PAK vs ENG: Shaheen Afridi ruled out as Pakistan announce Test squad for England series


image-laqnzrveBabar will lead the Pakistan side [Source: Twitter]

Pakistan have announced their 18-man squad for the upcoming Test series against England, slated to begin next month.

As expected, the core of the side remains the same, but there a few notable changes in the squad. Shaheen Afridi, who recently underwent a knee surgery has been ruled out of the series completely. His absence will leave a massive hole in the Pakistan bowling attack.

Babar Azam will lead the side, and the duo of Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to open the batting for the home team.

Skipper Babar, alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Azhar Ali will form a formidable middle-order trio. It is widely expected that Shan Masood will get a place in the side. He had a phenomenal County Championship and the selectors have banked on him to come good for the national side.

Abrar Ahmed, the wily leg spinner has been included in the side, alongside the other two spinners, Nauman Ali and Salman Ali Agha.

In the absence of Shaheen Afridi, the likes of Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr have big responsibilities on their shoulders.

The series will commence on December 1 and the first Test match will take place in Rawalpindi. England have already won the seven-game T20I series and will be looking to capture the Test series as well.


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