Pakistan announce 16-member squad for Australia Tests, Shaun Tait appointed as pace bowling coach

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday (February 9) announced the 16-player squad for the historic home Test series against Australia. The Aussie team is set to travel the Asian nation for the very first time in this century and PCB would want this all-format tour to be conducted smoothly. Three Tests will be followed as many ODIs and a solitary T20I in the tour.

Speaking of the Pakistan squad, Babar Azam will lead the team while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will serve as his deputy. The likes of Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are the other notable names in the batting department. Notably, opener Abid Ali will remain out of action for a while as he underwent angioplasty a couple of months ago amid heart issues.

Haris Rauf earns a call-up, Shaun Tait named bowling coach 

As far as the bowling department is concerned, Haris Rauf is a notable inclusion. The right-arm pacer has been doing well in white-ball cricket but is yet to get a chance in the Test arena. Hence, it would be interesting to see how he tackles this challenge. Shaheen Afridi will continue to spearhead the bowling attack while Faheem Ashraf is expected to occupy the all-rounder’s spot.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests announced

More details: https://t.co/kQjZ12KB6z#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/ucGMBTd2fu

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) February 9, 2022

Speaking of the spinners, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan have been picked to make the ball talk against the Aussies. Meanwhile, PCB has also named five reserve players in Kamran Ghulan, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Yasir Shah. It must be noted that former Aussie speedster Shaun Tait has been appointed as the bowling coach of the team.

Meanwhile, chief selector Muhammad Wasim said the players have been awarded for their consistency. “We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary. This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, M Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood

Reserves: Kamran Ghulan, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah