Pakistan announced their T20 and Test squads for Australia Tour:

Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector, Misbah-ul-Haq has introduced two new faces for Pakistan’s new Test and T20I squads for their upcoming tour of Australia. Pakistan’s team has also made many major changes recently. Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed as a captain and dropped from the Test and T20I squads for their upcoming tour of Australia. Pakistan’s top-ranked batsmen, Babar Azam was named the new T20I captain, while the test captainship was handed to the test specialist, Azhar Ali. In Sarfaraz Ahmed’s absence, Mohammad Rizwan will take on the role of wicketkeeper for Pakistan in both squads.

Pakistan names exciting young fast bowling stars Musa and Naseem for Australia Tests

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— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 21, 2019

Major changes in Pakistan’s Test and T20I squad:

Pakistan’s new Test line-up for their Australia tour includes two fast bowlers: Musa Khan and Naseem Shah. Opener Abid Ali and left-arm Spinner Kashif Bhatti will also be making their debuts against Australia. Iftikhar Ahmed and right-arm fast bowler Imran Khan has also been recalled for the Test squad after three years.

Misbah-ul-Haq said that they aim to start strong with the Test Championship and move up the Test rankings. Misbah accepted that it was a bold decision to select Musa and Naseem but they know that their fresh and aggressive approach will give Pakistan something different. Misbah explained that the Australian wickets will give them a chance to fully express themselves and also gain valuable experience out of it. Misbah is hopeful that these two fresh faces will surprise a lot of people with their bowling and consistency.

Misbah also said that Pakistan’s Test batting is experienced and talented, so they did not have to make any changes aside from bringing Abid Ali in place of Fakhar Zaman, and also adding Iftikhar Ahmed who can also bowl spin.

Chief Selector & Head Coach Misbah-ul-Haq opening statement from his press conference earlier today at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore announcing the T20I & Test squads for Australia Tour

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Complete press conference: https://t.co/TdnXxGxdjB pic.twitter.com/RYZbQh4z7r

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 21, 2019

For Pakistan’s T20I squad, Musa Khan is part of it, unlike Naseem Shah, who is only available for the Test squad. Khushdil Shah and Usman Qadir will also be a part of Pakistan’s T20I side for their upcoming tour of Australia. 37 years-old, Mohammad Irfan has also been recalled after three years to the T20I side.

Misbah explained that the Australian conditions will allow Mohammad Irfan to perform at his fullest. Misbah added that this selection has been made while keeping the ICC T20 World Cup in mind, which will be played in Australia next year. Misbah said about Irfan that he can be a valuable asset for Pakistan in the next global event.

Misbah said that Khusdil Shah has been added to the T20I side as he is currently performing well and has displayed power-hitting abilities. Misbah said about Usman Qadir that he will prove useful to the team due to his experience of playing in Australia. Misbah added that Usman Qadir also fills Shadab Khan’s place in the team, who is on his way to reclaim his match form.

Left-arm Spinner, Usman Qadir is the son of Pakistan’s best-known spinner, Abdul Qadir. Usman has played for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, earlier this year.

Pakistan will play three T20Is and two Tests during their tour of Australia. The first T20I will take place in Sydney on November 3.

Test squad for Australia Tour:

Azhar Ali (C), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed , Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Musa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah

T20I squad for Australia Tour:

Babar Azam (C), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz