Shaheen called up for NZ Tests, Fakhar misses out

LAHORE: Pakistan’s selectors Saturday included teenage pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi in a 15-man squad for the first two of the three Tests against New Zealand starting in Abu Dhabi next week.

The 18-year-old has been in devastating form in the ongoing one-day series in United Arab Emirates, taking 4-46 and 4-38 in the two matches so far. The third and final One-day International is in Dubai on Sunday (today).

He also took 3-20 in a Twenty20 match against New Zealand and four wickets in two Twenty20 internationals against Australia last month, also in UAE.

The sensational pace bowler emerged on the scene last year, taking 8-39 in an innings in his first-class debut, the best-ever figures by a Pakistani bowler in his first match.

Pakistan and New Zealand play the first Test in Abu Dhabi from November 16-20. The second match will be in Dubai from November 24-28 while the final Test is also in Abu Dhabi from December 3-7. The squad for the final Test will be announced later.

“Shaheen has been included in the squad keeping into account his current form,” said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.

“He has impressed with his bowling.”

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir is still sidelined after his recent poor form while Wahab Riaz was dropped after being wicketless in the first Test against Australia last month.

Also left out of the squad is opener Fakhar Zaman who made his debut in the second Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi last month, scoring 94 and 66 — apparently to rest his knee injury.

Fakhar’s absence provides a chance to Mohammad Hafeez to consolidate his position at the top.

Left-hander Saad Ali was selected again after his fighting hundred for Pakistan ‘A’ against New Zealand ‘A’ in Abu Dhabi this week but there was no place for Shan Masood who hit centuries in each innings of the first side game between the ‘A’ teams in Dubai last month.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq was also included in the squad, indicating that his retiring hurt in the second one-dayer was more precautionary than anything else.

With the conditions in the UAE predictably conducive to spin, seam-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf might not get a game despite being in the squad.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who remains ever-present in the T20I and ODI line-ups, failed to find a place in the Test squad.

Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Saad Ali, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hassan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza.