Salman Ali Agha Recalled to Pakistan Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series
Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman return to Pakistan's 14-man Test squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka starting November 9 in Rawalpindi.
POLICY WIRE — Rawalpindi, Pakistan — The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday that former Twenty20 captain Salman Ali Agha has been reinstated to the national Test squad. He is set to compete in the upcoming two-match home series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on November 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Agha was previously one of seven players released mid-series during the team’s tour of England in August following two consecutive Test losses. Despite his removal as T20 captain and his subsequent exclusion from the T20 series against Sri Lanka, the 32-year-old regained favor with selectors after delivering a century during a One-Day International against Sri Lanka last Sunday.
Joining Agha in the 14-man roster is left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who was also among the group sent home during the England tour. While the squad sees these veteran returns, the team has also opted for a significant shake-up in the batting order by handing maiden Test call-ups to Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, and Mohammad Suleman.
Conversely, the selectors have dropped Shan Masood, who had previously recorded a fighting 95-run performance during the third Test against England last month. Babar Azam will retain his position as captain, leading the side as they attempt to recover from a 3-0 series defeat in England.
The full Pakistan squad includes Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, and Saud Shakeel.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
