Pakistan Name 12-Man Squad For 1st Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan have named a 12-man squad for the upcoming first Test of the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting Friday, November 26, at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

Babar Azam will lead the side with Mohammad Rizwan as his deputy. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf has been named in the final 12 players, so has been uncapped Abdullah Shafique. Pakistan white-washed Bangladesh in the three-T20I series.

Earlier in the year, Pakistan drew the 2-Test series by 1-1 in West Indies. Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe in the one-off Test in Harare after claiming a series win in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s 12-Man Squad For 1st Test Against Bangladesh:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc, wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi

The second Test will commence on Saturday, 4 December, at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka.

Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury

The hosts have been given a big blow as star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will miss the first Test against Pakistan. Shakib is yet to recover completely from the hamstring injury which he had sustained during the game against West Indies in the T20 World Cup.

Consequently, he missed two World Cup matches and the recently-concluded T20I against Pakistan. The left-hander had earlier been named in Bangladesh’s squad for the first Test, but his participation was subject to his fitness.

In a chat with The Daily Star, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, Minhajul Abedin, confirmed that Shakib Al Hasan will miss the first Test and remains doubtful for the second Test.

“Shakib will miss the first Test, that’s for sure. He is yet to recover from injury. After assessing the physiotherapist’s report, we can say whether he will be available for the second Test,” Minhajul Abedin said.

Pacer Taskin Ahmed was not considered as he required stitches on his hand due to an injury sustained in the third T20. Also, opener Tamim Iqbal, who has been eyeing a comeback, has not been included in the opening Test due to a thumb injury.

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