Salman Ali Agha confident in handling spin duties solely in first Test against Bangladesh

Pakistan's all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has expressed his eagerness and readiness to step up as the team’s sole spinner in the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh. 

The match, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, is set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August.

In a press conference held at the venue on Sunday, Salman, who will be the only spinner in Pakistan’s squad, assured that he is not feeling the pressure of playing this pivotal role alone. 

“I have played as a sole spinner in Australia and did well there,” Salman said. 

“There is no pressure and I am ready to take the challenge,” he further added.

The selectors have opted for an all-pace attack in this Test, reflecting the conditions of the Rawalpindi pitch, which traditionally favors fast bowlers. 

“The pitch in Rawalpindi looks green and seems to favour fast bowlers more,” he said.

Addressing the team dynamics, Salman highlighted the supportive environment within the squad. 

“The atmosphere in the team is healthy. All players back each other like brothers and friends. We have nothing to do with whatever is going on social media,” he concluded.

In related news, the second Test of the series, originally scheduled to be held in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium.

Pakistan's Test squad:

Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.