Pakistan has announced their 15-member squad for the first Test against England, which is set to be played in Multan from October 7, 2024.
The squad includes the experienced 37-year-old left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who has been brought in to replace the injured pacer Khurram Shahzad.
Noman Ali, who has played 15 Test matches for Pakistan and taken 47 wickets at an average of 33.53, was last seen in action during Pakistan’s series against Sri Lanka, where he recorded a career-best haul of 7 for 70 in Colombo. His inclusion is seen as a crucial move to strengthen Pakistan’s spin options on what is expected to be a spin-friendly surface in Multan.
Notably, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali, who were part of Pakistan’s squad for their 2-0 home Test series loss to Bangladesh, have been left out of the first Test squad, though they remain in the future plans.
Head coach Jason Gillespie expressed optimism about the upcoming series, emphasizing the importance of giving some players rest ahead of the Test series against England, stating: “We are very much looking forward to the series against England here in Pakistan and cannot wait for it to begin. We are excited about playing in front of our wonderful supporters.”
All-rounder Aamer Jamal, who was unavailable for the Bangladesh series due to injury, has been declared fit for the first Test.
Pakistan, currently eighth in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, are under significant pressure after a string of home Test losses, including a 3-0 series defeat to England in 2022. Pakistan’s last home Test win dates back to February 2021, and they are hoping to break this streak as they face England.
Pakistan squad for the 1st Test:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Saud Shakeel (vc)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Naseem Shah
- Noman Ali
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
With the first Test kicking off soon, Pakistan will be eager to deliver a much-needed victory at home.