Lahore: The much-anticipated two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to begin on August 21, with the first Test to be played in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. Pakistan has unveiled its playing XI, leaving fans and experts surprised by the complete absence of any specialist spinner in the squad. This marks the first time in 28 years that Pakistan has opted to play a home Test match without a frontline spinner.
Abdullah Shafiq and Sam Ayub are set to open the innings for Pakistan in the first Test, while captain Shan Masood will bat at number three. The former skipper and star batter, Babar Azam, has been slotted into the number four position—a role he has previously occupied under Masood’s captaincy. Vice-captain Saud Shakeel will feature in the middle order at number five, followed by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and spin all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.
Interestingly, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has not been included in the playing XI. The decision to exclude specialist spinners and rely solely on a pace-heavy attack is a bold move by Masood and his management team. Pakistan’s squad includes four fast bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali.
The absence of spinners in the Rawalpindi Test squad has drawn attention, especially considering Pakistan’s long history of relying on spin-friendly conditions at home. The last time Pakistan fielded a Test XI at home without a specialist spinner was nearly three decades ago, underscoring the significance of this decision.
Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafiq, Sam Ayub, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali.
The first Test promises to be an intriguing contest as Pakistan’s pace quartet takes on a determined Bangladesh side in Rawalpindi, setting the stage for an intense series.
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