Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman have earned a chance to revive their Test careers after being recalled to Pakistan’s initial 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, months after being among seven players dropped midway through the tour of England in August.The selection marks a return for the duo following their mid-series omission, as Pakistan look to reshape their Test setup while retaining Babar Azam as captain. The squad also features three fresh faces, with Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman and Sameer Minhas receiving their maiden Test call-ups.However, there is no place for Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, who were also among the players sent home during the England tour. Their continued absence makes the latest selection a significant one as Pakistan prepare for the Sri Lanka assignment.
Three players earn maiden Test call-ups
The headline additions are Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman and Sameer Minhas, who have been rewarded for their performances in domestic cricket. Taha has been particularly prolific in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class competition. The 26-year-old left-hander leads the run charts with 730 runs in seven matches, including three centuries and a highest score of 225.Suleman has also made a strong case for selection, sitting fifth on the competition’s run charts with 652 runs and three hundreds. Their performances have earned them a first opportunity in Pakistan’s Test squad. Sameer, meanwhile, has scored 405 runs in seven matches during his first season of first-class cricket. Having progressed through Pakistan’s Under-19 setup, the youngster’s maiden call-up represents another step in his transition to the senior level.
Rizwan, Imam miss out as Babar continues as captain
While Salman and Ali return to the fold, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq remain outside the squad after being among the seven players sent home from the UK during the England tour.Rizwan has also been the subject of an inquiry by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency after his phone was seized in London on the night the Lord’s Test concluded.
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Pakistan Test squad for Sri Lanka series
Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas and Saud Shakeel.
