What could Pakistan's bowling attack look like for the Test series against Bangladesh?

Pakistan are set to take on Bangladesh in a two-Test home series starting next week. Here's what their bowling lineup could look like for the series.

Pakistan will be in action in Test cricket for the first time since January, when they played the third and final Test of their tour of Australia, in Sydney. It is the first time Pakistani fans will get to see their team in action on home soil since a series against New Zealand in January 2023.

Since it has been a while, here is a look at what the hosts' bowling lineup could look like for the series.

Who is sure to be selected?

Pakistan announced their squad for the series last week. The bowlers named were as follows – Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel are all capable of chipping in as spin-bowling options.

In their last home Test, Pakistan's attack consisted of three frontline pacers (Hamza, Naseem, Hassan Ali), one frontline spinner (Abrar) and one spin-bowling all-rounder (Salman).

If the nature of the pitches is the same as that series, which is quite likely, a few of these players are likely to retain their places. Abrar's claim is the strongest at the moment, as Pakistan have not picked another specialist spinner in the squad. As the best bowler out of their part-time options, Salman should also find a spot as Abrar's support.

Naseem is one of the premium pace bowlers in the world, let alone Pakistan, and missed the Australia tour only due to an injury. He is currently playing for Pakistan A against Bangladesh A; if fit, he will be a shoo-in to the side.

Similarly, Shaheen, who until recently was Pakistan's red-ball vice captain, is nailed on to play. He was the leader of the attack in Australia, but did not play the last Test due to workload management. He was out injured during Pakistan's last home series.

Shaheen and Naseem playing together is sure to be a huge boost for Pakistan, and it means the toughest decision to make is who will be the third pacer.

Aamer Jamal or Mir Hamza?

At present, there are three options for that slot; Jamal, Shahzad, Hamza and Mohammad Ali.

Ali's last Test came against England in 2022, but he has been recalled to the squad now on the back of some impressive domestic performances. Shahzad played his one and only Test in Perth against Australia last December. These two are likely to be slightly behind in the pecking order.

The decision then comes down to Jamal or Hamza. Jamal enjoyed an outstanding debut series against Australia, picking up 18 wickets in three Tests. He also scored 143 runs, including a counter-attacking 82 in Sydney, from No.9.

Hamza, like Naseem, is currently turning out for Pakistan A and his performance in that match could help the selectors make a call on who plays the first Test. His Test career so far has been unremarkable as a whole, but he was impressive against Australia recently. Pakistan might also quite like the idea of playing two left-arm seamers in the same attack.

Watch: Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza take three wickets apiece for Pakistan Shaheens

When it comes down to a straight comparison between Jamal and Hamza, Jamal's batting gives him an edge. However, Hamza's recent form, left-arm angle and slightly different skillset (he is more of a swing bowler) may go in his favour.

In addition, Jamal's inclusion in the squad did come with an asterisk saying "subject to fitness". If he is not ruled fit, the decision is more or less made for Pakistan. If he can play, it becomes a more balanced contest but one that Hamza could still win.

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