Pacer Aamir Jamal released from Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests
Pakistan pacer Aamir Jamal has been released from the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series at home against Bangladesh. Jamal was earlier included in the squad subject to fitness but has been asked to work on his fitness to recover completely at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
The 28-year-old sustained a back injury while playing county cricket earlier this year.
The official Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement on Jamal's release from the squad read:
"Right-arm fast bowler Aamir Jamal has been released from the Test squad ahead of the series against Bangladesh. Aamir, who was earlier included in the squad subject to fitness clearance, has been advised to work on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Aamir is recovering from a back injury which he sustained while playing county cricket this year."
Jamal was a revelation in his debut Test series down under against Australia, picking up 18 wickets at an average of 20.44 in three Tests. He also added valuable lower-order runs, including a half-century, to finish the series with a batting average of 28.60.
The 28-year-old picked up a six-wicket haul in the maiden innings of his debut Test at Perth and followed it up with five wickets in the Melbourne outing. However, Jamal's best came in the final Test at Sydney, scoring a brilliant 82 and picking up figures of 6/69 in the first innings.
Despite Jamal's heroics, Pakistan suffered a dismal 0-3 whitewash at the hands of the Aussies. His last international action came during the away T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will play Bangladesh in two Tests, both at Rawalpindi, starting August 21.
Pakistan revised squad for Bangladesh Test series
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.