LAHORE: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel took part in net sessions on the final day of the National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) red-ball camp, a positive sign ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England.
Both players faced fitness concerns and underwent fitness tests as part of their recovery process.
Their participation in training suggests they are making encouraging progress after earlier reports cast doubt on their availability for upcoming red-ball missions.
Earlier, media reports said that Rizwan and Shakeel were doubtful for the upcoming tours due to fitness issues, with both players rehabilitating under the close supervision of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical staff.
Rizwan’s fitness concerns also led to wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nasir being called up for the red-ball training camp.
However, none of the players have been ruled out of the tournament, with reports suggesting that they will regain full fitness before the final squad announcement.
The PCB confirmed that the NCA red-ball camp concluded on Wednesday, with players taking part in batting and bowling sessions at the LCCA ground.
Throughout the camp, NCA coaches and members of the national team coaching staff worked closely with the players to improve their technical skills, the program included situation-based and practice matches to improve their readiness for different competitive situations ahead of the busy test schedule.
Meanwhile, a 17-man squad is expected to be finalized from the current 22-man squad, and the same squad for the five Test matches in both the tours will be announced.
Significant changes are expected from the squad that featured recently against Bangladesh, with several senior players expected to be missing.
Pacers Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali are unlikely to be selected as they were not included in the red-ball camp, while uncapped and returning players are expected to get chances.
Those under consideration include fast bowlers Muhammad Ali, Obaid Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani.
Pakistan are expected to leave for the West Indies on July 13, where they will play a four-day practice match from July 18.
The two Test series against the West Indies will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25-29 and August 2-6 respectively.
Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan travel to England for a three-Test series, with matches scheduled at Headingley, Leeds from August 19, Lord’s from August 27 and Birmingham Edgbaston from September 9.