![List Of Changes In Pakistan Squad For Sri Lanka Tests [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792847720930_PakistanTestSquadSriLanka.jpg?type=hq)
List Of Changes In Pakistan Squad For Sri Lanka Tests [Source: AFP]
In an important development, Pakistan unveiled its squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The 2-game series will begin on November 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Despite a humiliating whitewash defeat against England, Babar Azam has been retained as captain for this series. However, not everyone was as lucky as Babar.
The PCB have made a series of changes to its Test squad since their last tour to England. And in this article, we'll analyse all changes in detail.
Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan and others ousted
Pakistan revamped the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series completely as seniors Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-Ul-Haq were dropped. Masood, ex-Test captain, scored 161 runs in 6 innings during the England tour with an average of just 26.
On the other hand, Rizwan and Imam were earlier sent back from the England series midway due to disciplinary issues. They are being investigated over alleged involvement in betting and hence are staying away from the national team for a while.
Apart from this senior trio, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Ali and Sajid Khan were also dropped. Despite Rawalpindi being a spin-friendly surface, PCB ignored Sajid. Moreover, Ali, who grabbed 8 wickets in the England tour, also failed to find a space.
Shafique, meanwhile, had a horrible run in England, scoring 84 runs in 6 innings. Hence, his snub doesn’t come as a surprise.
Besides, fast bowlers Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal and Awais Zafar, Imran Randhawa, Imran Jr, and Saim Ayub were also dropped. Ayub was called in for the third Test vs England but ended up scoring two ducks.
Randhawa showed some potential with 2 wickets while Shahzad picked up 6 wickets in 2 games. Still, the PCB felt their presence was no longer needed in Pakistan’s Test lineup.
Mohammad Taha, Suleman get maiden call-up
Now, speaking on additions, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman have received their maiden Test call-ups. Suleman is a middle-order batter with 2227 runs in first-class cricket, including 8 hundreds. He can also bowl as a part-timer.
On the other hand, Taha is an all-rounder with 1950 runs and 6 wickets in a 29-game first-class career. He is a left-handed batter and can bowl left-arm orthodox, thus adding depth and flexibility to Pakistan’s Test lineup.
Lastly, the PCB brought back Sammer Minhas into Pakistan’s squad for the Test series vs Sri Lanka. The youngster had generated a lot of buzz in U19 tournaments. In 7 first-class games played so far, Minhas has scored 405 runs, and this is also his maiden Test call-up.
So overall, Pakistan have given opportunities to a lot of young talents. This clearly suggests that the men in green might be headed for a transition in order to revive their Test performance.
