Babar Azam Test Captain for West Indies and England Tours
Pakistan has appointed Babar Azam Test captain for the upcoming tours of West Indies and England. The Pakistan Men’s National Selection Committee announced the decision on Sunday. The announcement came during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan selected 16 players for the West Indies series. Meanwhile, selectors picked a 17-member squad for the England tour. The team will face West Indies in two Tests from July 25 to August 6. After that, Pakistan will play three Tests in England from August 19 to September 13.
New Faces Join Pakistan Squad
The squads include four uncapped players. Ali Usman adds a left-arm spin option. Muhammad Awais Zafar strengthens the batting group. Ubaid Shah offers fast-bowling depth. In addition, wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori earns his first call-up. Earlier reports suggested mixed opinions about Pakistan’s Test captaincy. However, selectors confirmed Babar Azam as the team leader. Salman Ali Agha will continue supporting the side in the leadership group. Babar faced criticism after a slow T20 World Cup innings earlier this year. Later, he answered those concerns with a rapid century in the Pakistan Super League. His 52-ball hundred helped Peshawar Zalmi defeat Quetta Gladiators. Therefore, he enters the Test season with renewed confidence. The West Indies squad features Babar Azam, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah. The England squad includes the same players. Furthermore, Saud Shakeel joins the squad, subject to fitness. Pakistan now hopes to build momentum through strong performances in both challenging Test series.
