Desperation shapes Pakistan’s squad for first Test against England

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the opening Test of a three-match series against England, set to be held in Multan from October 7-11.

To allow the selected players ample rest ahead of the series, they have been pulled from the Champions Cup playoffs. The squad will gather in Multan on September 30, with a training camp scheduled to commence on October 1.

In the ICC World Test Championship standings, Pakistan currently sit eighth out of nine teams, while England are at fifth spot. This marks England's tenth tour of Pakistan, with their previous visit in 2022 resulting in a 3-0 clean sweep over the home side.

Squad: Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shaheen Afridi

Return of Noman Ali: Strategic or desperate move?

Among the squad, the return of left-arm spinner Noman Ali is one of the key talking points. Ali, a 37-year-old veteran with 15 Tests under his belt and 47 wickets, last played for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in July 2023. Despite being left out of the Bangladesh series, Noman's recall as a second spin option alongside Abrar Ahmed suggests a strategic shift from Pakistan's recent preference for pace.

Pakistan’s decision to rely on spin, particularly after their failed experiment with an all-pace attack during the first Test against Bangladesh, signals a return to traditional strengths. By bringing Noman back, Pakistan seems to be banking on spin-friendly conditions to counter England, especially given that the English squad features an inexperienced pace attack. With Mark Wood out due to injury and James Anderson retired, only Chris Woakes stands as a seasoned bowler, further tilting conditions in favor of Pakistan's spin tactics. Furthermore, England's key all-rounder, Ben Stokes, will not bowl in the first Test, leaving Pakistan to believe spin could be their trump card.

Although Noman Ali's return provides Pakistan with a dependable spin option, the decision raises some concerns. Ali has not played first-class cricket since October of last year and struggled in his only appearance in the ongoing Champions Cup, conceding 76 runs in nine overs without taking a wicket. His lack of recent match practice highlights Pakistan’s reliance on experienced players, even with promising young talent available.

Mehran Mumtaz celebrates after taking a four-wicket haul against Bangladesh A in Darwin in July, 2024.PCB

Pakistan had tested Mehran Mumtaz and Mohammad Rameez Jnr in the Pakistan Shaheens squad, both showing promise against Bangladesh A. Mumtaz notably took four wickets in a match in Darwin, while Rameez impressed in domestic cricket, claiming 42 wickets in five matches during the President's Trophy Grade-I. Yet, despite the availability of younger, in-form options, Pakistan’s decision to fall back on a 37-year-old spinner appears more like a short-term fix than part of a long-term strategy.

The loss of Khurram Shehzad: A significant setback

The inclusion of Noman Ali comes at the expense of pacer Khurram Shehzad, who sustained a side injury during the second Test against Bangladesh. Shehzad’s absence is a major blow for Pakistan, as the 24-year-old has had an impressive start to his Test career, claiming 14 wickets in just three matches.

His last outing in Rawalpindi saw him take six wickets in the second Test, contributing to his nine-wicket tally for the Bangladesh series. After an impressive Test debut at Perth last year, Shahzad also missed the next two Tests against Australia in Melbourne and Sydney after he developed a stress fracture in his left rib as well as an abdominal muscle tear.

Shehzad’s injury comes at an unfortunate time, and his absence will be felt, especially with Pakistan’s bowling attack already under scrutiny. The team’s recent struggles highlight the importance of keeping emerging talent like Shehzad fit and available, a task that Pakistan's medical board has struggled with, as evidenced by multiple injuries to key players in recent months.

Aamer Jamal’s return: A silver lining

One positive for Pakistan is the return of Aamer Jamal, who has recovered from a back injury and been named in the squad. Jamal's return provides much-needed balance to the side, particularly in the lower order, where his batting abilities complement his role as a third pacer.

Jamal had an impressive series against Australia in 2023-2024, claiming 18 wickets, including two six-wicket hauls in three Tests. He also smashed a fiery 82 in the third Test, highlighting his potential as a capable all-rounder. Although he missed the Bangladesh Tests due to injury, his fitness in recent matches in the Champions Cup, where he took five wickets in two games, suggests he is ready to make an impact.

Aamer Jamal gestures after taking a six-wicket haul in his debut Test against Australia in Perth.PCB

Jamal's presence in the squad could bolster Pakistan’s bowling unit, especially if they opt for a spin-heavy strategy, as his ability to bat and bowl could provide flexibility in team composition.

Shaheen Afridi: An injury cloud looms

Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, has also been included in the squad, though his fitness remains a concern.

Afridi appeared to injure his knee during a Champions Cup match when he was hit by a delivery from Faheem Ashraf.

While he returned to bat after initially retiring hurt, Afridi's discomfort was evident. He had already missed the second Test against Bangladesh, and there are lingering doubts about his fitness.

Afridi has publicly stated that his knee is "fine," but with a packed season ahead, the PCB's management of his workload will be under close scrutiny. Pakistan’s bowling attack cannot afford to lose another key player, particularly when its depth is already being tested.

Domestic performers ignored: A missed opportunity?

One of the main criticisms regarding Pakistan's squad selection is the exclusion of promising performers from the Champions Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously highlighted that the tournament would serve as a stage for young cricketers to demonstrate their abilities. However, some of these standout players have not been included in the Test squad. Notably, Kamran Ghulam, who was part of the Bangladesh Test squad but did not play, is a significant omission. Ghulam has been a consistent force in first-class cricket, with his most recent century in the four-day format coming against Bangladesh A in Darwin in July. In the ongoing Champions Cup, he has accumulated 248 runs at an average of 49.60, including two centuries, yet still finds himself left out.

Zahid Mehmood, who took 12 wickets in two Tests during England's last tour of Pakistan, is currently the top wicket-taking spinner in the ongoing Champions with 10 wickets in five matches. However, he has been overlooked for the upcoming series.

Similarly, Mohammad Ali, who played in the Bangladesh series, has also been left out of the squad. The PCB has justified these decisions by stating that Ghulam and Ali remain in the selectors' plans, but for now, they have been advised to continue playing domestic cricket. While this may be a strategic decision to maintain consistency within the squad, it also raises questions about whether Pakistan is doing enough to nurture and integrate emerging talent into the national team.

Pressure on Pakistan batters

Pakistan’s batting lineup has been under pressure, especially after poor performances in recent Bangladesh series. Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood have struggled to find form, with both players averaging under 30 in the ongoing Champions Cup. Saud Shakeel has also had a disappointing run, averaging just 25 in the tournament. Despite these struggles, players like Kamran Ghulam, who have been scoring consistently, remain on the sidelines.

With Pakistan’s last home Test win dating back to February 2021, and a string of losses piling up, the pressure is on the team to reverse their fortunes. Captain Shan Masood’s position has come under scrutiny, but he retains his role for now. However, if Pakistan's struggles continue, changes in leadership and strategy might be inevitable.

A short-term fix or long-term vision?

Pakistan’s squad selection ahead of the England Test series reflects a blend of experience and desperation. While the inclusion of veterans like Noman Ali might provide immediate solutions, it comes at the cost of sidelining younger talent that could benefit from exposure at the highest level. With the team underperforming and key players dealing with injuries, the pressure on the PCB to deliver results is immense. However, unless Pakistan begins to prioritize long-term planning over short-term fixes, their struggles in Test cricket may continue.