Here we take a look at Pakistan’s 16-member squad for the upcoming tour of England.

By Saj Sadiq (16th May, 2018)

SARFRAZ AHMED



The 30-year-old Pakistan captain across all three formats hails from the cricket-mad city of Karachi. A vocal wicket-keeper who right from the early stages of his career was groomed to lead his country. An unorthodox and aggressive batsman who is particularly effective against spinners.

AZHAR ALI



33-year-old top-order batsman who is now a veteran of international cricket. Following the retirements of veterans Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, Azhar is now the leader of the pack in the Pakistan batting unit. Azhar’s solid technique and excellent temperament make him the key wicket for opposition bowlers.

IMAM-UL-HAQ



An exciting left-handed top-order batsman, 22-year-old Lahore-born Imam is the nephew of Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq. Imam made his Test debut recently against Ireland and has played four One-Day Internationals and scored an excellent 100 on his international debut last year against Sri Lanka.

SAMI ASLAM



Another of Pakistan’s young batsmen looking to establish themselves in international cricket. 22-year-old Sami’s orthodox batting style makes him an ideal opener for the 5-day format. Sami’s Test average is disappointing considering his ability. He has seven 50s, but he is yet to make a Test hundred, something he will be looking to put right this summer.

HARIS SOHAIL



An elegant left-handed middle-order batsman, Haris’ career has been hampered by injuries which have limited his international career since his debut nearly five years ago. Now 29 years of age Haris will be looking to overcome the injury problems and establish himself as a regular pick in the Test team.

BABAR AZAM



23-year-old Babar has had a dream start to his international career in the Limited-overs formats where he averages over 50 in both formats. However, his Test career has so far not lived up to expectations. A stylish batsman who when in full flow is a pleasure to watch

FAKHAR ZAMAN



Born in Mardan, the same city as Younis Khan. Fakhar is a hard-hitting left-handed batsman who scored a century in the Champions Trophy final against India last year. Yet to make his Test debut, Fakhar is your man if you enjoy watching aggressive, risk-taking batsmen who like to take on the opposition bowlers.

SAAD ALI



24-year-old Saad was picked for the Pakistan Test squad for Ireland and England after an excellent domestic season last year. Another southpaw, Saad is a confident and technically solid batsman with a good temperament. The Karachi-born middle-order player is earmarked for a bright future.

ASAD SHAFIQ



32-year-old Asad has played more than 50 times for Pakistan in Test cricket. An elegant batsman who averages just under 40 in Tests, Asad has impressed many observers around the world with his stroke-play and patience. If Pakistan are to do well this summer, then Asad’s form will be absolutely vital to their chances.

USMAN SALAHUDDIN



A highly-rated middle-order batsman from Lahore, Usman has been knocking on the door of the Test team for a while. With strong performances in domestic cricket behind him in the last couple of seasons the tour of Ireland and England could provide him with the chance he has been waiting to grab.

HASAN ALI



A medium-fast bowler and larger than life character, Hasan has been one of Pakistan’s stars in Limited-overs cricket recently. The highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy, Hasan has become one of Pakistan’s most popular cricketers and will be keen to now ishow his credentials in Test cricket.

MOHAMMAD AMIR



Now Aged 26, Amir’s cricket career has been well-documented. Seen now as the leader of Pakistan’s pace bowling unit, Amir’s form in Test cricket since his return from a five-year ban has been patchy. Pakistan will be hoping he can remain fit and provide the early breakthroughs.

FAHEEM ASHRAF



One of Pakistan’s new-age cricketers. A three-dimensional cricketer who bowls right-arm at a very decent pace, a hard-hitting left-handed batsman, as well as being more than useful in the field. Faheem has been excellent in Limited-overs cricket and made his Test debut on this tour against Ireland.

SHADAB KHAN



One of the most exciting young cricketers in world cricket. A leg-spinner with all the tricks, a more than useful middle-order batsman and an excellent fielder. Shadab has the tough task to replace the injured Yasir Shah. Only 19 years old, but full of confidence and always backs himself to succeed.

MOHAMMAD ABBAS



Right-arm medium pace opening bowler who has been playing for Leicestershire in County cricket this season. Abbas has the ability to swing and seam the new ball as well as reverse the older ball. If the pitch has anything to offer, then he will undoubtedly extract that assistance as he did against Ireland.

RAHAT ALI



Left-arm quick, Rahat has the ability to bowl some rapid spells. A pace bowler who in true Pakistani style can swing the ball with ease and bowls an excellent bouncer. Rahat was in superb form in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League and on his day can be a handful for the opposition batting line-up.

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