Now, Pakistan has a major hurdle before them before Test series against Bangladesh. One of the major features of the team has been removed- or rather, Aamir Jamal will not be able to play again. Pakistan had to make a change in squad when Jamal had to pull out due back injury for the Bangladesh Test. As a result, this injury weakens Pakistan’s squad when it comes to choosing pacers to support the main team.
Aamir Jamal, who sustained a back injury, played when in England. He was always hampered by this injury and did not pass the fitness test. He was a vital pillar of Pakistan’s fast bowling and his loss is therefore severely felt in the team. The management was left with no option in the matter and he was released from the squad.
It is for this reason that the decision to take Jamal to the National Cricket Academy was correct. They can get the best treatment at the academy in Lahore in case they are injured in the course of the game. As far as the team combination of Pakistan is concerned, the selectors now have an uphill task in this regard.
Challenges Following Pakistan Squad Alteration for Bangladesh Test
The squad alteration affects the Pakistan preparation for the series. The feature player was to be Jamal who was expected to perform a central role in the series. The former makes the other remaining pacers under pressure as one of the best bowlers is missing. Pakistan’s all-pace attack will now be strong in terms of experience but may lack somewhat when it comes to variety.
Openers Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain are likely to form part of the pace bowling arsenal with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. They are a seasoned side and have the ability to go through such series comfortably. However, they are overloaded with work with the increase of Jamal’s injury. After today, the squad has only four genuine pace bowlers for the entire series.
Pakistan’s selectors are, however, assured of the remaining bowlers. They think that the present team is capable of meeting the test. But the injury has brought the aspect of the unknown into the series.
Shaheen Afridi’s Role Post-Pakistan Squad Alteration for Bangladesh Test
He also feels that Shaheen Afridi would be given a higher role to play in the team. He is now the most experienced bowler of Pakistan and is defining match-winning cricketer. It will be for the Pakistani all-rounder Afridi to bring out his leadership qualities in this changed team.
It can be expected that Naseem Shah will again be entrusted with the new ball by Afridi. Naseem has a lot of potentials and she is young and I believe she will improve a lot more in future years. His speed and hostility make him a crucial player in Pakistan’s bowling line up. It is these two aggressive bowlers, Afridi and Naseem, who will be spearheading Pakistan’s cricket challenge.
Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza will also have significant innings. They were expected to back Afridi and Naseem. Both these bowlers have domestic cricket under their belt. However, Bangladesh is not going to be an easy meat for them to devour because of the spirited Bangladesh team.
Bangladesh Test Series Importance
This Test series assumes significance for Pakistan in context with World Test Championship. Which is, the propounded model has put Pakistan at a remarkably low sixth position in the rankings. This series is a must-win situation to keep their chances alive in the tournament against Bangladesh.
The series offers Pakistan to increase the ratings and become higher in the standing. A series win for them could turn the screws at the top and take them to the four. which would make them nearer to getting to the final at Lord’s next year.
Pakistan’s selectors do not need to be told the importance of the series. The two teams have chosen the right players that have the potential to make their team clinch the series. The injury is a set back but Pakistan is still very sure of itself. The players have expressed the desire of deducing their best in this important series.
Impact of Pakistan Squad Alteration on World Test Championship
Regarding changing of the squad, this transition actually could affect the Pakistan’s journey in World Test Championship. Eliminating Aamir Jamal is a blow to Pakistan’s fast bowling resources. This could impact their performance in the said series.
Pakistan, the team that requires series victory to remain in contention, needs to register a win. The team’s problem is the treatment of the injury that happened to Jamal. Otherwise, the rest of the bowlers have to pull up their socks and do the needful.
So there will be no surprise if Pakistan has to think on their feet if they are to win the series. This means that the players have to stick to what they want to do, or what they are good at. The changes in the squad asymptote pressure but Pakistan has the ability to deal with it.
The Role of Experience in Pakistan’s Pace Attack
Experience will be vital as far as Pakistan’s pace bowling is concerned. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are key players brining in plenty of exposure to the side. Of especial importance will be their leadership for the junior bowlers.
It needs no reminding that Afridi is a player who likes to take charge from the front. He has the experience and skill that are required in order to take the responsibility on. Naseem Shah as young as he is has not acted as young as his age suggests he should. He will be an important actor
It will be a blessing to have Afridi and Naseem to guide youngsters like Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza. They will be expected to be promoted and provide backing to the senior bowlers. It will be expected of them especially with the non-return of Jamal.
