The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is underway in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan making headlines for an unusual team selection. As many as four Pakistani cricketers have received their Test debuts in the same match, bringing fresh faces into the national red-ball squad.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions at the Rawalpindi pitch. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has placed his faith in several relatively inexperienced players.

With four debutants in the playing XI, only seven members of the Pakistan team have previous Test experience.

Which Four Players Made Their Test Debuts for Pakistan?

The four players making their Test debuts in the Rawalpindi match are:

1. Tayyab Arif

2. Mohammad Taha

3. Arafat Minhas

4. Shakib Khan

These cricketers have already represented Pakistan in white-ball cricket, but the Rawalpindi Test marks their first appearance in the longest format.

Their performances will be important as Pakistan looks to build a competitive team with a combination of experienced players and emerging talent.

Pakistan Playing XI for the Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan have selected the following playing XI under the leadership of Babar Azam:

1. Babar Azam (Captain)

2. Azaan Awais

3. Tayyab Arif

4. Mohammad Taha

5. Saud Shakeel

6. Salman Agha

7. Ghazi Ghori

8. Arafat Minhas

9. Razaullah

10. Mohammad Abbas

11. Saqib Khan

The selection features a mix of established international players and four debutants who will be eager to make a strong impression.

Sri Lanka Playing XI for the Rawalpindi Test

Sri Lanka have also announced their playing XI for the opening Test.

The team has opted for a combination of specialist batters and pace bowlers, without selecting a frontline specialist spinner.

Sri Lanka's playing XI:

1. Pasindu Sooriyabandara

2. Lahiru Udara

3. Dinesh Chandimal

4. Kamindu Mendis

5. Dhananjaya de Silva

6. Sonal Dinusha

7. Kusal Mendis (Captain)

8. Milan Rathnayake

9. Lahiru Kumara

10. Asitha Fernando

11. Dilshan Madushanka

The Sri Lankan bowling attack will look to exploit the conditions and put pressure on Pakistan's relatively inexperienced batting and bowling combinations.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Head-to-Head Test Record

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have shared a long history in Test cricket.

According to the figures provided, the two teams have played 60 Test matches against each other.

• Pakistan wins: 23

• Sri Lanka wins: 17

• Remaining matches: Drawn

Of these encounters, 24 Tests have been played in Pakistan. The hosts have won nine, lost six and drawn eight.

The Rawalpindi match is also a special occasion, as it marks the first time Pakistan and Sri Lanka are facing each other in a Test match at this venue.

Four Debutants Make This Test Special

The inclusion of four debutants makes this match an important opportunity for Pakistan's emerging cricketers.

While experienced players such as Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel will be expected to provide stability, the newcomers will have a chance to establish themselves in international Test cricket.

For Sri Lanka, the decision to bowl first presents an opportunity to put Pakistan under early pressure. The opening sessions could play a crucial role in determining the direction of this Test match.