Pakistan vs Australia: Hosts announce the 12-man squad for 2nd Test

Teams no longer believe in keeping their playing combination behind the wraps – to try and catch the opposition by surprise. They release the 12 names on the eve of the game of which XI will take the field in the game.  The Pakistan cricket team has carried on with its tradition of naming the 12-man squad a day before a Test match. Just like they did for the first game they named the squad that will face Australia on October 16 for the second Test.

This is a crucial encounter for the hosts as the home series is on the line as they had to settle for a draw after coming close to a win in the opening game. Two changes were made from the squad that was announced for the opener of the series. As Imam-ul-Haq was ruled out with an injury, one change was forced. They opted for Fakhar Zaman in the 12-man squad and he will be making his debut. The other change is Shadab Khan, who recovered from his injury, was drafted into the side in place of Wahab Riaz.

The possible combinations

Mohammad Hafeez, with a fine century in the first Test, has sealed a spot for himself in the XI. He will be walking out to open the innings alongside the debutant Fakhar. Although the left-hander didn’t have a great run in the Asia Cup, he will be eager to make his mark in the longest format.

Azhar Ali has got a task on his shoulders. The number three batsman failed to get amongst the runs in both the innings in the previous game. He will need some runs desperately under his belt. Ali will have in-form Harris Sohail and Asad Shafiq to follow him in the line-up.

It is quite obvious that Babar Azam and Sarfraz Ahmed will be the other two batsmen in the line-up. Ahmed will double up as the keeper and will lead the side. With the top seven firm and settled, questions arise when picking the bowlers.

Shadab is back in the team. But, one cannot be sure if he will be roped into the XI. This is because Bilal Asif grabbed his opportunity with both the hands in his debut game. It would be a tough call to leave him out. However, the possibility is that Khan will replace Asif in the XI and will have Yasir Shah for his company in the spin department. Mir Hamza will be making his debut and will share the new ball with Mohammad Abbas.

Here is the 12-man squad of Pakistan:

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Bilal Asif, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas & Shadab Khan/Mir Hamza

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