Pakistan announces Playing XI for First Test against West Indies

MULTAN: Mohammad Huraira is set to make his debut in the first Test of Pakistan’s two-match series against West Indies, which begins tomorrow.

The 22-year-old top-order batter has been included in the Playing XI in place of Saim Ayub, who suffered a fractured ankle during the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa earlier this month.

Huraira, with 3427 runs from 44 first-class matches, will open the innings with Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood. Babar Azam, who batted as an opener in Cape Town, will return to his custom number three position.

The middle order for Pakistan will include vice-captain Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan’s team management has opted for a spin-heavy attack for the series opener, with Khurram Shahzad as the sole pacer. The spin bowling department will be led by Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who played key roles in Pakistan’s 2-1 victory over England in their previous home Test series. They will be joined by the mystery spinner, Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan Playing XI for the first Test against West Indies

Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.