Pakistan vs Australia: Mohammad Amir faces the axe; Shoaib Akhtar tweets the squad selection as 'decent'

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates. They dropped Mohammad Amir from the team following the poor Asia Cup where he failed to take a single wicket. Wahab Riaz has returned to the Test set-up for Pakistan and the team will continue to play under Sarfraz Ahmed. However, despite recent criticism, Shoaib Akhtar looks happy with the selected squad and feels that they will beat Australia.

Not long ago, Amir was the lynchpin of the team irrespective of the format. After serving the ban of five years for his role in the spot-fixing scandal, the left-arm pacer made a name for himself once again. He rose through the ranks and became the leader of the pace attack. It could also be argued that the catches were dropped off his bowling initially but of late, his performances have dipped.

Strong Test squad

As far as the 17-man Test squad is concerned, the selectors have picked a formidable batting line-up including the likes of Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Babar Azam who are better players in whites. Also, the presence of the skipper Sarfraz along with the youngsters like Usman Salahuddin down the order should work wonders to the team. Two leg-spinners in Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah have been picked and there is no doubt that the onus will be on them in the Test series.

Shoaib Akhtar was delighted with the depth in the squad and felt that they are capable to beat Australia in the UAE while also asking his fans their opinion about the team selection. “Hey guys what do you think about the selection of the squad against Australia series?? I think looks a decent squad to beat Australia if Pak team play best of their abilities,” he tweeted.

The Test series between Pakistan and Australia is all set to commence on October 7 in Dubai before which Pakistan A will play a four-day practice match against the tourists.

Here’s Akhtar’s tweet:

Hey guys what do you think about the selection of the squad against Australia series?? I think looks a decent squad to beat Australia if Pak team play best of their abilities..

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 28, 2018

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