Rashid Latif names his Pakistan playing XI for first Test against England

Former wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif has named his probable Pakistan playing XI for the first Test against England, starting from August 5 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

While speaking on his YouTube channel 'Caught Behind', the former cricketer said that the Men in Green will rely on specialists rather than including an all-rounder in the playing XI.

"They will go with six batsmen, Rizwan as wicketkeeper, three fast-bowlers and Yasir Shah as spinner. Shan Masood can also bowl medium pace, so you can use him from 6 to 8 overs while spreading the field," said Latif.

"Currently, we don’t have an all-rounder that we can depend on," he added.

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The former Pakistan captain also included middle-order batsman Fawad Alam in the playing XI, who has more than 12,000 first class runs at an average of 56.78. Fawad’s inclusion can bring an end to his decade-long Test cricket drought, as the middle-order batsman last represented Pakistan in the longest format in 2009.

Latif didn’t pick Sohail Khan in his team, despite the veteran pacer impressing in the practice matches with two five-wicket hauls.

"Shaheen [Afridi] and [Mohammad] Abbas will take new ball, while Naseem Shah will bowl with the old ball," he said.

Pakistan is scheduled to take on England in three Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), which will be played from August 5 to September 1.

Rashid Latif’s playing XI for first Test:

Abid Ali, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (C), Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah