Pakistan call up Fakhar, axe Wahab

Record-breaking limited-overs opener Fakhar Zaman is in line to make his Test debut against Australia, while Wahab Riaz has been dropped for the series decider in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed confirmed Monday.

Fakhar, uncapped quick Mir Hamza and allrounder Shadab Khan were named in a 12-man squad for the second Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, with Pakistan to confirm their final XI at the toss on Tuesday.

Imam-ul-Haq's fractured finger has paved the way for Fakhar to open the batting after his incredible start to his limited-overs career.

Pakistan XII (final team to be named on Tuesday morning UAE time): Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Bilal Asif, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza/Wahab Riaz.

The left-hander recently became the fastest man to 1,000 ODI runs, breaking a record first set by Viv Richards, while he blasted a 46-ball 91 against Australia to lead Pakistan to victory in the Zimbabwe T20 tri-series final in July.

Wahab's axing comes after an at-times wayward bowling effort in the first Test in Dubai, going wicketless through 27 overs. It had been his first Test in 12 months.

Fellow left-armer Hamza appears the most likely man to replace him given the absence of another fast bowler in the 12, though Shadab, who has recovered from a groin injury, could be considered if Pakistan want another spin-bowling option.

The 26-year-old Hamza hasn’t played for Pakistan in any format but has impressed during the opening month of the domestic first-class competition.

Sarfraz's counterpart Tim Paine says Australia are yet to make a final decision on the make-up of their bowling attack for the second Test.

Paine was surprised by the presence of grass on the Abu Dhabi surface on Sunday, suggesting uncapped fast bowlers Michael Neser or Brendan Doggett could be added to the side at the expense of Jon Holland.

As expected, the pitch received a notable haircut on Monday.

"The wicket actually looks a bit different to what we were expecting … There’s a fair bit of grass on it," said Paine. "It does look completely different (to the Dubai pitch for the first Test).

"We've got some really good options if we do decide to change but if not, we're fully confident in the side that played the last Test as well."

Sarfraz said he didn't expect the pitch to play much differently to the one in Dubai despite its greener colour.

"At the moment it looks like there could be a little bit of moisture on the pitch but almost a full day is still remaining," Sarfraz told reporters.

"If you see tomorrow, the pitch looks like a different pitch. It looks like a similar pitch (to) Dubai."

Qantas Tour of the UAE

Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

Pakistan Test squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Hafeez

Oct 7-11: First Test, drawn

Oct 16-20: Second Test, Abu Dhabi