Pakistan recalls Salman Ali Agha for Sri Lanka Tests and names three newcomers

Pakistan named Salman Ali Agha in its 14-player squad on October 24 for two home Tests against Sri Lanka in November, recalling the former Twenty20 captain while giving three batters their first Test call-ups. Babar Azam remains captain, and former Test skipper Shan Masood has been left out, according to Reuters and Dawn.

Who returns to Pakistan’s Test squad

Agha and left-arm spinner Ali Usman return after both were among the players released during Pakistan’s tour of England, Reuters reported. Agha had also lost the T20 captaincy and was left out of this month’s T20 series against Sri Lanka. He scored a century against Sri Lanka in a one-day international on October 18.

The squad also includes experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas and batter Saud Shakeel. Dawn reported that Arafat Minhas and Ali Usman provide spin options, while Agha adds batting depth. Its account said two more fast bowlers are due to be added after the warm-up match ending on November 6.

Shan Masood omitted before Rawalpindi opener

Masood’s exclusion is another change after Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series defeat in England. He scored 95 in the third Test, Reuters reported. Dawn said Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan were among other players omitted from the initial squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board gave no individual reasons for the exclusions, according to Dawn.

Pakistan is scheduled to play Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by a second Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21, Dawn reported. Before the series, Saad Baig is to lead a 13-player PCB Patron’s XI in a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6.