Experienced batsman Mohammad Hafeez will open the innings for Pakistan, along with young Shan Masood, in the first Test match against England starting on Thursday at the Lord’s cricket stadium.
Pakistan’s 12-member squad for the opening Test was announced by coach Mickey Arthur on Wednesday ahead of the team’s practice session.
Azhar Ali will bat at third position, followed by the experienced duo of Younis Khan and Misbahul Haq, and the young Asad Shafiq in the middle-order.
Sarfaraz Ahmed will perform duties behind the stumps, while four fast bowlers and one spinner are included in Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The pace attack will be led by Mohammad Aamir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan and Wahab Riaz, while Yasir Shah will be Pakistan’s only spinner in the opening match.
It is worth mentioning that Mohammad Aamir is making a comeback to international cricket after serving a five-year spot-fixing ban.
Pakistan England cricket series comprises four Tests, five One Day Internationals and a T-20 match.
Misbah-ul-Haq is leading the national team in the Test series while Azhar Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed will lead Pakistan team in ODIs and Twenty-20 respectively.
Pakistan: Muhammad Hafeez, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah ul Haq (capt), Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wkt), Mohammad Amir, Riaz Wahab, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali and Imran Khan.
England: Alastair Cook (capt), Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Jake Ball
