Pakistan have introduced four debutants in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi as Babar Azam leads a revamped side following the disappointing England tour.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan handed Test debuts to four players as Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening match of the two-Test series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, marking the beginning of a major rebuilding effort for the hosts.
The debutants are Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan. Pakistan have introduced significant changes to their Test set-up following a difficult run of results, including a 3-0 defeat against England.
The other players named in Pakistan’s playing XI include Azan Awais, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas.
Captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in the revamped squad ahead of the series, saying Pakistan were prepared to fight back with younger players after their disappointing performance in England.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Azam said the team had already planned to give emerging players opportunities during the England series and was now ready to move forward with a new group.
“During the England series we had planned to give new players a chance, so I am ready to fight with these young players,” Azam said.
The series marks Pakistan’s first Test assignment since their heavy defeat in England, where seven players were sent home after the second Test. The subsequent restructuring also resulted in the departures of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul in September. White-ball coach Mike Hesson was subsequently brought into the Test set-up.
Several established players have been left out of the revamped squad, including wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, former captain Shan Masood and specialist spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali.
Only Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal have returned from the seven players sent home during the England tour, while five members of the team that featured in the final Test at Edgbaston have also been dropped.
The wider squad features several newcomers, including batters Saad Baig and Sameer Minhas and fast bowler Ali Shabbir. However, Pakistan have opted for a pace-oriented combination for the opening match, leaving Sajid and Noman out of the playing XI.
Pakistan seek turnaround in Test cricket
Pakistan enter the series after winning just two of their last nine Test matches. Their 3-0 defeat in England exposed several weaknesses in the side and prompted changes to both the coaching staff and playing personnel.
The selection indicates a preference for pace-friendly conditions, with Arafat Minhas among the available spin options. The inclusion of several all-rounders also provides additional batting depth and bowling alternatives.
Azam will also be looking to rediscover his batting form. The Pakistan captain has gone 40 Test innings without scoring a century, with his last three-figure score coming against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
He remains optimistic about improving his performances, saying regular cricket would help him regain confidence and form.
“I have played a few domestic matches and think that the more I play I will improve, so I am confident,” he said.
Sri Lanka target advantage against revamped Pakistan
Sri Lanka arrive in Rawalpindi after going four Tests without a victory this year. However, their resilient batting performance in a drawn match against India has provided encouragement.
Kusal Mendis is leading Sri Lanka in his first assignment as Test captain after replacing Dhananjaya de Silva last month. He expressed confidence in his team’s experienced batting line-up.
“We have an experienced batting line-up, so we are ready for the challenge,” Mendis said.
Batter Sonal Dinusha is another player Sri Lanka will rely on after scoring an unbeaten 133 against India. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya also remains an important option, having played a decisive role in Sri Lanka’s victory over Pakistan four years ago.
World Test Championship implications
The two-match series is part of the fourth cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. Pakistan are currently ninth and last in the standings, while Sri Lanka occupy seventh place.
The second Test is scheduled to begin in Lahore on November 17.
The Rawalpindi pitch is expected to offer favourable batting conditions during the opening days, although the surface could change as the match progresses. Rain is forecast for Thursday, while dry weather is expected for the remainder of the Test.
With four debutants and several senior players missing, Pakistan have an important opportunity to establish a new direction in Test cricket. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to exploit the hosts’ transition and secure an early advantage in the series.
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