Unexpected to see Raza get 2 games! Would have preferred Erasmus & Gaffaney on field for the first test. Think this is Raza’s first test outside Pakistan.
The Ashes appointments will be Ahsan Raza's 8th & 9th Test matches. He was added to the Elite Panel last March when Aleem Dar retired.
Yes, I was aware of that. My point being I don’t think appointing him to the first test of the Ashes is the best idea as he hasn’t umpired a test outside of Pakistan before and his generally inexperienced in tests.
In 2019, the ICC appointed Wilson who was newly appointed to the elite to the first Ashes test. He and his partner Dar had a shocker which set the tone for the rest of the series. I hope Raza does well I have nothing against him, but if he does badly the ICC are opening themselves up for criticism.