Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is gearing up to play at the number four spot in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Sources have revealed that Abdullah Shafiq’s position as an opener is secure, with captain Shan Masood set to bat at number three. Babar, who has previously featured at number three in limited-over cricket, has recently been shifted to the number four spot in the red-ball cricket format.
During Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2022, Babar batted at number three but was later moved to number four during the second Test against England. The sources have also hinted that batter Muhammad Huraira may make his debut for Pakistan in the upcoming series against Bangladesh. In terms of the bowling line-up, the pitch is expected to favor bowlers, with Pakistan likely to field three fast bowlers and one spinner, including Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mir Hamza.
The two-match Test series will commence on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the second Test scheduled from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi. This series will mark the first assignment for Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s Test coach. However, due to ongoing renovations at Karachi’s National Stadium, spectators will not be allowed during the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The announced test squads include players from both teams, with Pakistan’s squad consisting of Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and other talented players. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s squad features Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain, along with experienced players like Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib Al Hasan. With a lineup of promising players on both sides and the anticipation building for the series, cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see how the matches unfold. Stay tuned for the exciting cricket action as Pakistan and Bangladesh clash in this highly anticipated Test series.
