Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan’s Test captain ahead of the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.

The 31-year-old top-order batsman was previously Test captain from November 2020 to November 2023 and returned in place of Shan Masood.

The 36-year-old has overcome 13 defeats in 16 Tests since taking over from Azam in December 2023.

Pakistan finished ninth and last in the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship cycle and sit ninth in the current cycle after a 2-0 series defeat in Bangladesh in May.

While announcing Pakistan’s new Test team, selector Aaqib Javed said on Sunday: “Azam will be our new Test captain because we felt Masood could not lead as we wish.

“The selection committee discussed who could be the best player to lead Pakistan and Azam is the best option.”

Azam resigned as Pakistan’s captain in all formats after a disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign.

He returned as captain for the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 before stepping down as limited overs captain for the second time in October 2024 to focus on his playing role.

Pakistan’s two Tests against the West Indies are on July 25 and August 2, before playing three Tests in England – at Headingley (August 19), Lord’s (August 27) and Edgbaston (September 9).

Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali were left out after making the squad in Bangladesh.

Enter 20-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah, Naseem’s younger brother, who missed out. Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali are the other three quick players selected.

Uncapped middle-order batsman Awais Zafar and left-arm spinner Ali Usman have been called up for the first time.