Huraira earns maiden call-up as Pakistan unveils XI for West Indies Test

Huraira replaces Saim Ayub as Pakistan adds three spinners to the XI for the first Test against West Indies.

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Pakistan has announced their playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, featuring an exciting debut for young batter Muhammad Huraira.

The 22-year-old right-handed opener has earned his maiden call-up after stellar performances in the domestic circuit, where he has scored 3,427 runs in 44 first-class matches at an impressive average of 48.95, including eight centuries and a triple-century.

Huraira will replace in-form opener Saim Ayub, who is sidelined for at least three months due to an ankle injury.

He is expected to open the innings with Shan Masood, while Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam will slot in at one-down and two-down, respectively.

Vice-captain Saud Shakeel, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha will form the middle order.

Pakistan is relying heavily on their spin department, with Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Sajid Khan leading the charge.

Khurram Shehzad is the only pacer in the squad after taking six wickets in two Tests against South Africa earlier this month.

The two-match Test series begins on Friday in Multan, with both teams aiming to improve their standings in the World Test Championship.

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shehzad.