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Naseem Shah Dropped; Shaheen, Saim Ayub Out: Pakistan's Strongest Squad For WI Tests

Saim Ayub out of WI Tests, Naseem could be dropped [Source: AP]Saim Ayub out of WI Tests, Naseem could be dropped [Source: AP]

After incurring a humiliating two-nil series defeat in South Africa, Pakistan are gearing up to face West Indies in a two-match Test series on home soil. This will be their final assignment of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, as they will get ready for the all-important Champions Trophy thereafter. 

Injured Saim Ayub Set To Miss West Indies Tests

Pakistan's promising opening batter Saim Ayub sustained an ugly ankle injury during the recently held South Africa series. As a result, he is out of action for six weeks, and Abdullah Shafique will likely replace him in Pakistan's playing XI for the first Test against the Men in Maroon. 

Skipper Shan Masood will form Pakistan's top-order with Shafique and Babar Azam, who played some glorious knocks on the South Africa tour. Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel and keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will form Pakistan's middle-order core along with Agha Salman, who is a valuable asset for the team, thanks to his all-round prowess. 

However, as the experienced cricketer was unimpressive with bat and ball, Pakistan might bring Qasim Akram into the mix as his potential replacement if the need arises. The young all-rounder has been remarkable in the ongoing President's Trophy and could be included in the Test side. 

No Place For Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah?

While Shaheen Afridi has been sidelined from Tests due to workload management, his long-time partner-in-crime Naseem Shah might also be ignored for the upcoming West Indies series. The right-arm pacer was dropped from the XI for the second Test against South Africa following his poor outing in the series opener at the SuperSport Park. Mohammad Abbas, who bowled magnificently in South Africa, will likely retain his place in the team. 

Naseem's exclusion will make sense, as he is a certain starter in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Therefore, the PCB might decide to manage his workload and keep him fresh for the Tri-Series and Champions Trophy next month. 

In Shaheen and Naseem's absence, Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad will likely lead Pakistan's pace battery with the in-form Mohammad Abbas. Meanwhile, the formidable spin-bowling duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali will spearhead the spin department after playing a pivotal role in Pakistan's historic triumph in the England home series. 

Pakistan's Strongest Squad For West Indies Tests

Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Haseebullah Khan (WK), Mohammad Huraira, Qasim Akram