The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the 12-man squad for the upcoming second Test against Australia. This announcement includes a key change in the playing XI, with Sarfaraz Ahmed being replaced by Mohammad Rizwan as the wicketkeeper.
The Boxing Day Test will commence on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and will see Mohammad Rizwan take over wicketkeeping duties.
Test captain Shan Masood praised Sarfaraz Ahmed’s remarkable comeback after four years but emphasized that Rizwan’s impressive record in current conditions led to his selection. Masood clarified that “dropping” was inappropriate for Sarfaraz, as he is rested and will likely play again under more favourable conditions.
Pakistan’s Strategy and Australia’s Unchanged Line-Up
Masood also highlighted the need for Pakistan’s batting improvement, stressing the importance of a faster play style in the 100-over format. He noted the challenges of Test cricket, especially for fast bowlers. Meanwhile, Australia has named an unchanged XI for the Boxing Day Test, maintaining the same lineup as their previous match.
Pakistan XI for the Test:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (vc)
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Hasan Ali
- Mir Hamza
- Aamir Jamal
- Sajid Khan
Australia XI for the Test:
- David Warner
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitch Marsh
- Alex Carey
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
