Pakistan’s First Test Against Australia: A Look At The Likely Playing XI After Misbah-ul-Haq Drops Selection Hint

Pakistan’s first Test against Australia begins from coming Thursday. Hence, here is a look at Pakistan’s likely playing eleven after head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq dropped a few selection hints during a press conference.

Read: Pakistanis vs Cricket Australia XI: 3 Things Pakistan Would Want Out Of Their Final Tour Game Ahead Of The Test Series

Upper Order For Pakistan’s first Test Against Australia

Given Haris Sohail’s poor form both with the bat and as a fielder; there is this good probability of him not playing the opening Test of the two match series in which prior to the tour he was likely to bat at number 3.

Therefore, there also seems no chance of skipper Azhar Ali opening the innings and instead he is likely to bat at number three while Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood are almost certain to open.

Read: Australia vs Pakistan: A Look At The Australian Squad For The Two Match Test Series Against The Green Shirts

Middle Order

Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed are likely to bat at numbers four, five and six respectively. Mohd. Rizwan on the other hand is the obvious choice at number seven and behind the stumps as a wicket-keeper.

Read: Pakistan vs Australia: Watch 16 Year Old Naseem Shah Rattle Test Hopefuls

Bowlers

If there are no fitness issues then Yasir Shah and Mohd. Abbas are all set to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack. Medium pacer Imran Khan then is likely to partner with Abbas for the new ball.

Misbah’s press conference strongly suggested that the green caps are almost certain to induct rookie Naseem Shah ahead of other youngsters. Shahen Shah Afridi and Musa Khan are then likely to miss out during Pakistan’s first Test against Australia.