The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to start on August 21 in Rawalpindi. This came as men in green geared up for a tough series against their South Asian rivals. Moreover, it will also be influential in Pak’s chances to stay alive in the World Test Championship standings.
Shan Masood to Lead the Team
Shan Masood will captain Pakistan in this two-Test series for the first time as leader of the team in a home series. He will have Saud Shakeel as his vice-captain. A confident Masood and his side are all set to leave an impact, more so because Rawalpindi’s conditions are aiding the fast bowlers.
The playing XI includes four pacers, which certainly indicates that the pitch will be a paradise for speeders. A champion like Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the bowling attack for Pakistan. He will be ably supported by Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad. This pace attack should give the Bangladesh batting order a tough time.
Series Context & Venue Change
This Test series is part of the third cycle of the World Test Championship. As things stand, Pakistan is in sixth place, and Bangladesh is eighth among nine teams. The second Test was due to be held at the National Stadium in Karachi. However, with renovation work ongoing, both matches will now be played in Rawalpindi.
Despite the home advantage his team will enjoy, Shan Masood refuses to take the Bangladesh team lightly. He said all international teams arrive prepared, and the Bangladesh team has players of quality in every department. He respects the challenge they present and expects a competitive series.
New Coaching Era
This series will also be the first assignment for Jason Gillespie as the head coach of Pakistan. Masood showed eagerness about the new coaching setup, hoping to deliver better performances with it. He envisions Gillespie and his team elevating Pakistan into one of the top teams in the world.
Historically, Pakistan dominated their Test matches against Bangladesh. Of the 13 matches played between them, Pakistan won 12 of them, while another one was drawn. Bangladesh has not yet won any Test match against Pakistan. They will rewrite those stats to win their first Test match against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the First Test
The first test squad includes:
Shan Masood (Captain), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Ali
Looking Ahead
The battle between Pakistan and Bangladesh will first determine how the new combination works out at this venue and under a different coaching staff. With a potent pace attack coupled with leadership experience, Pakistan will be keen to make a winning start to the series.
After all, this is going to be an exciting test series. The new leadership, strategic choices by Pakistan, and determination of Bangladesh combine to enthrall cricket. Fans look forward to a series full of anticipation and competitive spirit.
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