AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Playing11 Announced, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Imam ul Haq misses out | Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test

AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Playing11: Pakistan has already announced its playing11 for the upcoming 3rd test against Australia on the eve of the New Year test. As per the announced team sheet, Pakistan has decided to rest the premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the fixture, which begins on January 03 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Along with Shaheen Shah Afridi, opening batter Imam ul Haq has also been benched for the 3rd test following three consecutive low scores.

It's worth noting that Imam played a 62-run knock in the first innings of the opening test at the Perth Stadium, however, his subsequent outings have turned meek and disappointing.

To replace Imam ul Haq, Pakistan has brought in 21-year-old opener Saim Ayub, who will make his debut at the SCG. Ayub has a decent record in List A and FC cricket. He has featured in 8 T20Is so far and has showcased his prowess to play with intent.

In another change, Sajid Khan will replace Shaheen Shah Afridi in Pakistan's playing11 for the 3rd test against Australia. Though he was benched in the first two games, he will get his chance to prove his worth in the Sydney Test.

The remaining combination of the squad has been retained by Pakistan. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique will be the two designated openers followed by captain Shan Masood and senior batter Babar Azam in the pecking order.

Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha will form the rest of the middle order. Meanwhile, the bowling department will be handled by Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Ali Hamza and Amer Jamal respectively.

Pakistan has already lost the three-game test series against Australia by losing the first two games held at the Perth and MCG. While they lost the first contest by 360 runs, the second test went in the host's favour by 79 runs. While Australia will aim for a clean sweep, Pakistan's bet would be to avoid it anyhow.

AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Playing11

Below is Pakistan's playing11 for the 3rd test against Australia and the full squad:

Pakistan Playing11: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Amer Jamal, Ali Hamza.

Full Squad: Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan, Aamer Jamal, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Wasim Jr

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For more details head to ICC?s official website.