Saim Ayub set for debut; no Shaheen for Sydney Test

In the wake of two shocking results, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided to pull the plug on the left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq, who has dropped from the playing XI for the Sydney Test. 

Saim Ayub, who has been a consistent performer at the domestic level, with 1069 runs at an average of 46.47, has been preferred instead at the top of the order. While Ayub has represented Pakistan in the past, with his last appearance coming earlier last year, on April 24 against New Zealand, the Sydney Test will be his debut in the longest format. 

Ayub walked into the series on the back of 11, 95, 23 and 179, representing the Karachi Whites. Not only that, but the left-hander played a crucial role in the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ championship-winning run. 

🚨 Our playing XI for the SCG Test 🚨#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/xTJzOcgy2n

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 2, 2024

On the bowling front, in a more shocking move, Pakistan have decided to ‘reportedly rest’ Shaheen Shah Afridi for the third Test in Sydney. With the left-arm pacer having played non-stop cricket in the year, the board has decided to give him a rest, with specialist off-spinner Sajid Khan making it to the playing XI. 

Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali, who were good in the second Test in Melbourne, have retained their place in the team ahead of the third Test. 

Pakistan’s XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub (on Test debut), Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal