Pakistan has announced their playing XI for the first Test against England, which starts on October 7 in Multan. The team is looking to bounce back from their recent struggles at home, including a 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh.
A big boost for Pakistan comes with the return of pacers Shaheen Afridi and Aamer Jamal to the lineup. This Test series is crucial for Pakistan as they look to improve their standings in the World Test Championship.
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Shaheen Shah Afridi returns
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's ace fast bowler, is back in the squad after missing the previous series. His return strengthens the team’s pace attack, which has been underperforming in recent matches.
Afridi, along with Naseem Shah, forms a powerful duo, and Pakistan hopes this will help them compete strongly against England. Aamer Jamal, another pace option, also returns after recovering from an injury. Jamal had impressed during Pakistan's tour of Australia and is expected to add balance to the team.
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Pakistan cricket team's recent struggles
Pakistan has faced tough times in Test cricket recently. They haven’t won a Test match at home since 2021, and their last series ended in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh.
The team is under pressure to perform well in this series, especially against an England side that is coming off a successful summer. The last time England toured Pakistan, they won the series 3-0, so the stakes are high for Pakistan to turn things around.
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This series is also important for Pakistan’s slim chances in the World Test Championship. While it’s unlikely for Pakistan to make it to the final, winning this series and their upcoming matches against South Africa could give them an outside chance. Every match counts, and Pakistan will be determined to get off to a strong start in Multan.
Pakistan's playing XI for the 1st Test vs England
Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test includes:
Playing XI named for the first Test! 🚨
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 6, 2024
The action starts tomorrow in Multan 🏏#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/BmYzZf4MlP
- Saim Ayub
- Abdullah Shafique
- Shan Masood (C)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Aamer Jamal
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
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