Pakistan Finalises Pace Attack for West Indies and England Test Tours
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan has finalised its pace bowling combination for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, with the team management opting for a balanced attack featuring four specialist fast bowlers and one pace-bowling all-rounder.
The selected pace unit includes Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shehzad, and uncapped fast bowler Ubaid Shah, while Aamer Jamal has been picked as the squad’s pace-bowling all-rounder.
Ubaid Shah Earns Maiden Test Call-Up
One of the biggest highlights of the squad is the inclusion of 20-year-old Ubaid Shah, who has received his first Test call-up after impressive performances in domestic cricket.
The right-arm pacer from Lower Dir has taken 72 wickets in 16 first-class matches at an average of 25.20. He is also the younger brother of Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah.
Experienced Abbas to Lead Pace Unit
Veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas will spearhead Pakistan’s bowling attack. The experienced pacer has claimed 110 wickets in 29 Test matches at an outstanding average of 23.23.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Ali returns to the Test squad after his last appearance against Bangladesh in September 2024. He has represented Pakistan in four Tests.
Khurram Shehzad, who has impressed with consistent performances, completes the specialist pace attack. The right-arm fast bowler has taken 28 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 27.39.
Aamer Jamal Returns
All-rounder Aamer Jamal also makes his return to the national side after last featuring against South Africa in January 2025.
In eight Test matches, Jamal has contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 352 runs and taking 21 wickets, giving Pakistan an additional pace-bowling option.
Shaheen Afridi Among Notable Omissions
The latest selection means Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Hammad Butt, who were part of the previous Bangladesh tour squad, have not been included for the upcoming Test assignments.
Tour Schedule
Pakistan is scheduled to depart for the West Indies on July 13.
The team will first play a four-day warm-up match beginning on July 18, followed by a two-Test series:
- 1st Test: July 25–29 (Trinidad and Tobago)
- 2nd Test: August 2–6 (Trinidad and Tobago)
Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series:
- 1st Test: August 19 – Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test: August 27 – Lord’s, London
- 3rd Test: September 9 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Pakistan will be aiming for strong performances on both overseas tours as they continue preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle.
