Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is set to bat at number four in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, according to sources. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the team’s fitness following their disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup 2024.
Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has praised Azam’s fitness and consistency, highlighting his impressive run-scoring record over the past two years. Butt emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness, especially after the criticism the team faced for their poor performance at the T20 World Cup.
The two-match Test series against Bangladesh will mark the first assignment for Pakistan’s new Test coach, Jason Gillespie. The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 21, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that spectators will not be allowed during the second Test match in Karachi due to ongoing renovations at the National Stadium.
The Pakistan squad for the Test series includes:
* Shan Masood (captain)
* Saud Shakeel
* Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness)
* Abdullah Shafique
* Abrar Ahmed
* Babar Azam
* Kamran Ghulam
* Khurram Shahzad
* Mir Hamza
* Mohammad Ali
* Muhammad Hurraira
* Mohammad Rizwan
* Naseem Shah
* Saim Ayub
* Salman Ali Agha
* Sarfaraz Ahmed
* Shaheen Shah Afridi
The Bangladesh squad for the Test series includes:
* Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
* Mahmudullah
* Zakir Hasan
* Shadman Islam
* Mominul Haque
* Mushfiqur Rahim
* Shakib Al Hasan
* Litton Das
* Mehidy Hasan Miraz
* Taijul Islam
* Nazmul Hossain
* Nurul Hasan
* Ebadot Hossain
* Hasan Mahmud
* Taskin Ahmed
* Khaled Ahmed
