Pakistan officially announced the playing XI for the first test of the three-match series against Englandwill begin on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The match is an important one for Pakistan as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 series defeat against Bangladesh earlier this year.
In fact, they have lost five Tests in a row and five defeats in their last seven home Tests. Despite this, Pakistan did not make serious efforts to resolve their struggle. The Test players took part in a domestic one-day tournament between them and their only red-ball practice was the camp before the five-day series in Multan.
Key changes and strategy
Shan Masood will continue to lead Pakistan as they opt for a bowling attack of three seamers and one specialist spinner in the form of Abrar Ahmed. Salman Ali Agha can also contribute as a part-time off-spinner if required.
Left arm pacer Shaheen Afridi He failed to find a place in Pakistan’s XI for the second Test against Bangladesh. Along with Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Aamir Jamal have been included in the starting line-up for the first Test against England. Naseem was ruled out of the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, while Jamal missed the entire red-ball series with a back injury.
Also READ: England announce playing XI for first Test match against Pakistan
In the pre-match press conference, skipper Shan Masood admitted that England can send even in the match. the injured captain Ben Stokes was absent. “Stokes’ absence will definitely affect England, but their XI is still strong.” he said.
Pakistan play 11 for the first test against England
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
