LAHORE: Dashing opener Fakhar Zaman — despite scoring half-centuries in his debut Test — was axed while uncapped batsman Saad Ali and fast-rising pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi were picked by the national selection committee which announced a 15-member Test squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand in the UAE.

The first Test of the three-match series starts in Abu Dhabi on Nov 16.

After Fakhar played impressive knocks of 94 and 66 in his debut Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi last month, the left-hander’s performance in the last four T20s, (two against Australia and as many against New Zealand) and later in the first ODI against New Zealand remained poor. However, in the second ODI against New Zealand on Friday, the 28-year-old regained form scoring a match-winning 88 to help Pakistan level the three-match series. In all probability, the batsman has been sidelined by the selectors for giving rest to his troubled knee.

Karachi-born Saad strengthened his case for Test selection after the left-hander struck a century (144) for Pakistan ‘A’ against New Zealand ‘A’ in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. The 25-year-old Saad, who made his first-class debut in 2012 at Karachi, has played for Karachi Whites and Pakistan U-19s. He has also played a number of good knocks in the ongoing Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.

The 18-year-old Shaheen, despite having a scanty first-class experience of just two matches, has been named in the Test squad after the lanky paceman from Khyber Agency impressed many with his fine show in the Asia Cup and in the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against New Zealand.

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who was once considered national team’s pace spearhead, again failed to get the selectors’ nod. The left-armer was axed for the recently-held Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 matches against Australia and the T20 and ODI series against New Zealand due to a marked dip in his form that hit a new low at the Asia Cup staged in the UAE last September when he failed to get even one wicket in three matches.

Besides Fakhar, Wahab Riaz and Usman Shinwari, who were in the 18-member Pakistan squad of for the Tests against Australia are not included in the 15-member squad. Surprisingly, the selectors picked 18 players for the two-match Test series against Australia but reduced it to 15 for the three-Test rubber against the Black Caps.

In-form Imam-ul-Haq was also chosen despite being under observation of team’s physio due to his injury he received while batting during the second ODI against New Zealand on Friday, which forced the opener to retire. Imam’s inclusion seemed doubtful. However on Saturday, a PCB spokesman said he had cleared all scanning tests, but will remain under the observation of physio.

The exclusion of Fakhar and due to observation of Imam, there are chances that seasoned batsman Mohammad Hafeez will open with Azhar Ali, another experienced pro with 67 Tests under his belt.

The middle-order is strengthened with the induction of 63-Test Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail and in-form Babar Azam while Yasir Shah and Bilal Asif constitute the spin department.

The pace battery consists of Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen.

The second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in Dubai from Nov 24-28 while the last match of the series will be held in Abu Dhabi from Dec 3 to 7.

Squad:

Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Asad Shafiq (vice-captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Saad Ali, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mir Hamza.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2018