Islamabad, Jan 3: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce the return of Sajid Khan to the national Test squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies. This inclusion comes as part of a strategic move to strengthen Pakistan’s spin bowling options for the home series, following his brief hiatus from the team.
Key Updates:
- Reason for Exclusion: Sajid Khan was absent from the recent Test series in South Africa due to the pace-friendly tracks that were not conducive for spin bowling. The team opted to focus on fast bowlers given the challenging conditions.
- Home Advantage: With the West Indies series scheduled in Pakistan, where conditions favor spinners, Sajid Khan is expected to replace one of the fast bowlers in the squad.
- Pitch Preparations: PCB officials are preparing pitches similar to those used during the England tour to provide favorable conditions for spin bowlers, allowing Sajid Khan to maximize his strengths.
- Sajid Khan’s 2024 Bowling Stats: In his recent appearances, Sajid Khan has showcased impressive performances with 22 wickets in 3 matches, including a best bowling figure of 7/111.
The West Indies cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on January 6, with the first Test match starting on January 17 in Multan.