Pakistan Cricket Squad Returns, Prepares for Upcoming Matches

The Pakistan cricket team has departed from Johannesburg, with players returning home and a new set of key picks joining the Test squad for the two-match series against South Africa. The move comes following a historic whitewash in the ODI series, where star player Saim Ayub shines with a brilliant display.

The departure includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, who will return to Pakistan via Dubai along with Abrar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Hasnain. Meanwhile, a new set of options have joined the Test squad, with acclaimed players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and emerging sensation Saim Ayub set to play against South Africa in the upcoming matches. The Test side is scheduled to start practice in Centurion before their January 2 Test match.

The recent ODI series against South Africa saw a lauded performance from Saim Ayub, earning him Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards for a 235-run score and two wickets. His career-best performance has sparked hopes for the upcoming matches, with inclinations towards his ability to rise to pressure. Batting sensation Babar Azam scored a crucial 163 runs, his first Test hundred outside of Asia since 2020, with Saud Shakeel securing 88 on his home ground in Karachi. As the Test series nears, Shakeel believes the team has time to adjust to the foreign conditions. With a hectic schedule in place, the preparation period is only two days ahead of the first Test match on December 26, however, Shakeel expressed his contentment that the stringent timeframe will provide players the opportunity to learn and reflect on the Australia series, for reinforcement in their upcoming match against South Africa.

The coaching staff has undergone changes, with reinforcements that will allow new coach Aaqib Javed to bring his own insights. Shakeel commended the team for the experience they have gained in grappling new personalities and the refreshing spirit that emerges from a new coaching staff. With optimism gripping the Pakistani cricket team, all eyes are on the memorable test matches that lie ahead. The challenging competition ahead looks nothing short of thrilling.

Pakistan Cricket Squad Returns, Prepares for Upcoming Matches for the test series against South Africa stands as a strong position with players getting all set to deliver with diverse doubts going into the match series.