Pakistan announce 16-player squad for Australia Tests; Yasir Shah demoted to reserves

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a 16-player squad for the upcoming home Test series against Australia.

Ace leg-spinner Yasir Shah has been demoted to reserves for the three-Test series, which will be played in Rawalpindi, Karachi and🐭 Lahore from March 4 onwards.

According to a PCB release, the selﷺected players who are not a part of the ongoing PSL will assemble at ﷺthe National Stadium in Karachi on February 16 for a training camp.

“We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary,” chief selector Muhammad Wasim said.

“This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future.

“These are the best available, most talented and in-form players in the domestic circuit. I am confident they will put up an impressive performance against a formidable Australia side.”

The PCB also confirmed that former leg-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq would carry on his role of head coach for another 12 months, while ex-Australia pacer Shaun Tait has been appointed as the bowling coach of the team for the same period. Mohammad Yousuf, meanwhile, 🥂will be the batting coach for the Australia series.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, A🦄bdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, M Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Sh🐭akeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood

Reserves: Kamran Ghulam🏅, Mohamma🉐d Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah.