Pakistan recall Ashraf, Asif for Rawalpindi Test: Details here
Pakistan are set to face Bangladesh in a two-match series, starting February 7. The second Test is scheduled to be held in April. The likes of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and off-spinner Bilal Asif were handed call-ups for the first Test in Rawalpindi. Azhar Ali will lead the side against the Tigers. Here are further details.
Key details about Ashraf and Bilal
The 26-year-old Ashraf showed a lot of promise in his debut Test against Ireland in 2018 when he scored 83. However, he faced injury problems and was discarded after the South Africa tour in January last year. Meanwhile, Bilal last played against the Kiwis in December 2018. He wasn't selected in the side last year.
Misbah on the decision to hand Ashraf a call-up
Pakistan cricket team head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said Ashraf did well in the domestic tournament final two months ago. "We have this option of playing a pace-bowling all-rounder against Bangladesh and Ashraf took five wickets in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy final so we have selected him," said Misbah. This will give Pakistan an option in the ranks to strengthen the side.
Key details about Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan
Bangladesh had agreed to tour Pakistan in three phases. The two sides were involved in three Twenty20 internationals, which Pakistan won 2-0. Post the series, Bangladesh cricketers returned home earlier this week. They will play the first Test and then return again for the sole ODI (April 3) and second Test (April 7-11). Both the matches will be held in Karachi.
Here's the Pakistan Test squad to face Bangladesh
A look at the Pakistan squad for Rawalpindi Test: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Bilal Asif, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah.
