championship.
In addition to the squad announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board revealed the appointment of Morne Morkel as the national side’s bowling coach. The former South African pacer, who had a successful international career spanning over a decade, will join the team on a six-month contract. Morkel brings a wealth of experience, having taken 309 wickets in Tests, 188 wickets in ODIs, and 47 scalps in T20Is.
The Pakistan team will assemble in Karachi on 3 July for a camp before departing for Sri Lanka on 9 July. The tour itinerary will be announced by Sri Lanka Cricket in due course. The last Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held in July 2022, ended in a 1-1 draw.
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