Shadab, Hassan in as Pakistan announce Test squad for WI tour

Faizan Lakhani

April 05, 2017

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a new-look 16-member squad for the three-match Test series against West Indies, with young spinner Shadab Khan, fast bowler Mohammad Abbas and Hassan Ali included in the Test team for the first time.

Seven players from Pakistan’s last Test squad that toured Australia have been dropped while six players have been included in the squad to replace them.

Batsmen Ahmad Shahzad and Shan Masood have returned to the squad while Usman Salahuddin has also been rewarded with a call to the Test team for showcasing great form in the recent first-class season.

Opening batsman Sami Aslam, wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, fast bowling trio of Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan and Imran Khan along with spinner Mohammad Nawaz were not included.

Sharjeel Khan, who made his debut against Australia, was also omitted from the squad due to the suspension for violating PCB’s anti-corruption code.

Pakistan’s three-match Test series against West Indies will commence from April 21 with opening Test at Jamaica, the second test will be played at Barbados from April 10 while the third and final Test will be played from May 10 in Dominica.

27-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was leading wicket taker in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy for last two seasons.

In recently concluded 2016/2017 season, Abbas took 71 wickets from 19 innings at the average of 12.74. Last season he had captured 61 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 16.79.

Usman Salahuddin, who played two ODIs for Pakistan in West Indies in 2011, got selectors’ nod after scoring 843 runs (4th leading) in 17 innings at the average of 70.25 in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this season.

18-year-old Shadab Khan, who came into limelight during the second edition of Pakistan Super League, was picked for test squad after his brilliant performance in limited overs’ leg of Pakistan’s tour to West Indies.

Spinner Mohammad Asghar, who was sent as the 17th player to Australia during Pakistan’s Test series, has given another opportunity and included in Pakistan’s Test squad for West Indies.

Opening batsman Ahmad Shahzad, who last played his Test match in 2015 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, and Shan Masood, who was dropped from Test squad after Pakistan’s tour to England last year, have made comebacks to the team.

Chief selector Inzamam ul Haq has stated that team was selected taking the conditions of West Indies, hoping that it would give best results for the country.

“The Test team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions in West Indies and the recent performances of players during the domestic and international season. The team is a fine blend of experience and youth and believe that team will do well in the tour,” said chief selector Inzamam ul Haq.