Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was dropped by Pakistan on Thursday from the crucial second Test against Bangladesh, following criticism for their crushing loss in the series opener.
Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi out of the crucial second Test match against Bangladesh on Thursday, following criticism for their crushing loss in the series opener. Former players were particularly critical of Pakistan’s squad choice, believing that playing with two spinners would have been a better option. Pakistan fielded four pacers. As to head coach Jason Gillispie, Shaheen is aware of the “situation” and will be spending quality time with his family throughout the vacation. “We had a good conversation with him and he fully understands we are looking at the best combination for this game and the last few weeks have been interesting for him with fatherhood and other things, this break will allow him to spend time with his family,” Gillispie told the press prior to the match.
The former Australian pacer stated that Shaheen is working with Azhar Mahmood to improve his effectiveness, and that the management wants him to perform at his peak because there is a lot of cricket coming up.
“Right now we feel we have all bases covered in our bowling attack,” he said.Shaheen has only played six Tests since July 2022, because to a knee injury. He was rested for the last Test against Australia in Sydney in January of this year.
Gillispie also announced that all-rounder Aamer Jamal was still unable to play for Pakistan and has been ruled out of the match. He also emphasized the need for the Pakistan team to make better decisions on slow over rates.
“Everything aside including allowances for weather and breaks, we need to be better to get through overs better.” Pakistan was fined 30% of its match money and docked points in the World Test Championship for sluggish over rates in the first Test, which they lost by ten wickets.”We can control our energy levels to make sure we are going through our overs quickly.” Gillispie was happy with the team’s positive intent in the first Test, including a bold declaration in the opening innings.
“Look at Bangladesh. They played better cricket and won. There is nothing we can do right now but learn from our mistakes and maybe apply what we’ve learned in the second test. He also stated that players must take individual and collective responsibility to go out there and play constructively, which does not imply smashing sixes every ball, but rather being occupied in the batting and displaying the appropriate energy levels.
He also believed that bowlers needed to be more ruthless, strike the correct line and length, and hit the proper location on a consistent basis in order to challenge the opposition.
“We have to be consistent and ruthless with our basics.” Gillispie stated that the players understood it was an honor to play for Pakistan, and that losing the first Test was disheartening.
“We encourage kids to play freely and intently, as well as to demonstrate true talents. They simply need to execute skill levels correctly.Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
