Sarfaraz dropped, newbies chosen for T20I, Test against Australia

Pakistan cricket chief selector-cum-head coach Misbah-ul-Haq announced on Monday the Pakistan squad for T20I and Test squad against Australia.

“We know that Australia will present different and exciting challenges for us. There is a need to play a different type of cricket, the balance of the squads is reflective of us having options to play aggressive, attacking cricket,” said Misbah, at a presser.

Newbie Mohammad Musa and Naseem Shah have been picked for the tour of Australia. Alongside uncapped middle-order batsman Khushdil Shah and wrist spinner Usman Qadir, lanky fast bowler Mohammad Irfan too makes a comeback.

“It’s a brave and bold decision to select the likes of Musa and Naseem, but we know that their fresh and attacking approach will give us something different. The Australian wickets will give them the opportunity to express themselves, gain valuable experience and it will help us to take 20 wickets to win the Tests," he said.

“I am pretty sure these two lads will surprise a lot of people with their pace, controlled swing and ability to bowl long spells at a consistent speed," Misbah added.

Beside the two, Pakistan has also strengthened their spin department by including experienced Kashif Bhatti to support Yasir Shah.

“Our Test batting is experienced, talented and pretty settled, so, we have not tweaked it much, except including prolific Abid Ali in place of Fakhar Zaman and adding Iftikhar Ahmed, who can also bowl off-spin. We have a strong batting line that we expect to perform in the two Tests," the chief selector said.

“For the T20Is, Mohammad Irfan has been rewarded for the form he has shown recently. Based on horses for courses and his form, the Australian conditions will present Irfan with the opportunity to excel. This selection has also been made while looking at next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, which will be played in Australia. If we can successfully manage his workload, then he can be a valuable asset for us in next global event."

“Similarly, Khushdil Shah has been added as he is in-form and has displayed his power-hitting abilities, while Usman Qadir brings to the table his experience of playing in Australia. Usman also provides cover for Shadab Khan, who is on track for reclaiming his match form," he added.

The chief selector was of the view that Pakistan can only beat Australia by playing aggressive cricket.  “I have always desired that our team perform well in Australia, play a competitive and aggressive cricket. This is the only way to beat Australia in their home by playing aggressive cricket. That is what we have thought about, including surprise packages for the tour against Australia."

Speaking about PCB’s decision to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed, the chief selector said that the outgoing skipper was dropped due to poor performance.

“There was a lot of discussion over this issue between me, PCB MD Wasim Khan and PCB Chief Ehsan Mani. The decision was taken on the basis of his form, we have always backed Sarfaraz and has served a lot for Pakistan. It is pretty simple for Sarfaraz to regain his form, and the doors are opened. There is no conspiracy behind it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan replaces the outgoing captain and will perform the glove duties in both formats of the game against Australia.

Hasan Ali was not considered for the tour as he is still recovering from his back injury, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been picked only for Tests to ensure his safe return to international cricket after picking dengue virus in August.

Pakistan T20I squad:

Babar Azam (capt), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohamad Rizwan (Wkt), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, And Wahab Riaz.

Pakistan Test squad:

Azhar Ali (capt), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohial, Imam Ul Haq, Imran Khan Ssenior, Ftikhar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Mosa Khan, Nasim Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood And Yasir Shah.

Series Schedule

31 October – T20 warm-up match v CA XI, Bankstown, Sydney

3 November – 1st T20I, Sydney

5 November – 2nd T20I, Canberra

8 November – 3rd T20I, Perth

11-13 November – Three-day match v CA XI, Optus Stadium, Perth (d/n)

15-16 November – Two-day match v CA XI, WACA, Perth

21-25 November – 1st Test, Brisbane

29 November-3 December – 2nd Test, Adelaide (d/n)