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**By APD Writer Muhammad Sohail **
**ISLAMABAD, Sept. 23 (APD) -- **Pakistan announced its national cricket team on Saturday for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka to be held in the United Arab Emirates later this month.
Inzamam ul Haq, the chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), announced the team at a press conference in the eastern city of Lahore, who axed opening batsman Ahmad Shahzad and wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan from the side.
However, fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been included in the 16-member side for the series starting Sept. 28.
The team would be led by newly appointed captain Sarfaraz Ahmad, who will perform as skipper of the Test side for the first time.
Surprisingly, Yasir Shah and Azhar Ali who have been reportedly struggling with their injuries, have been selected for the team.
"No bowler has been as successful as Yasir in the Test format, but we had to uphold the standards that were set, and we hope he would be fit to play. Azhar has a cyst in his knee but after some treatment, he is fine and can play now,” Inzamam explained the selection.
Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said that the team will try to play towards a "winning start" in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
the team captain Sarfaraz Ahmad
Sarfaraz expressed his confidence in the selected players and claimed that it was "balanced".
Pakistani and Sri Lankan teams would play a first Test match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Sept. 28, while the second five-day encounter will start on Oct. 6 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Analysts said that it would be very tough series for Pakistan after the retirement of two legendary player Misbah ul Haq and Younis Khan. However, two young players Haris Sohail and Usman Salahuddin have been given chance to fill the giant shoes of the two outgoing starts.
（ASIA PACIFIC DAILY）