Bangladesh’s Challenge
Bangladesh for sure is a strong contender. This team has quality batsman and good bowlers in their team. Pakistan has to be at their best if they are to clinch the victory in the series.
The change in squads works in Bangladesh’s favour slightly. They will focus on reading Pakistan’s bowlers in particular non-pace bowling as a weaker linchpin in the Pakistani batting. India’s bowlers will be waiting for this opportunity and so, Bangladesh’s batsmen will be looking forward to it.
Pakistan’s bowlers have to step up to the occasion. They sat that they have to bowl with discipline and implement their strategies. The series will be the ultimate challenge for Pakistan, be it, on mental front as well as physical.
Key Players to Watch in the Bangladesh Test Series
Several more specific actors will be paramount to Pakistan’s success, the first of which has already been mentioned. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will be the primes for the visitors’ pace attack. Their performance will be crucial in this series.
Openers Muhammad Hafeez and Sharjeel Khan will be opening the innings while Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza will be other key players. They have to rise to the occasion and perform well as Aamir Jamal is no more available to perform these duties. Pakistan’s chances are going to revolve around whether the team can assist the senior bowlers effectively.
It also means that Pakistan’s batsmen have to come to the party. In this case, the team will have no other option than to use experience and skill in the accomplishment of activities that were once done manually. The batsmen must make sure that the bowlers get enough runs with which to dictate.
Pakistan’s Strategy for the Bangladesh Test Series
Pakistan’s strategy in the series is also going to be based on the side’s strengths. The team will have to depend on its pace bowling to obtain wickets. The batsman has to bat with focus and implement his strategies whereas the bowlers have to bowl right and set their strategies.
But Pakistan’s batsmen have to also chip in. They need to form alliances and achieve large scores. The batsmen should come in and give the bowlers a good base to work with.
Fielding will also play a significant part in Pakistan’s performance. The team has to capitalize on the opportunities they get, and also the have to play defense nicely. Really close fielding can actually leave a game in the twin figures.
Impact of Jamal’s Injury on Pakistan’s Future Matches
Aamir Jamal’s injury may come back to haunt Pakistan in the future. The team will really miss his pace and aggression in the subsequent matches. Jamal got injured which can be disastrous to Pakistan’s future series held nearby region.
Pakistan selectors have a serious task to find a suitable batman in place of Jamal in the middle order. They have to search and develop future talent of fast bowlers for the team. Chelsea’s team needs to develop a contingent to their pace attack so that they cannot be undermined like this.
Player fitness is another factor which Jamal’s injury reinforces. Pakistan’s management needs to be certain that players are well and able to play in the matches. Injuries are always a set back to a team’s campaign just as it was witnessed when it happened to Jamal.
Conclusion
Pakistan would be up against it in the Test series to be played against Bangladesh. Aamir Jamal’s injury must bring a major change in the squad. The team, therefore, has to pin all its hopes on the remaining pacers if it is to clinch the series.
The series important to Pakistan primarily due to the WTC points. It could be a series win that puts them in position to make a Lord’s final. Only to this fact, will determine the fate of Pakistan and whether or not they can cope with the alteration of the squad.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will be major further bowlers. Their experience and skill will come in handy in the series. Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza must rise to the occasion and fill the void left by Jamal.
The introduction of the squad alteration raises the pressure but Pakistan has the power to manage it. The players have to stay true to their abilities as well as converge their actions to their goals. The series will be massive challenge to Pakistani team as like as mentally and physically.
The success of Pakistan in this series will only be possible if they have to adjust. To add to it the planners and the players have to be concerned and committed to their strengths and to their plans respectively. This squad alteration puts pressure but the Pakistani side has the talent to surmount it.
FAQs
- Why did Pakistan alter their squad for the Bangladesh Test series?
- Aamir Jamal’s injury compelled Pakistan to make a change in the team that was beginning to take shape.
- Who will lead Pakistan’s pace attack in the Bangladesh Test series?
- Shaheen will have the first and last say in Pakistan’s quick bowling arsenal.
- How many players are in Pakistan’s squad after the alteration?
- Pakistan has now even trimmed the list of its players to 14.
- What is the significance of the Bangladesh Test series for Pakistan?
- It’s relevant for their respective place on the World Test Championship table.
- Where is Aamir Jamal undergoing rehabilitation?
- He’s at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
