Pakistan’s cricket squad is preparing to face Australia in a three-match Test series in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. The team has reached Sydney ahead of the AUS vs PAK Test series. This is Shan Masood’s first campaign since taking over as Test captain after Babar Azam stepped down. The first test between Australia and Pakistan begins on December 14.
A video of the Pakistani players carrying their belongings into the back of a truck surfaced online. However, In the absence of officials from the Pakistan Embassy or Cricket Australia, the squad players had to look after their own luggage. Meanwhile, the tour includes three Tests in Perth (December 14-18), Melbourne (December 26-30), and Sydney (January 3-7).
With Pakistan facing elimination from the 2023 World Cup in the group stage, the board made significant changes to their coaching staff and captaincy. Babar Azam willingly resigned as Pakistan’s captain across all forms.
Opening batsman Saim Ayub and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad have been named to Pakistan’s Test team. Ayub scored 553 runs in four Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24 matches, including three centuries. Shahzad finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, with 36 wickets in eight matches.
Faheem Ashraf, an all-rounder, has returned to Test cricket after a nearly year-absence. He last appeared for Pakistan in white in December 2022. Pacers Mir Hamza and Mohammad Wasim are among the notable players making their comebacks.
Pakistan made a bright start in the current World Test Championship. They are on top of the table with 24 points (100% point percentage) after their 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka in July. Pakistan however, hasn’t won a Test in Australia since beating the hosts by 74 runs in Sydney in 1995.
Pakistan Squad for AUS vs PAK Test Series:
Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
