Rizwan Replaces Sarfaraz, Faheem Ashraf Dropped As PAK Finalise Squad For 2nd Test vs Australia
Mohammad Rizwan has replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed for 2nd Test vs AUS [X.com]
In a significant development, Pakistan have finalised their for the second Test against Australia in Melbourne. Mohammad Rizwan, who was ignored for the first Test in Perth, has made his comeback, replacing veteran keeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Notably, Pakistan preferred Sarfaraz over Rizwan for the first Test only to see the former record disappointing numbers with the bat. The gritty right-handed batter could manage seven runs across both innings and hence has been replaced by Rizwan for the Boxing Day affair.
Meanwhile, Faheem Ashraf, who had a forgettable game in Perth, has been dropped from the 12-man squad. Mir Hamza makes it into the team in place of Khurram Shahzad, who has been ruled out of the tour owing to a rib fracture.
Sajid Khan, who replaced Abrar Ahmed for the Perth Test, has been included and could play if the MCG pitch doesn't seem extremely conducive for the pacers.
Pakistan's top five will likely be unchanged, with Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel set to form the core of their batting unit.
Pakistan's 12-man squad for Boxing Day Test vs Australia
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Aamer Jamal
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