LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim has opened up about the inclusion of spinner Abrar Ahmed and pacer Mohammad Ali in the squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England.
Wasim named the duo while announcing Pakistan’s 18-member squad on Monday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“Abrar has been on the radar since his debut first-class season in 2020-21. He is in outstanding form this season, so it makes sense to make him available to Babar Azam so he can use the confidence and talent of this youngster in the upcoming series,” said Wasim.
“We have boosted our fast bowling stocks with the best available. Mohammad Ali has shown great patience and control, and his numbers speak for his consistency. He has been our best fast bowler in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 56 wickets at an average of 24 over the last two seasons,” he added.
The 44-year-old also backed Pakistan team to repeat history against England in the upcoming series.
It must be noted that Pakistan won the three-match Test series, 2-0, against England in 2005.
“I want to congratulate all the players who have been selected for the historic Test series against England. We have selected this 18-man squad keeping in mind the form of the players, the conditions and the opposition,” he said.
“I am confident that this team will ensure that the upcoming Test series against England will end in the same manner as it did when they last toured Pakistan in 2005,” Wasim concluded.
The England team will arrive in Pakistan on November 27 for the much-anticipated tour, with the first Test set to begin on December 1 in Rawalpindi.
This will be the first time England will play a Test in Rawalpindi, which has previously staged 12 matches with the home side winning five and losing three.
The second Test moves to Multan starting on Friday, December 9, and the final Test of the tour will take place at the National Stadium in Karachi, commencing on Saturday, December 17.