Major changes likely for Eng Tests

Three to four Pak players could be axed from team that faced BD last month.

LAHORE:

The much-anticipated Pakistan Test squad for the upcoming series against England is likely to be named this week.

While Shan Masood is likely to retain his captaincy, the team is expected to undergo some changes following their recent series against Bangladesh.

The Pakistan squad will convene in Multan on October 2, coinciding with the arrival of the English team. While the visitors will have a rest day on October 3, the Pakistanis will take to the ground with their first training session.

Sources said about three to four players could be dropped from the team that faced Bangladesh. Head coach Jason Gillespie, who recently concluded a connection camp in Lahore, is now in Faisalabad to oversee the selection process.

Selection committee members Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq are also on the ground, evaluating the performances of national players in the ongoing Champions Cup.

After consulting with the captain and head coach, the selection committee will finalise a list of potential players. The Champions Cup final on Sunday will serve as a crucial factor in their decision-making. Once approved by the PCB chairman, the national squad will be officially announced.

The first Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled for October 7, followed by the second Test in Multan on October 15. The series will conclude with the third Test on October 24 in Rawalpindi.

On September 17th, the ECB announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming longer-format series, which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle for 2023-25.

England squad for Pakistan Test series: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Khurram Shehzad declared fit for Eng Tests

The PCB's selection committee is set to finalize the squad for the England series in the coming days

Fast bowler Khurram Shehzad has been declared fit for the upcoming Test series against England, providing a much-needed boost to Pakistan's squad.

Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that Khurram is now available for selection and could play a crucial role in the series starting October 7.

After sustaining an injury during the second Test against Bangladesh, Khurram was not included in the Champions Cup to ensure his full recovery. Recent medical reports have cleared him for the England series, and the team management is keen to see him back in action.

In addition to Khurram, another promising fast bowler, Aamir Jamal, is also under consideration for selection. Aamir, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained during county cricket, has successfully regained his fitness. Despite missing the Bangladesh series, he made a strong comeback by participating in two matches of the Champions One-Day Cup.

Shaheen awaits medical clearance for playoffs

Star pacer Shaheen Afridi's participation in the Champions One-Day Cup playoffs will depend on receiving clearance from doctors, following a knee injury sustained during a recent match.

The fast bowler was struck on his left knee while playing against Dolphins, causing difficulty in his movement.

According to sources, Shaheen is now feeling better, and Pakistan team physio Cliff Deacon is closely monitoring his condition. His participation in the crucial playoffs will be assessed today during the Lions' practice session, where both doctors and the physio will evaluate his fitness.

The Lions are set to face the Stallions in the first eliminator of the Champions Cup tomorrow, and Shaheen's availability could significantly impact the outcome. All eyes are on the medical team's final decision as the Lions prepare for this important clash.