The head of Pakistan’s selection committee, Wahab Riaz, unveiled the 18-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, featuring young batting sensation Saim Ayub. The series is set to commence from December 14, 2023, till January 7, 2024.
This marks Shan Masood’s maiden stint as Test captain, leading the squad after taking over the mantle for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle following Babar Azam’s resignation last week.
Saim Ayub, a left-handed opener, receives his first Test call-up following an outstanding performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24.
The 22-year-old, showcasing remarkable form for Karachi Whites, accumulated 553 runs across four matches, including three centuries, notably a match-defining double-century against Faisalabad in the tournament final.
His batting prowess continued in the Pakistan Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, earning the accolade for the best batter.
Another memorable innings by @SaimAyub7 as he becomes the first batter to score a double 💯 and a century in the final of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 🏅#QeAT | #FSDvKHIW pic.twitter.com/Hg7aSMXt6h
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 24, 2023
How did fans react to the selection of Saim Ayub?
The selection has sparked varied reactions among Pakistani fans. While some expressed the desire for Arshad Iqbal’s inclusion, others opined that Haris Rauf’s availability wouldn’t have impacted the outcome.
Nevertheless, there’s unanimous anticipation among supporters to witness the young left-handed sensation, Saim Ayub, in action during the upcoming series.
Saim Ayub selected in the test team! One of my favourite players in world cricket to watch. Please give him an extended run and don’t judge him off 1/2 series. He can be special if we back him the whole way. Great news for Pakistan cricket. #PAKvAUS #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/fnlZIh3sFH
— Haroon (@hazharoon) November 20, 2023
Play Saim Ayub and Aamer Jamal at all costs. We need them more than they need this match. https://t.co/UscwPkty6t
— Marwah Khan (@TheMarwahKhan) November 20, 2023
So happy to see Saim Ayub and Saifi bhai in the test squad for Australia 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Mohib Baig (@mohib_baigmirza) November 20, 2023
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