3 top takeaways from Pakistan's squad for England Tests ft. The return of Aamer Jamal
In a bid to restore their lost pride, especially in the longest format, Pakistan named a strong squad for the first Test of the upcoming three-match series against England starting at Multan on October 7. The 15-member squad saw the return of a few familiar faces while the rest remained similar to the one picked for the Bangladesh series.
Pakistan were blown away by England 3-0 when the Englishmen toured in 2022-23. It will be a stern test for Pakistan against a resurgent England side who recently won five out of the six home Tests they played against West Indies and Sri Lanka. Despite playing at home, Pakistan will start the series as the underdogs, especially given their performance in the recent past.
The Men in Green suffered a heartbreaking 2-0 series defeat at the hands of Bangladesh recently. Despite posting a mammoth first-innings score in the first Test, Pakistan failed to sustain the pressure on Bangladesh, succumbing to a morale-shattering defeat.
Having reduced Bangladesh to 26/6 in the second Test, Pakistan looked like clawing their way back in the series. However, the bowling department was unable to keep the pressure on Bangladesh and allowed them to get within touching distance of Pakistan’s first-inning score. They again faltered with the bat in the second innings.
Time and again Pakistan have been found wanting in their home conditions. However, they would be hoping for a turnaround from the bunch of 15 players picked for the three-match series.
Here is the Pakistan squad for the first test:
Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakil (VC), Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan (WK), Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Huraira, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah.
Having said that, let us have a look at three top takeaways from Pakistan’s squad for the three-match Test series against England:
#1 The return of Aamer Jamal
One of the brightest young prospects from Pakistan, Aamer Jamal’s return to the Test squad after missing out on the Bangladesh series will certainly bolster the fast-bowling department for the hosts.
Not only with the ball, Jamal is more than handy with the bat and displayed character and sound technique during the tour of Australia in 2023-2024.
Jamal was pulled out from the Bangladesh series due to a shoulder injury. He was subsequently advised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to regain his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Jamal was one of the brightest talents to have emerged from the tour Down Under.
Jamal bagged 18 wickets and scored 143 crucial runs and was by far the most consistent performer from Pakistan in the series. His return to the 15-member squad should allow Pakistan to find the much-needed balance for the series against England.
#2 Spin tracks could be on display with the return of Noman Ali
It was a surprise when one of the most experienced spinners in Pakistan in recent times was not included in the squad for the Bangladesh series. However, left-arm spinner Noman Ali has been recalled back to the 15-member squad for the first Test against England, which suggests that we might see spin-friendly conditions in Multan.
Over the years, Noman has been dominant in helpful conditions. In 15 Tests, Noman has bagged 47 wickets and has been a handful, especially in the second innings of a match.
Pakistan lacked a quality spinner during the series against Bangladesh. Abrar Ahmed failed to make a difference as things get tougher for leg-spinners in Pakistan. However, Noan being a finger spinner might help Pakistan gain some control.
#3 Shaheen Afridi was recalled after being dropped from the final Test against Bangladesh
Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi was dropped from the second and the final Test against Bangladesh owing to poor form and recurring fitness issues.
Head coach Jason Gillespie said there was a proper reasoning behind the exclusion of Shaheen. Gillespie also felt that it was the right time for the fast bowlers to spend some time with the family who had recently become a father.
However, his return to the squad suggests that he is still very much the leader of the pack and will be hoping to make a significant impact against a strong England side. Shaheen is one of the finest new-ball bowlers and is the highest-ranked Pakistani bowler in the Test rankings.