According to sources, the pitch at Pindi Stadium will likely favor fast bowlers. Pakistan is likely to field four fast bowlers for the first Test due to the anticipated overcast conditions in Rawalpindi, report agencies.
Sources reveal that Pakistan's bowling attack will include four pacers, with Agha Salman as the lone spinner. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mir Hamza are confirmed selections, while the fourth pace option will be either Khurram Shehzad or Mohammad Ali.
The middle order for Pakistan will consist of Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel, batting at positions 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
Additionally, Mohammad Huraira is likely to make his Test debut, opening the innings alongside Abdullah Shafique.
Meanwhile, Pakistan star batter Babar Azam will bat at number four in the first Test on home soil against Bangladesh, sources told Geo News on Thursday.
According to the sources, Abdullah Shafiq's batting position as an opener is not under threat, while captain Shan Masood will bat at number three.
Moreover, batter Muhammad Huraira is a strong candidate to make a debut, added the sources.
Two ICC World Test Championship fixtures will be played between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi and Karachi from August 21 to 25 and August 30 to September 3, respectively.
The sources said since the pitch will be suitable for bowlers in the first Test match against Bangladesh, Pakistan team will, therefore, field three fast bowlers and one spinner. "Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and the third fast bowler will be Mir Hamza," they said.
Bangladesh men's cricket team arrived in Lahore from Dhaka on August 13 to play the two-match Test series against Pakistan.
The team was taken to a private hotel under strict security arrangements from the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
Meanwhile, Jason Gillespie, the coach of Pakistan's Test team, has clarified the rationale behind selecting only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi.
Gillespie explained that the squad is well-balanced, with Abrar being a promising young spinner, and Salman Ali Agha also considered capable of playing as a specialist spinner.
"You can look into whatever you want. But to start, I think we've got two special spinners. Salman Ali Agha is good enough to be classified as a specialist spinner. From what I've seen, he has a lot of potential with his off-spin. Abrar (Ahmed), obviously, is a fine young bowler in the early stages of his career," Gillespie said.
Gillespie believes that the squad is well-equipped and is looking forward to an exciting series for Pakistan.
"So, I think we've covered a lot of bases. We have a lot of seam bowling options and spin bowling options. Our batting is varied as well. I believe we have all bases covered, and it's a very exciting time for the Pakistan Test side," he added.
Pindi Stadium pitch likely to favour fast bowlers in Pakistan-Bangladesh Test
FE Team | Published: August 15, 2024 22:29:37
Bangladesh spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed talking with players during a nets session in Lahore on Thursday — BCB
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