by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Pakistan’s chief cricket team selector, Wahab Riaz, sheds light on three promising batsmen who are being closely monitored by the national team’s selectors, despite not making it into the current lineup for the upcoming Test series against Australia.
1. Sahibzada Farhan: A Potential Inclusion for the Future: Wahab acknowledged Sahibzada Farhan’s impressive performance as the leading run-scorer in domestic cricket. However, he clarified during the squad announcement presser that the current top-order is well-settled, emphasizing that Farhan remains in the selectors’ radar only if the need for changes arises.
“Sahibzada Farhan was the leading run-scorer, but our top-order is set currently. So, he is in our radar only if the need arises,” Wahab stated.
2. Mohammad Huraira: Middle-Order Contender: Wahab also highlighted Mohammad Huraira as a player in contention for a spot in the middle-order if opportunities present themselves. The selectors express their willingness to consider Huraira, provided there is space in the batting lineup.
“Similarly, with Mohammad Huraira, we will add him if there is space in the middle-order,” Wahab added.
3. Haseebullah: A Talent Under Close Observation: The third batsman identified by Wahab is Haseebullah, whose potential has not gone unnoticed by the selection committee. Despite the interest in Haseebullah, the current stability of Mohammad Rizwan and Sarfaraz Ahmed in their respective roles has led the team to maintain its current lineup.
“Haseebullah has been in our radar too, and we have our eyes on him, but currently, both Mohammad Rizwan and Sarfaraz Ahmed have done well, so we will be continuing with them. We will, of course, tap into the domestic resources whenever the need arises,” he concluded.
Pakistan Squad for Australia Tests:
Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Australia Tour Schedule:
– Four-day match: PM’s XI vs Pakistan – December 6-9: Manuka Oval, Canberra
– 1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
– 2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
– 3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
