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Baptism of fire could benefit teen: Misbah

Teen tearaway Naseem Shah could become the youngest ever player to play a Test in Australia next month

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq insists Australia's conditions could benefit rookie quick Naseem Shah if he becomes the youngest person to play a Test down under.

Shah has been named in Pakistan's squad for this summer's two-Test series, beginning next month at the Gabba.

If he is to play, he will become the ninth youngest player in Test history, and the first 16-year-old to feature in a Test on Australian soil.


But Misbah insisted throwing him into the challenge of Australia's renowned batter-friendly wickets could work in his favour.

"We are looking forward to him bowling in Australian conditions which will give him some assistance with pace and bounce," Misbah said.

"Everyone is excited to get him in the team also and see how he bowls in Australia.

"It will help that he can bowl in good areas. He can bowl really well with the new and old ball. He is doing that in first-class already.

"We are looking forward to him putting the ball in the right areas at that pace, it could be a surprise packet."

The only player under the age of 18 to have played in Australia this century was Pakistani Mohammad Amir, who went at an average of 40.37 in that 2009/10 series.

Meanwhile Shah has played just five first-class matches since making his debut for Lahore last September, and has taken 17 wickets at 18.70.

Warner leads batting blitz before bowlers shine

He spoke on his selection about his desire to make use of the conditions at both the Gabba and Adelaide Oval - with the latter to be played as a day-night Test.

"I aim to make an impression with my speed and swing if given a chance in the Tests against Australia," Shah said.

"The conditions in Australia help fast bowlers. My aim is to make maximum use of the conditions and give a tough time to the home side.

"Playing on hard and bouncy pitches will be a great experience and a learning curve for me."

Pakistan begin their tour on Thursday with a Twenty20 match against a Cricket Australia XI, before a three-match T20 series against the hosts starting in Sydney on Sunday.

Gillette T20 INTLs v Sri Lanka

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott (from game two)

Sri Lanka squad: Lasith Malinga (c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha

First T20: Australia won by 134 runs

October 30: Second T20I, Gabba, 6.10pm (Fox & Kayo)

November 1: Third T20I, MCG, 7.10pm (Fox & Kayo)

Gillette T20 INTLs v Pakistan

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir.

November 3: First T20I, SCG, 2.30pm (Fox & Kayo)

November 5: Second T20I, Manuka Oval, 7.10pm (Fox & Kayo)

November 8: Third T20I, Perth Stadium, 4.30pm (Fox & Kayo)