Key players to be rested for upcoming Test series against Bangladesh: report

Pakistan’s cricket leadership is already in full swing, strategizing for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in August. Captain Shan Masood, head coach Jason Gillespie, and the selection committee are deep in discussions regarding the squad composition for the two-Test series.

According to a media report, prominent players, including current skipper Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, might be rested for the Test matches against Bangladesh. This decision is likely influenced by the packed international schedule and the need to manage player workload effectively.  Interestingly, Haris Rauf, another notable fast bowler, is not being considered for the Test squad.

Among the batsmen, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, and former captain and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed are under serious consideration for inclusion in the squad. These players have shown promise in domestic and international formats, and their selection could bring a mix of experience and new energy to the team.

For the fast bowling contingent, names like Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamir Jamal are being discussed. These bowlers are known for their pace and ability to adapt to various pitch conditions, making them valuable assets for the upcoming series.

The series against Bangladesh will mark the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a significant hiatus, as the last time Bangladesh toured Pakistan for a Test series was in the 2019-2020 season. This series will also be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025, adding more importance and competitive spirit to the matches.

Furthermore, this series will also be a crucial one for head coach Jason Gillespie, who was appointed in April. It will be his first assignment leading the Pakistan Test team, and expectations are high for him to bring a fresh approach and strategic acumen to the team. For Shan Masood, this will be his second assignment as Test captain, following a challenging series against Australia last year.