Pakistan and Australia Squads for First Test Confirmed

Pakistan has unveiled its playing XI (squad) for the upcoming first Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, scheduled to kick off in Perth tomorrow. Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad are poised to make their Test debut as pacers for Pakistan.

In the wicketkeeping department, Sarfaraz Ahmed has been chosen over Mohammad Rizwan in the lineup.

Pakistan Squad

The confirmed playing XI for Pakistan includes:

Imam-ul-Haq
Abdullah Shafique
Shan Masood (c)
Babar Azam
Saud Shakeel
Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
Salman Ali Agha
Faheem Ashraf
Shaheen Afridi
Aamir Jamal
Khuram Shahzad

Meanwhile, Australia has also finalized its lineup for the first Test. Pat Cummins will lead the home side, with Travis Head reappointed as vice-captain. Australia made a single change from the Ashes finale in August, with Nathan Lyon returning in place of Todd Murphy.

Australia Squad

Australia’s playing XI includes:

David Warner
Usman Khawaja
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith
Travis Head
Mitch Marsh
Alex Carey
Mitchell Starc
Pat Cummins (c)
Nathan Lyon
Josh Hazlewood

With Pakistan having faced whitewashes in their last five Test tours of Australia, the upcoming three-match series in Perth poses a challenging task for new captain Shan Masood. The depleted bowling corps further adds to the difficulties. The last time Pakistan won a Test in Australia was in 1995.