Uncapped Pakistan players to watch in the Bangladesh Test series

Pakistan heads into the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting Friday in Dhaka, with a combination of experienced players and uncapped talent. This mix provides a glimpse into the team's evolving future. Several uncapped players have earned call-ups due to strong domestic performances, presenting them a valuable chance to perform in red-ball cricket.

Which uncapped players are in the Pakistan squad for Bangladesh?

Four uncapped players have been included in Pakistan's squad for the Test series against Bangladesh. Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, and Ghazi Ghori are the fresh faces aiming to impress on the international stage. Their domestic records suggest they could play a vital role in the series.

Who is Azan Awais?

Azan Awais made an immediate impact in his debut first-class season during the 2024/25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 844 runs at an impressive average of 76.72. His tally included four centuries and two fifties, playing a key role in Sialkot’s title-winning campaign.

Awais maintained his consistency in the following season as well, accumulating 803 runs at 50.18 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, along with 448 runs at 32.00 in the President’s Trophy.

In just two years of first-class cricket, the left-handed opener has already amassed 2,673 runs at an average of 48.60 across 33 matches, registering 10 hundreds and nine fifties.

What about Abdullah Fazal?

Another promising top-order batter, Abdullah Fazal stood out as the leading run-scorer in this season’s President’s Trophy. Representing State Bank of Pakistan, the 23-year-old accumulated 622 runs in seven matches at an average of 51.83, striking two centuries and two fifties.

He also showcased his versatility in the National T20 Cup, scoring 189 runs in four matches at a blistering strike-rate of 167.25. His performances included an unbeaten 88 in the semifinal for Karachi Whites, which proved to be match-winning. Since making his first-class debut in 2024, Fazal has scored 1,828 runs at an average of 41.54, including four centuries and ten half-centuries.

Who is Amad Butt?

A seasoned domestic performer, Amad Butt has built a strong reputation as a fast-bowling all-rounder since making his first-class debut in 2015. Across 64 matches, he has claimed 205 wickets at an average of 25.55, including nine five-wicket hauls and two instances of taking ten wickets in a match.

His maiden Test selection follows an outstanding President’s Trophy campaign for Pakistan Television, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker with 32 wickets at 19.21 in seven matches. Butt also contributed with the bat, scoring 206 runs.

Insights on Ghazi Ghori

The wicketkeeper-batter, still awaiting his Test debut, recently earned his first ODI cap for Pakistan against Bangladesh in March, gaining useful experience ahead of the upcoming Test series.

Ghori had an impressive President’s Trophy campaign, finishing as the second-leading run-scorer with 531 runs in seven matches at an average of 48.27. His tally included two centuries and a fifty, along with a solid strike rate of 85.92. Since making his first-class debut in 2023, the 23-year-old has accumulated 1,692 runs from 26 matches at an average of 41.26, registering three hundreds and ten half-centuries.

The inclusion of these uncapped players aligns with Pakistan's strategy to inject new talent into the Test setup. As they prepare to face Bangladesh, their performances may significantly impact the team's prospects in the ICC World Test Championship.

The series offers an exciting opportunity for these players to transition their domestic success to the international arena.