Pakistan recall Ahmed Shehzad for Sri Lanka Tests, Saeed Ajmal dropped
Pakistan opening batsmen Ahmed Shehzad and Shan Masood have been recalled for the three-Test series against Sri Lanka this month while offspinner Saeed Ajmal missed out.
Both openers didn’t feature in the two-Test series in Bangladesh, which Pakistan won 1-0 last month.
Ajmal has been struggling with his remodeled bowling action since returning from suspension in February. He took part in the limited-overs series against Bangladesh before he was left out for the subsequent two Tests.
Chief selector Haroon Rashid said the selectors kept form and fitness in mind, while also considering feedback from the team management on performances in Bangladesh.
Legspinner Yasir Shah is the only specialist slow bowler in the squad, while allrounder Mohammad Hafeez will be utilized as an offspinner.
Fast bowlers Imran Khan and Ehsan Adil were included in the 15-man squad, while the first choice Rahat Ali and Sohail Khan were still recovering from injuries. Batsman Sohaib Maqsood was also rehabilitating from injury.
Rashid said they may pick a 16th player, keeping in mind the extreme weather conditions in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will leave for Colombo next Tuesday, and the first Test begins at Galle from June 17. Colombo will host the second Test from June 25, followed by the last Test at Pallekele from July 3-7.
Tests are followed by five ODIs and two Twenty20s.
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Imran Khan, Ehsan Adil.
