Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez (Credits: Getty Images)

Pakistan has recalled veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez for the two-match Test series against Australia scheduled on 7th October in Dubai.

Mohammad Hafeez included to Pakistan squad

However, Hafeez wasn’t part of the Asia Cup 2018 squad and had returned to domestic cricket. Meanwhile, the right-handed batsman has performed quite well in the local circuit in the recent past.

In the most recent first-class match for the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited against Peshawar, Hafeez smashed a double century and picked up four wickets. It helped his side win the contest by an innings and 105 runs. The off-spinner has also been in form with the ball in hand. He has bagged 12 wickets in three matches at an impressive average of 15.58.

Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan
Mohammad Hafeez has been recalled to the Pakistan squad for the two-match Test series against Australia. (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

“The national selection committee and team management have decided to include Hafeez for two-match Test series against Australia,” the PCB spokesperson said.

Hafeez last played a Test in 2016

The last time Hafeez played a Test match during the four-match Test series in England back in 2016. Hafeez wasn’t at his best during the series and ended up scoring only 102 runs in six innings, as it included a couple of ducks. He eventually got dropped from the playing XI for the last Test at the Oval.

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Pakistan received heavy criticism after a below-par performance in the Asia Cup 2018. They were beaten twice by India and got knocked out of the tournament after losing to Bangladesh in their final Super four game.

For the Australia series, Pakistan had included a couple of specialist spinners. They had added as many as six fast bowlers in the Asia Cup 2018 squad where the wickets were relatively on the slower side and assisted the spinners.

Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez last played for Pakistan in England Tests in 2016. Image Courtesy: Getty

However, Hafeez’s Test batting average is on the higher side form his overall average. However, his overall bowling numbers in the UAE are not that impressive. The two teams will lock horns in the 1st Test on 7th October. The Test 2nd will be played on 16th October before the two teams square off in a three-match T20I series.

Squad:

Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Hafeez

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