PAKISTAN V BANGLADESH FIRST TEST: TV channels, schedule, team news - all you need to know

The Cricketer runs down the who, what, where, when, why, which channel and how wet it will be ahead of the first Test of the unusual two-match series

What is it?

The multi-format series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which began with three T20Is, continues with the first of two Tests.

The organisation of the tour has been a protracted affair, with Bangladesh at one stage unwilling to commit to a full tour on Pakistani soil. As a result, while the first Test starts on Friday, the second will have to wait until April – after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League and, indeed, a one-off ODI.

What’s the schedule?

FIRST TEST: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi (Friday, February 7, 10am local time, 5am GMT)

SECOND TEST: National Stadium, Karachi (Sunday, April 5, 2pm local time, 9am GMT)

How is the series shaping up?

It is the Test that many thought might not take place as both sides struggled to come to a mutually acceptable arrangement.

On Friday, however, Test cricket’s return to Pakistan will continue, with Bangladesh the latest tourists.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s men claimed a landmark series victory over Sri Lanka as the five-day game came back to the country in December. This upcoming series, which forms part of the World Test Championship, represents the home team’s final Test cricket before taking on England in August.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have endured a difficult spell in the game’s longest format. Russell Domingo is still without a Test win since his appointment as Bangladesh coach in August 2019. Their most recent series – against India – ended in a one-sided defeat.

Pakistan have recalled allrounders Bilal Asif and Faheem Ashraf at the expense of Usman Shinwari and Kashif Bhatti, who were part of the playing group for their series against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh have Tamim Iqbal back after a groin injury; he will return at the top of the order. Liton Das will take the gloves in the absence of Mushfiqur Rahim, who pulled out of the tour for security reasons.

^{Azhar Ali made a century against Sri Lanka}

Who’s in and who’s out?

Pakistan: Azhar Ali (c), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Bilal Asif, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Shaan Masood, Yasir Shah

Bangladesh: Mominul Haque (c), Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das (wk), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Abu Jayed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain

What will the weather be like?

It is expected to be dry in Rawalpindi, with sunny spells and temperatures around 20 degrees.

How can I follow it?

The Test will be shown in Pakistan on Ten Sports and on Sony Pictures Network India in the Indian subcontinent. No broadcast plans have been revealed as yet in the United Kingdom. It will be available to watch on Willow TV in the US.

What if I fancy a bet?

Dafabet have Pakistan 1/5 to win the first Test, with Bangladesh at 16/5.

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