Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam made an impressive comeback to the Test side with three half-centuries from four innings on South African soil. Two of these half-centuries came in the opening position as Saim Ayub injured his ankle early in the second Test and was ruled out of action. Despite Babar's record-breaking 205-run partnership with skipper Shan Masood while following on, he has been communicated by the team management that he will not open the innings in the two-Test series against West Indies.
Who will open in Ayub's absence?
In Ayub's absence, Imam-ul-Haq has made a comeback to the side alongside youngster Mohammad Haris as Abdullah Shafique was dropped due to lack of form on South Africa tour. Imam has scored 1,568 runs from 24 Tests at an average of 37.33 including three centuries and nine half-centuries. Imam's last Test appearance was against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2023. On the other hand, the 22-year-old Haris is yet to make his Test debut.
On January 11, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the series against Kraigg Brathwaite-led West Indies which will begin on January 17 at Multan Cricket Stadium. The selection committee made as many as seven changes to the squad that went to South Africa.
Pacers Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal and Naseem Shah have been rested as part of the workload management. Also, Shaheen Afridi did not make a comeback to the squad as the team management wants him injury-free ahead of tri-series at home against New Zealand and South Africa followed by the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
As the pitches are expected to assist the spinners like they did against Ben Stokes' England, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed have been recalled to the Test squad. Also, Mohammad Ali has made a comeback whereas Kasif Ali has received maiden call-up.
Pakistan Test squad for West Indies series
Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Agha