Port of Spain, 29 July: After Pakistan top order batter Shan Masood fractured his finger during the first test of the ongoing series against West Indies. Abdullah Shafique has been added to the Pakistani squad as a back-up.
Shan Masood, who scored his seventh test century (109 runs), played extremely well in the Tarouba test. His absence will be felt in the second test.
But Pakistan have recalled Abdullah Shafique, who’s considered a correct player technically, to the test squad. Abdullah Shafique has featured in 24 Tests for Pakistan, scoring 1610 runs, averaging 37, laced with five centuries and six fifties.
In addition to Shafique, Pakistan has also brought back middle-order batter Saud Shakeel. He was out due to injury.
Pakistan suffered another blow when young batter Abdullah Fazal had to be withdrawn due to injury that he picked up during a tour match.
Shan Masood’s fracture is another blow, but the return of Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel will strengthen the batting lineup.
In the bowling department, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad are likely to retain their spots.
Pakistan could drop Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Rizwan and spinner Ali Usman and bring back Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel and Sajid Khan.
Pakistan probable playing XI for the second test in Port of Spain:
- Azan Awais
- ?Imam-ul-Haq
- ?Abdullah Shafique
- ?Babar Azam (captain)
- ?Saud Shakeel
- ?Salman Ali Agha
- ?Ghazi Ghori (wicket keeper)
- ?Khurram Shahzad
- ?Mohammad Ali
- ?Sajid Khan
- ?Mohammad Abbas
