Explained: Babar Azam on a young Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests
Pakistan begin a two-Test home series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Monday with a squad that includes many newcomers. Captain Babar Azam explained the thinking behind it on Sunday.
- The first Test starts on 9 November in Rawalpindi; the second is from 17 November in Lahore.
- Babar Azam says almost eight players are new and were picked on first-class form.
- Pakistan are ninth in the ICC Test rankings and the World Test Championship table.
What is happening? Pakistan play a two-Test series at home against Sri Lanka. The first Test begins on 9 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. khabr.pk reported on 5 November that the second Test is due to start on 17 November in Lahore.
What did the captain say? At a news conference in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Test captain Babar Azam said the team has taken a different step. He said the aim is to find the right mix of senior and junior players so that youngsters can express themselves and perform.
How new is the squad? Babar said there are almost eight new players, all of them young talents, chosen on their performances in first-class cricket. khabr.pk reported on 7 November that the Pakistan Cricket Board added four players to the squad. Aamir Jamal returns, while Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Muhammad Tayyab Arif received their first call-ups. Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal were released.
What is his role? Babar said his job as captain is to help young players settle in and play as a unit. He said he would give clear roles, use his bowlers effectively and help the younger players handle pressure. On selection, he said that is for the relevant authorities, and that he is responsible for getting the best from the 15 players given to him.
What about the pitches? khabr.pk reported on 5 November that the PCB decided to prepare fast pitches for both Tests. The same report noted that Pakistan are ninth in the ICC Test rankings and in the World Test Championship table.
What else did Babar address? He said he has no direct contact with Mohammad Yousuf, who had reached out on social media, and that he would welcome learning from him if contacted. He said his dismissals do not follow a recurring pattern and that he takes responsibility for his mistakes. On results, he said they are in God's hands.
What is still open? How the new players perform against Sri Lanka will only be known as the two Tests are played. The material does not say how the series will go, and nothing here predicts it.
Why it matters
Cricket followers in Pakistan are watching a home series in which many players are new to Test cricket. Fans in Rawalpindi and Lahore, where the two Tests are scheduled, will see the squad play on pitches prepared to be fast. The series also matters for Pakistan's place in the World Test Championship table, where the team is ninth. The newcomers were picked on first-class form, so domestic performances are being used to select the national side.
