Saim Ayub Ruled Out, Shaheen Afridi Dropped; Pakistan's Probable Squad For WI Tests

Ayub injured, no place for Shaheen [Source: @DSBcricket/X.Com]

The ongoing Test series Vs South Africa has turned out to be a nightmare for the Pakistan side. First, they lost the Centurion Test, and it was followed by a horrific injury to Saim Ayub in the ongoing second match at Cape Town.

The Pakistan opener twisted his ankle while chasing a delivery and was subsequemtly ruled out for the next 6 weeks. After the South Africa tour, the Men in Green are set to play a Test series Vs the visiting West Indies side. The first Test match will commence on January 16, and with just a few days left for the series, we look at Pakistan's probable squad for the Test series.

No Saim Ayub, Babar retains his place in the batting order

Saim Ayub is out of six weeks, meaning he will miss the Test series Vs West Indies. In that case, captain Shan Masood will open the innings with Abdullah Shafique. Shafique didn't play in the first two Tests Vs South Africa, but will return in the absence of Ayub.

Babar Azam will play at number 3 as he looks to get his mojo back against the Windies side. He has been woefully out of form in Tests, but got some runs under his belt in the last Test. Kamran Ghulam, the successor of Babar will bat at 4, and it will be followed by keeper-batter, Mohammad Rizwan at number 5.

Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha will bat at 6, and 7 as Pakistan boast a formidable batting order in home conditions.

Two spinners to play, no place for Shaheen Afridi

The last time Pakistan played a home Test series, they utilised two spinners in their side, and the same will be the case against the Windies, with Sajid Khan and Noman Ali to play together once again.

Shaheen Afridi and PCB are in a tussle at the moment. The star pacer opted out of the South Africa Tests, citing workload management, however, it has come to light that he was omitted from the squad due to disciplinary actions, and hence, he might not find a place in the team.

Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad are likely to be the three pacers, but looking at the conditions, only two might play in the Test series.

Players who will be in the squad as backups

Haseebullah Khan didn't get a game against South Africa, but could be the second choice keeper to Rizwan in the squad. Naseem Shah was dropped for the second Test Vs South Africa due to his poor performance in the first game, however, he could be the back-up pacer in the squad.

With no Saim Ayub, Pakistan will also need a back-up opener to compliment Shan Masood and Shafique and Muhammad Hurraira could be the third opener in the side.

Pakistan's probable squad for West Indies Tests

Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Amir Jamal, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hurraira

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