by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Pakistan has announced its playing XI for the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship series against Australia in Perth, with two players set to make their Test debuts.
Aamer Jamal, a right-arm quick, and Khurram Shahzad, a right-arm fast bowler, will be making their Test bows for the Green Shirts. Jamal made his international debut in a T20I against England last year, while Shahzad has been playing domestic cricket in Pakistan.
The inclusion of two debutants is a bold move by Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who is leading the team for the first time. It suggests that Masood is willing to experiment and give young players a chance to prove themselves.
The rest of the Pakistan squad is largely experienced, with Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Sarfaraz Ahmed all retained from the squad that played in the Sri Lankan Test series a few months ago.
Faheem Ashraf, who has been out of the Test team for the past year due to injury, has been recalled, while Salman Ali Agha has been entrusted with spin duties in the absence of the injured Abrar Ahmed.
The Perth Test is the first of the three-match series, and it will be a tough challenge for Pakistan. Australia is the reigning world Test champions and has a formidable home record. However, Pakistan will be hoping to do things differently this time with the changes that have been the only constant for the team.
