Pak vs Sri 2023: Shaheen Afridi Returns to Pakistan's Test Squad, A Boost for the Upcoming Series Against Sri Lanka

In an exciting announcement on June 17, 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board revealed the inclusion of fast bowler Shaheen Afridi in the national Test squad for the upcoming two-match away series against Sri Lanka. The selection committee also named uncapped batter Mohammad Huraira and all-rounder Aamir Jamal in the 16-member squad, which marks Pakistan's first assignment in the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

Pakistan Squad for Sri Lanka Series 2023

The Pakistan Test squad for the Sri Lanka series comprises the following players:

• Babar Azam (c)
• Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk)
• Aamir Jamal
• Abdullah Shafique
• Abrar Ahmed
• Hasan Ali
• Imam-ul-Haq
• Mohammad Huraira
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Naseem Shah
• Noman Ali
• Salman Ali Agha
• Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
• Saud Shakeel
• Shaheen Afridi
• Shan Masood

 How They Design The Squad

The selection committee carefully designed the squad, considering the conditions that the team will encounter in Sri Lanka. The team composition reflects the need for a balance between spinners, fast bowlers, specialist batters, and keeper-batters. With four spinners, four fast bowlers, six specialist batters, and two keeper-batters, Pakistan aims to adapt effectively to the challenging Sri Lankan conditions. 

Shaheen Afridi's Return and Milestone on the Horizon

Shaheen Shah Afridi's inclusion in the Test squad is a significant boost for Pakistan. With 99 Test wickets under his belt, Shaheen is on the brink of reaching a remarkable milestone - a century of Test wickets. Since his debut on December 3, 2018, the left-arm fast bowler has emerged as a key player for Pakistan. With an average of 24.86 and an economy rate of 3.04, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a formidable force in Test cricket.

Expressing his excitement about his return to the Test side, Shaheen Shah Afridi shared, "I am very excited to be returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year. I dearly missed Test cricket, and it was tough for me to be away from this format. After missing our entire home season due to an injury I suffered in Sri Lanka, I am eager to make an impactful comeback in the same country and complete a century of wickets in Test cricket. I want to thank my fans who have supported me in tough times, and I am ready for the challenges ahead."

Mohammad Huraira: A Young Talent

The inclusion of uncapped batter Mohammad Huraira in the squad is a testament to his exceptional performance and promise. Huraira, a 21-year-old hailing from Sialkot, has showcased impressive skills during his domestic career. As the leading run-scorer in the last two editions of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he played a crucial role in Northern's maiden first-class title. Huraira breached the 1000-run mark in the 2022-23 edition of the tournament, accumulating 1,024 runs at an average of 73.14. His outstanding form continued during the tour of Zimbabwe, where he scored 178 and 64 against Zimbabwe A in Kwekwe and Mutare, respectively.

Notably, Mohammad Huraira holds the distinction of being the second youngest batter in Pakistan to score a first-class triple-century, following in the footsteps of legendary Javed Miandad. He achieved this feat during the 2021-22 season, smashing 311 off 343 balls in Northern's commanding victory over Balochistan at the State Bank Ground, Karachi.

Aamir Jamal: Seam Bowling Strength

Aamir Jamal, Huraira's teammate from Northern and Shaheens, has also earned a spot in the Test squad. The 27-year-old fast bowler from Mianwali emerged as the top wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23. With 31 scalps at an average of 29.71 and two five-wicket hauls, Jamal showcased his effectiveness with the ball. He further demonstrated his prowess during the recent six-match One-Day series between Zimbabwe Select and Pakistan Shaheens, where he claimed 16 dismissals at an average of 21.

One of the highlights of Aamir Jamal's career was his remarkable performance on his Pakistan debut. Defending 15 runs in the last over against England's Moeen Ali in September last year, Aamir's exceptional death bowling secured Pakistan's thrilling six-run victory in the fifth T20 International of the series. With valuable experience in two T20Is, 23 first-class matches, 23 List A games, and 20 T20s, Aamir Jamal brings a strong skill set to the team.

Reflections from the Chief Selector

Haroon Rashid, the national men's chief selector, congratulated all the players selected for the squad, particularly Mohammad Huraira and Aamir Jamal, who impressed the selection committee with their consistent performances. Rashid stated, "We have devised this squad with the conditions and challenges that our players will encounter in Sri Lanka. This is our first series of the third round of the ICC World Test Championship, and this squad is fully capable of providing us a solid start."

He further emphasized the importance of spinners in Sri Lankan conditions, which led to the inclusion of three finger spinners and the mystery spin of Abrar Ahmed in the squad. At the same time, the selection committee recognized the need for fast bowlers, ensuring the availability of four pacers to provide the captain and team management with ample resources during the tour. Rashid expressed confidence in the strong batting line-up and encouraged the players who missed out on selection to continue striving in domestic cricket and Shaheens' tours.

Morne Morkel as Bowling Coach of Pakistani Team

Alongside the squad announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board revealed the appointment of Morne Morkel as the national side's bowling coach. The former South African fast bowler joined the team on a six-month contract. Morkel boasts an impressive international career, having taken 309 wickets in 86 Tests, 188 wickets in 117 ODIs, and 47 scalps in 44 T20Is. His expertise and experience will be invaluable to the Pakistani bowlers as they prepare for the challenging series against Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Huraira, and Aamir Jamal in Pakistan's Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka brings excitement and anticipation for cricket fans. With Shaheen Afridi on the verge of a significant milestone and young talents like Huraira and Jamal eager to prove themselves on the international stage, Pakistan has a formidable team ready to face the challenges in Sri Lanka. As the players assemble for the camp in Karachi and embark on their tour, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the thrilling contests that lie ahead.

FAQs

Q. Who is returning to Pakistan's Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka?

A. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is returning to Pakistan's Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka.

Q. Which young batsman has been included in the Test squad for the first time?

A. Mohammad Huraira, an uncapped batter, has earned a place in Pakistan's Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka.

Q. Which domestic tournament showcased Mohammad Huraira's outstanding form?

A. Mohammad Huraira's impressive performances were witnessed in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer.

Q. Who is the new bowling coach of the Pakistan national side?

A. Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has been appointed as the bowling coach of the Pakistan national side.

Q. When will the Pakistan team depart for Sri Lanka?

A. The Pakistan team will depart for Sri Lanka on 9 July after assembling in Karachi on 3 July for a camp.