Summary:

Naseem Shah returns to Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against Bangladesh.
Saud Shakeel is promoted to vice-captain as part of a strategic move.
Several new players are included, with key omissions like Imam-ul-Haq and Faheem Ashraf.

Fast bowler Naseem Shah has made a comeback to Pakistan’s Test squad after more than a year. The selectors have announced a 17-member squad for the two-Test home series against Bangladesh, with Naseem’s return as a significant highlight. The series marks Pakistan’s first Test matches since their loss in Australia earlier this year.

Saud Shakeel has been named vice-captain, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage Afridi’s workload amid a busy cricketing calendar. Pakistan is set to play nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs between August and April next year.

The squad also includes new faces like Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Muhammad Hurraira. These players earned their spots due to consistent performances in domestic cricket and recent successes with Pakistan Shaheens in Australia.

Aamer Jamal, who impressed during the Australia tour, has been included in the squad but is subject to fitness. His participation will be confirmed after recovering from a recent back injury that cut short his county stint in England.

In contrast, the squad has seen some notable exclusions, including Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Nawaz. The team’s strategy appears to focus on pace, with only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, selected for the series.

Naseem Shah’s return is eagerly anticipated, especially after his last Test performance, where he took six wickets in an innings victory in Colombo. His partnership with Shaheen Afridi will be a key aspect of Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Kamran Ghulam, after an impressive domestic season and a strong showing against Bangladesh A, finally breaks into the Test side. Mohammad Ali also makes a return after his debut in December 2022, following a stellar first-class season.

Hurraira, expected to open with Abdullah Shafique, has been in remarkable form, including a double hundred against Bangladesh A. His inclusion solidifies Pakistan’s batting lineup.

The squad will begin training on August 11 under new head coach Jason Gillespie, with the Bangladesh team arriving on August 17. The two Tests, part of the World Test Championship, will be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi, starting on August 21.