Pakistan elects to bat in the first Test against England

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test against England at Old Trafford on Wednesday (today).

Skipper Azhar Ali told media officials: “Obviously the overhead conditions will help the bowlers but we were very clear in our heads that we want to bat first.

“Because of the composition of the team, we wanted an all-rounder which also means we’ll have two leg-spinners.

“Coming to England will always be a challenge but we are up for it and want to make sure we go positively, start well and take it on from there.

“It’s great to be back playing cricket and that people can watch at home during these tough times.”

After cricket made a return after 7 months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Azhar XI is all set to hit the ground with its playing 11.

The English team hosted the West Indies team last month which was also the return of international cricket.

The English team won the series against West Indies by 2-1 and yet again they urged as the toughest competitor to defeat at home.

Squads:

Azhar XI:

Squad: Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali(c), Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Shadab Khan, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Fawad Alam, Sohail Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Kashif Bhatti

England:

Squad: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler(w), Dominic Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Sam Curran

Where the Match will be played?

The match will be played in Old Trafford, Manchester.

When the match will be started?

The match will be started at 3:00 pm (PST).

Match Schedule for three-test series: