Wahab Riaz, the newly-appointed Chief Selector of the Pakistan cricket team, updated on pacers Naseem Shah injury, Mohammad Hasnain, and Ihsanullah during a press conference.
Riaz revealed an 18-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia in December. In the briefing, he confirmed that Naseem’s condition is improving, while Hasnain has resumed bowling. However, Ihsanullah is still undergoing rehabilitation.
“Naseem Shah is showing progress and is expected to bowl at around 50-60% in the next three weeks. Mohammad Hasnain has resumed running and bowling, needing a few more weeks to regain his full workload. Ihsanullah is continuing with his rehabilitation” stated Riaz.
Naseem sustained a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup 2023, forcing him out of the ICC World Cup. Hasnain and Ihsanullah encountered elbow issues but are on the path to recovery.
Shan Masood will lead the Pakistan team in the series, beginning with the first Test in Perth on December 14.
The squad will gather in Rawalpindi on November 22 for a training camp, scheduled until November 28 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The team will depart from Lahore on November 30.
Additional players have been invited to join the training camp, including Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir.
Pacer Haris Rauf declined the Australia tour due to fitness concerns, despite PCB assurances to manage his workload, as mentioned by Riaz.
Here’s the schedule for Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia:
First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium
Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney Cricket Ground