Pakistan XI vs Bangladesh, 1st Test: Babar Azam to bat No. 4 in four-pacer lineup

Aug. 20, 2024, 8:03 a.m.

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Babar Azam will occupy the two-down position in Pakistan’s playing XI against Bangladesh in the first Test that begins on Wednesday. The first of two Tests will be played in Rawalpindi.

Babar Azam has spent a significant portion of his Test career batting in the No. 3 position, leading to speculation that he would revert to that spot under the new coach, Jason Gillespie.

However, Pakistan has decided against this change, opting to retain Babar Azam in the No. 4 position for the opening Test of the crucial ICC World Test Championship series on home soil.

This arrangement allows for Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub to open the innings, with captain Shan Masood stepping in at No. 3.

Vice-captain Saud Shakeel will bat at position five and experienced keeper Mohammad Rizwan at six, with Pakistan opting for a four-pacer strategy that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali without a specialist spinner.

Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, and Sarfaraz Ahmed were excluded from the final XI, following the release of seamer Aamir Jamal from the squad.

Pakistan anticipates that the pitch in Rawalpindi will favor their fast bowlers. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence that the team is well-equipped to secure 20 wickets during the match.

“While the actual pitch conditions will be clearer on match day, the current green appearance suggests that fast bowlers will be favored,” Salman commented.

“I think our bowling remains balanced and can deliver.”

Salman, who claimed two wickets in his recent Test outing against Australia earlier this year, is anticipated to be Pakistan's primary slow bowling option with his off-spin deliveries.

“Whenever I bowl, I consider myself as specialist bowler and while batting, I count myself as a specialist batter,” he added. “With the same approach, I played in Australia."

Bangladesh, who will be missing Mahmudul Hasan Joy, is expected to present a strong challenge to Pakistan in this Test series.

Advertisement “Bangladesh are good opponents," Salman noted. “Their bowling is good, and their squad is a balanced combination of senior and junior players. Therefore, we can expect a good contest in the series.”

Pakistan's team for the Bangladesh Test features Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad.