Pakistan squad announced for second Test against Australia

Pakistan, who are 1-0 down in the three-Test series, will announce their final XI tomorrow.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who could only score seven runs in the first Test, has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan. Prior to the Melbourne Test, Sarfaraz played innings of 35 and 10 runs in a two-day match.

In contrast, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan demonstrated his batting skills by scoring an impressive 50 runs in the first innings of the two-day match.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf has also been dropped, meanwhile pacers Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali have been included in the squad.

Pakistan squad for second Test
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi (vc), Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan

Remember, Pakistan were facing a selection dilemma in the bowling department. Spinner Noman Ali was ruled out of the three-Test match series after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis. The national selection committee, led by Wahab Riaz, named all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz as the replacement.

Earlier, pacer Khurram Shahzad was also ruled out of the remaining Tests of the series due to a stress fracture in his left 10th rib, as well as an abdominal muscle tear. The right-armer made his debut during the Perth Test and claimed five wickets during the match.

PCB also confirmed mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will not participate in the Melbourne Test.

Abrar bowled a total of 27 overs during the four-day practice match against the PM XI where he also picked up a wicket. At the end of the third day, he complained about feeling some discomfort in his right leg for which the MRI was done.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan was called up as Abrar’s replacement before the first Test, which Pakistan lost.