Usama Mir clears fitness test ahead of Australia tour

Pakistan's cricket team is gearing up for their much-anticipated white-ball series in Australia, and Usama Mir has successfully passed his fitness test, ensuring his inclusion in the national squad.

The fitness assessment was conducted under the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection committee, with Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed overseeing the process along with the team's doctor and physio.

Sources confirm that Mir's fitness clearance boosts Pakistan's squad ahead of their challenging tour in Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also expected to make crucial changes to the squad, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan reportedly set to take over as the new captain for the white-ball series.

Additionally, former white-ball captain Babar Azam, along with fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, are anticipated to return after their absence in the Test series against England. The selection committee has also hinted at new talents, with young players Mehran Mumtaz and Sufiyan Muqeem likely to make their international debut during the tour.

The selection committee, comprising Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Hasan Cheema, is meticulously evaluating potential players for the upcoming three ODIs and three T20s as Pakistan looks to make a strong statement on Australian soil.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Melbourne on October 29, with training sessions at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set for November 1 and 2. The series begins with the first ODI on November 4 at the MCG.

The board is expected to announce the squads for Pakistan's upcoming white-ball tours of Australia and Zimbabwe on the same day, with Mohammad Rizwan emerging as a strong candidate to take over as the national team's captain.

Sources reveal that while senior players may feature in the Australia tour, they could be rested for the Zimbabwe tour to manage workload. The PCB is expected to include several fresh faces in the white-ball squad for both tours, signaling opportunities for young talent.

Among the potential inclusions are Omair Bin Yousuf, Irfan Khan Niazi, Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Hasnain. Meanwhile, players like Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed could be omitted from the squad.

As for Pakistan's star players, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah are expected to play key roles in the Australia tour, though Fakhar Zaman's participation remains uncertain due to ongoing fitness concerns. After the Australia tour, Pakistan will head to Zimbabwe for a series featuring three ODIs and three T20 matches, giving emerging players a chance to shine from November 20 to December 5.