Naseem Shah joins Pakistan's Test squad against Bangladesh

Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been included in Pakistan's 17-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin later this month. This selection marks the 21-year-old's return to Test cricket after a 13-month hiatus, with his last appearance in the format being against Sri Lanka. Despite recent injury challenges, Naseem's recall highlights the confidence of the Pakistan Cricket Board's national selectors in his abilities.

Leadership changes and key selections

The selectors made two significant decisions in this squad announcement. Saud Shakeel has been named vice-captain, taking over from Shaheen Afridi. This change is part of a strategic move to manage Shaheen's workload over a demanding calendar year, which includes nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs.

Aamer Jamal's inclusion is contingent on his fitness, having impressed during Pakistan's Test tour of Australia earlier this year. Thirteen members from the Australia tour have retained their spots in the squad. However, Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan have not been selected for this series.

The selectors have rewarded several domestic performers with call-ups. Batter Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, and batter Mohammad Hurraira have been included for their impressive domestic performances. Ghulam amassed 1,025 runs in 11 first-class matches during the 2023-24 season and was part of the squad for the home series against New Zealand in 2022-23, although he did not play.

Mohammad Ali returns to the squad after last featuring in the opening two Tests against England in 2022. He claimed 24 wickets in six first-class matches in the 2022-23 season and followed it up with 47 wickets in 14 first-class matches in 2023-24.

Mohammad Hurraira, in exceptional form on the domestic circuit, scored a double-century against Bangladesh 'A' in Darwin last month. He was the only batter to surpass the 1,000-run mark in the 2022-23 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and accumulated 961 runs in the 2023-24 first-class season. Although he was part of last year's tour of Sri Lanka, he did not play in the XI.

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Preparation for the Bangladesh series

The Pakistan Test squad will convene in Rawalpindi for a training camp led by head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood ahead of the series. The two Tests, which are part of the World Test Championship, will be played in Rawalpindi from August 21 and in Karachi from August 30.

This series marks an important chapter for Pakistan cricket as they blend experienced players with promising talent, aiming for success in the World Test Championship.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamer Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi