MULTAN: The Pakistan cricket team have unveiled their Playing XI for the first match as the national side gears up for the Test series against England, scheduled to take place from October 7.
Speaking in a press conference, the Pakistan captain Shan Masood revealed the Playing XI of the forthcoming match in Multan.
“This is our best XI; Aamer Jamal’s inclusion will be beneficial. We have maintained our batting line-up to ensure consistency,” he stated.
Reflecting on the previous series against England, where Pakistan came very close to victory, Masood shed light over the strategies required to tackle with the Ollie Pope-led side.
Adding further, the red-ball skipper acknowledged that Ben Stokes was a key player of the team, however, their Playing XI revealed on Saturday is still very strong.
He stated: “Stokes’s absence will definitely affect England, but their playing XI is still strong, he is one of the world’s best all-rounders.”
It is to be noted that the Shan Masood-led side was defeated by 10 wickets in the first Test against Bangladesh in August, while the Tigers also won the second Test by six wickets.
Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (Wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmad.
Pakistan team’s vice-captain Saud Shakeel put forth the strategy required in the forthcoming series against England on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference in Multan, Shakeel discussed England’s aggressive style.
“If needed, we can play fast, but England‘s aggressive approach can result in errors,” he stated.
Reflecting on their Test series against Bangladesh, the 29-year-old revealed that the Men in Green look ahead rather than regretting over the previous failures.
He said: “The Bangladesh series is behind us now, and we are focused on what lies ahead. In the previous series, we came close to winning, but now we must ensure a good finish to secure the series.”
It is to be noted that the Shan Masood-led side was defeated by 10 wickets in the first Test, that took place from August 21-25, while the second was also won by the Tigers by six wickets on August 30 till September 3.
Continuing with the conversation, the left-handed batter shed light over the consequences the team has to face due to the unfavourable pitch conditions.
“I’m not sure if there will be grass on the pitch, but in Multan we are expected to experience reverse swing,” he added.
As per sources, Shakeel remained tight-lipped while revealing their game plan for the series: “I can’t reveal the plan yet, but the goal is to make them commit more mistakes and win the series.”
During the conversation, the middle-order batter revealed the team’s preparation for the most-awaited series.
He said: “We are not thinking about England, we need to stick to our own plans and play according to the situation. The boys are putting a lot of efforts as this is a crucial opportunity for us to perform well in all departments.”
While responding over the leadership pressure, he said that the captain has more responsibilities in comparison to the vice-captain.
Shakeel added a period to his conversation by saying that: “The team’s morale is good, and our responsibility is to perform well. There is no grouping within the team and everyone is focused on giving their best.”
England’s Joe Root, on the contrary, sounded confident for the series and revealed his plans to break national records by giving extraordinary performance.
“I always look forward to put efforts for my team and playing good cricket,” he said.
England’s fast bowling coach, James Anderson, is not accompanying the team on their tour of Pakistan, as he is participating in the Scotland’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The ongoing golf tournament is set to end on October 6, after which Anderson is expected to join the team by the second day of the Test match against the Green Shirts.
Despite his absence, the 42-year-old is sharing his invaluable experience with the team’s bowlers via WhatsApp.
Previously in 2022, the former player played a key role during England’s tour of Pakistan, featuring in two Tests and taking eight wickets.
Following his retirement in July, Anderson has been a mentor to the English bowlers.
It is worth noting that, Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson, who gave a remarkable performance during the previous series against Pakistan, with a combined 17 wickets, are not part of the squad in the forthcoming Test series.
This is the case because Wood is sidelined due to injury while Robinson hasn’t been selected.
However, England’s fast bowling attack for the series consists of Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Ollie Stone, and Chris Woakes.
Making a comeback, Woakes will be playing his first Test match in Asia since 2016.
On the contrary, the other four fast-bowlers, lack overseas Test experience, that can be a pressure on the bowling unit of England.
It is to be noted that Ollie Stone will be leaving on the fifth day of the match as he is getting married next week.
Meanwhile, the first match of the Test series between England and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
