Aamir Jamal returns as Pakistan’s playing XI announced for first Multan Test

MULTAN: Pakistan announced the return of pacer Aamir Jamal after injury into the playing XI led by Shan Masood for the first home Test of the three-match series against England, scheduled to start on Monday.

Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will make a comeback to the side after being left out of the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Abrar Ahmed, who displayed a standout performance in the England tour in 2022, will join the bowling attack to wizard English batters.

Low ebb Green Shirts will take on England in the first Test on October 7 (Monday) at Multan Cricket Stadium after a string of inconsistent performances in the last few years. Meanwhile, England is coming off a successful summer and will aim to dominate Pakistan at home.

Pakistan’s last Test victory on home soil came against South Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021. Since then, Pakistan has endured a dry spell, losing six matches and drawing four – their longest winless run since earning Test status in 1952.

The Pakistan vs England Test Series 2024 trophy was unveiled by skippers — Shan Masood and Ollie Pope — at Multan Cricket Stadium today ahead of the three-match series.

Earlier on Saturday, England also announced the playing XI for the first Test. Ben Stokes was ruled out of the match due to a hamstring injury and Ollie Pope will captain his side. Pacer Brydon Carse was handed the Test debut while Zak Crawley and Jack Leach made a comeback.

Captain Shan Masood said The team is excited, and we’re hoping for memorable results. “We have a huge opportunity to turn things around against England, and we’re looking to make a strong start in Multan,” Skipper said earlier in the week in a press conference.