Pakistan on Wednesday appointed star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the vice-captain of the national squad for the three-match Test series against Australia, starting tomorrow (December 14).

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Shaheen’s naming as the vice-captain after the announcement of the playing XI for the first fixture of the Benaud Qadir Trophy.

It may be noted that the famed fast bowler was recently appointed as the captain for the national squad in T20 cricket. He has played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 52 T20Is for the national side.

For the first time Shan Masood would lead the national side in an international game after Babar Azam was removed from captaincy in all three cricket formats.

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk) would strengthen the batting line, whereas all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Faheem Ashraf are also expected to deliver in the tough Australian conditions.

Meanwhile, the bowling line-up will abundantly bank on newly appointed vice-captain Shaheen, and newly-inducted Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, who will make their Test debut for Pakistan in the first Test.

It is pertinent here to mention that Pakistan have not won a Test on Australian soil since 1995. Pakistan have lost 26 matches and won just four in and against Australia, while in the last five series, Pakistan suffered whitewashes.

The Australians are looking in red-hot form, after surprising India in the ODI World Cup final last month to leave the nation of over 1.4 billion in complete shock and sadness.

In contrast to Australia, Pakistan cricket is in chaos and disarray. The poor results and administrative flaws have engulfed our cricket into shambles.

Shan’s first assignment cannot be tougher, than leading his team in Australia — a tour where legendary captains Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, and Misbah-ul-Haq miserably failed.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad.

Australia squad

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner

Test series schedule

First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium

Second Test: December 26-30, MCG

Third Test: January 3-7, SCG