Pakistan pick Noman Ali, Aamer Jamal for first test against England

Pakistan have named their squad for the opening test against England at home marking the return of left-arm spinner Noman Ali and right-arm pacer Aamer Jamal. Noman has picked up 47 wickets in 15 test matches he has played for Pakistan. The 37-year-old last played in July 2023. Khurram Shahzad’s injury has opened the way for Aamer Jamal to return to the Pakistan squad. The fast bowler, who had issues with his back, was magnificent on the down-under tour last year but hasn’t played red-ball cricket post that. However, recently, he made a comeback in the ongoing Champions Cup. 

Out of the 17-member squad picked against Bangladesh recently, the selectors have left out Mohammad Ali and Kamran Ghulam. The selection panel confirmed both players remain in their plans but pointed out in a statement that “due to the selection policy's emphasis on consistency and continuity, and the belief that 15 players are sufficient for a Test, they have been advised and encouraged to continue representing their teams in the Champions One-Day Cup and the President's Cup."

Squad: Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shaheen Shah Afridi

The players who have cut for the inaugural test against the Three Lions, have been withdrawn from Champions One-Day Cup playoffs to ensure they get sufficient rest. With a busy domestic and international cricket schedule, it makes sense to give our players some much-needed rest ahead of the Test series against England," Gillespie said. "We are very much looking forward to the series against England here in Pakistan and cannot wait for it to begin. We are excited about playing in front of our wonderful supporters."

The squad will gather in Multan on September 30 with a training camp slated from October 1. The first test is scheduled to begin on October 7.