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Saim Ayub Replaced, No Shaheen And Naseem; Pakistan's Strongest XI For West Indies Tests

Debashis Sarangi

Saim Ayub, Shaheen, Naseem won't play vs WI [Source: AP, @RexClementine/X]Saim Ayub, Shaheen, Naseem won't play vs WI [Source: AP, @RexClementine/X]

On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a formidable 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series against West Indies at home. Led by Shan Masood, Pakistan will cross swords against the Men in Maroon in two matches as a part of their final assignment of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. 

While the squad comprises several familiar names, there are some surprise inclusions in the team as well. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali marks his return, while Kashif Ali, Mohammad Huraira and Rohail Nazir also find themselves in the Test setup. 

So, as the Men in Green gear up for the West Indies series, let's analyse and find out their most potent playing combination for the two-match leg. 

Imam-ul-Haq To Replace Injured Saim Ayub

Pakistan's young batting sensation Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the West Indies Tests due to an ankle injury. So, the hosts have recalled Imam-ul-Haq, who will replace him as Shan Masood's opening partner at the top order. In seven home Tests, Imam has struck 814 runs, including three centuries, at a superb average of 62.62 and could be a game-changer for Pakistan at the top order. 

Babar, Saud, Ghulam And Rizwan To Form Pakistan's Batting Core

While the southpaws form a stable opening pair, star batter Babar Azam will be key to Pakistan's success along with the dynamic Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel. Keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Agha Salman are expected to score crucial runs lower down the order, with the latter supporting the hosts' bowling unit with his handy off-spin. 

Shahzad To Lead Pakistan's Pace Battery In Shaheen And Naseem's Absence

Ace speedsters Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been left out of Pakistan's Test squad, with the PCB closely monitoring their workload before the Champions Trophy. In such a scenario, Khurram Shahzad, who has been impressive in Test cricket, should lead Pakistan's pace bowling attack. In five Tests, the right-arm pacer has bagged 20 wickets at a healthy strike rate of 45. 

On the other hand, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who rattled the Englishmen in the last home series, will spearhead the spin bowling department. There will be a toss-up between Mohammad Ali and Abrar Ahmed for the eleventh player's slot, and Pakistan might prefer the latter if they stick to turning tracks after succeeding with the formula against England. 

Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For West Indies Tests

Shan Masood (C), Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Ali/Abrar Ahmed