Sharjeel, Rizwan included in Pakistan squad for New Zealand Tests
Pakistan have left out Zulfiqar Babar while adding Mohammad Rizwan and Sharjeel Khan to the squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand. Both Rizwan and Sharjee have not represented Pakistan in Tests before.
While not experienced in Tests, both Sharjeel and Rizwan have been regular faces in the Pakistan limited-over set-up. Sharjeel has played 20 One-Day Internationals and 15 T20 Internationals, while Rizwan has played the same number of ODIs and five T20Is lesser than Sharjeel.
Sharjeel is a left-handed opener hailing from Hyderabad, Pakistan, known for his attacking style, while Rizwan has been added to the side as a back-up keeper to Sarfaraz Ahmed.
The squad currently partaking in the three-Test series against West Indies in the UAE, barring left arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar, has been retained for the series in New Zealand. The team is predictably pace heavy, taking into account the conditions on offer in New Zealand.
As many as five pacers have been named in the 16-man squad, which also features two spinners in Yasir Shah and Mohammad Nawaz. The latter was picked ahead of the experienced Babar. Nawaz only made his debut in the ongoing series against West Indies, and has apparently done enough to gain the selectors' faith.
"The Test team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions in New Zealand and the recent performances of players in the recent Test series against England and West Indies. The team is a fine blend of experience and youth, and the selectors have stick to the same combination of players selected against England and West Indies series earlier and believe that team will do well in the tour," chief selector Inzamam ul Haq said.
The first Test match is slated to start on November 17 at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch and will be followed by the second game (November 25) at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Squad : Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Sharjeel Khan, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Mishah-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Nawaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan.
Sharjeel, Rizwan included in Pakistan squad for New Zealand Tests - Cricbuzz