Pakistan Test Squad Against Australia: Mohammad Amir Dropped For First Time Since His International Comeback; Bilal Asif a Surprise Pick!

Mohammad Amir has been left out the Pakistan squad that will take on Australia in a two-match Test match series, next month. The left-arm fast bowler is dropped from the side for his poor show in the ongoing Asia Cup. Amir’s recent form has not been impressive, and his bowling form in UAE, hasn’t been great either.

The 26-year-old bowler has not been the part of Pakistan team in only one Test match since his international comeback in 2016. Consistent poor performances in recent times have been a significant cause of his ouster from the 17-member squad announced by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on September 27.

In the last five ODIs that he has played, Amir has not been able to pick up a single wicket. Senior-pro in the side, Shoaib Malik, in one of the press conferences at Asia Cup 2018, had said that the team management is backing Amir despite the form that he is in.

After Pakistan beat India in the Champions Trophy last year, the fast bowler has managed to take only three wickets. The performances at the venue of the Test series, i.e. UAE, hasn’t been good either. Amir has just picked only seven wickets at an average of 56.42, in the four Tests that he has played there.

However, his recent Test outings have been a far better than the ODI figures. In the three Test matches that Pakistan, earlier this year, Amir picked 12 wickets in those with an average of 18.40. In those three Test matches, one was against Ireland and two against England.

There have been some changes made in the Pakistan team, by their recent performances. Bilal Asif, the 33-year-old spinner, has been a surprise inclusion in the squad and will play the role of the third spinner, if at all he gets to make his debut!

Pakistan Squad Agaisnt Australia: Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza, and Mohammad Rizwan.

Pakistan and Australia will play a two-match Test series at UAE – Pakistan’s adopted home – starting next month. The first match is scheduled to be played from October 7. The last time Australia visited UAE, Pakistan had defeated them 2-0! Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates on Pakistan vs Australia Test Series 2018!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2018 09:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).