Follow UsThe 36-year-old Yasir Shah, whose last appearance for the Pakistan national team came in August 2021, will make a comeback in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The leg-spinner, who was earlier ruled out with a thumb injury returns to the Pakistan setup with fond memories of Sri Lanka.
Back in 2015, during Pakistan’s 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka, it was the leg-spinner who played an important role, picking up 24 wickets at an impressive average of 19.33. Yasir will replace Sajid Khan in the squad, with the latter’s poor display in the home series against Australia.
"We have selected this squad considering the conditions in Sri Lanka and have equipped the team with the best possible resources," said chief selector Muhammad Wasim.
Yasir Shah returns for Sri Lanka Tests
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) June 22, 2022
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Spin all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and uncapped Salman Ali Agha too are included in the 18-man squad for the upcoming tour to the Islands, with Babar Azam spearheading the side and Mohammad Rizwan being the deputy.
"Our spin department is boosted with the return of Yasir Shah, who proved himself as a match-winner in Sri Lanka on our last tour and Sajid Khan has made the way for him. The spin department also includes two spin all-rounders in Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha and left-arm orthodox Nauman Ali.
"Salman Ali Agha has shown consistent performances with the bat in the past three seasons and he is a handy off-spin option. These two matches are extremely crucial for our side as we have World Test Championship points at stake. I wish our boys all the best and I am sure they will make us proud."
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood and Yasir Shah