Pakistan announce playing XI for 1st ODI against Australia; Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub set for debut
Pakistan have named their playing XI for the first ODI against Australia, which kickstarts Mohammad Rizwan's era as white-ball captain following Babar Azam's resignation. The series opener also begins Australia's home summer, with the match scheduled for Monday, November 4, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The Men in Green last played an ODI against England to close out their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. Rizwan taking over an unstable side has a huge task on his hands, with the new selection committee making some brave calls regarding the touring squad.
With Fakhar Zaman seemingly not in the scheme of things, Pakistan's red-ball opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will be unleashed in the 50-over format as well, with the latter making his debut.
Babar Azam makes a return to the side after being dropped from the Test side midway through the home series against England. Rizwan has been a stable presence for the side at No.4, and will continue to feature in the same role as skipper.
Pakistan have opted to rope in Kamran Ghulam to introduce solidity into the infamous fragile middle-order. The right-handed batter recently made his Test debut in the England series, recording a ton on his debut in Multan. He has made a solitary ODI appearance in 2023, but did not avail an opportunity to bat. Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha is the sole spin bowling option in the playing XI.
Muhammad Irfan Khan is the second debutant in the playing XI, and is followed by a four-pronged pace attack of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.
The upcoming clash is Hasnain's first international appearance since early 2023. The right-arm pacer was infamously suspended for bowling with an illegal action in 2022, and was mocked by Australia's Marcus Stoinis during The Hundred 2023 as well.
Pakistan's playing XI for 1st ODI against Australia
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain
"On one hand it is an honor and on other hand it's challenging" - Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan
The series begins Pakistan's preparation course for the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to be held on home soil. The tour comes on the back of Gary Kirsten's resignation as white-ball coach. Red-ball coach Jason Gillespie has been handed the responsibility for the time being.
It's a challenge for me. On one hand it is an honor and on other hand it's challenging. That how the team accepts this. So Inshallah, I will try to balance both," Rizwan said in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket on X.
The three-match ODI series will be followed by three T20Is, which are scheduled to begin from November 14 onwards.