Salman Ali Agha returns to Pakistan’s test squad

Pakistan have announced an initial 14-man squad for their upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, recalling Salman Ali Agha and Ali Usman after both were dropped during the England tour in August.

Babar Azam will continue as captain, while Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman and Sameer Minhas have received their maiden Test selections. Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq are among the notable absentees.

Taha enters the squad in impressive form, having scored 730 runs in seven President’s Trophy Grade-I matches, including three centuries. Suleman has accumulated 652 runs, while Minhas has registered 405 in his first first-class season.

Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Razaullah and wicketkeeper Saad Baig retain their places after featuring in the final England Test. Spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have been left out.

Two additional fast bowlers will join after the PCB Patron’s XI completes its three-day fixture.

The opening Test takes place in Rawalpindi from November 9-13, followed by Lahore’s second match from November 17-21.