The Pakistan cricket team has officially commenced its training camp at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in preparation for the impending three-match Test series against Australia, set to kick off on December 14, 2023.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expanded the pace department by adding three more pacers to the camp. Sameen Gul, Ali Shafique, and Muhammad Ali are the latest additions, contributing to the squad’s bowling expertise.
Chief Selector Wahab Riaz had previously disclosed the addition of seven extra players to join the training camp, coinciding with the announcement of the 18-member Test squad for the Australia series.
This supplementary group comprises Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir.
However, the unfortunate news surfaces as fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani is deemed unfit to bowl. In response, the PCB has opted to send Dahani to the National Cricket Academy for rehabilitation, with the hope of ensuring a prompt recovery.
Furthermore, the cricket board has granted permission to former captain Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Usman Qadir to attend Imam-ul-Haq’s wedding following today’s practice session.
Despite this, the trio is expected to actively participate in tomorrow’s training session.
The confirmed Pakistan squad for the Australia Tests includes Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The schedule for the Australia tour is as follows:
- Four-day match: PM’s XI vs Pakistan – December 6-9: Manuka Oval, Canberra
- 1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
- 2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- 3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
