Pakistan have named their starting XI for the first Test match against Bangladesh, which begins on Wednesday (August 21), with Saim Ayub retaining his place in the side.
It was confirmed earlier on Monday (August 19), that fast-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal would miss the two-Test series having not recovered from a back injury in time. Jamal was originally selected in the squad, along with Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam who have been released to play for the Shaheens, and has been replaced in the XI by Mohammad Ali. Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza and Sajid Khan are the other players who featured in the final Test against Australia not to make it to this XI.
Ayub is the incumbent opener, having made his Test debut against Australia in Sydney earlier this year. He made a duck in his first innings before scoring 33 in the second in what is his only Test appearance to date. He has kept his place in the side over Muhammad Hurraira, who has yet to make his debut in the format.
The other news from the XI is that Saud Shakeel has been named as vice-captain, with Shan Masood set to take the reigns for a third Test series, and that Naseem Shah is back in the side. Naseem hasn't played a Test match since July 2023 after a shoulder injury meant he missed Pakistan's tour to Australia earlier this year. Shaheen Shah Afridi also returns after being rested for the final Test against Australia.
Pakistan XI for the first Test match against Bangladesh: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali.
Both matches in the series will now be played at Rawalpindi, after the second Test was moved from Karachi due to redevelopment taking place at the National Bank Stadium.
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