Shaheen Afridi who was part of Pakistan team in New Zealand has been excluded from the second Test in Rawalpindi. The decision comes after Pakistan suffered a first Test and their all-pace bowling line-up was dramatically affected. Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector Jason Gillespie also made it clear to drop Afridi saying there is a need for changes in the team.
Shaheen Afridi’s Recent Form and Exclusion
A serious problem has appeared regarding Shaheen Afridi’s form in Test cricket. In Australia especially his performances were below par with average of over 41. Get this, Afridi’s performance in the first test against Bangladesh was not very impressive where he only managed to pick up two lower-order wickets while conceding 96 runs. His speed has also slightly decreased since his recent injury, though before the start of the series, he maintained speed of 144 Kph regularly. However, Afridi tried to minimise these problems but it seems more like a drop rather a rest for him.
Gillespie’s Perspective on Afridi’s Exclusion
Although, Jason Gillespie did not go to the extent of saying that Afridi was a drop in the team. He said that Afridi is to increase his efficiency and effectiveness. Gillespie added that Afridi has been advised and is in consultation with the bowling coach Azhar Mahmood. The target is to get Afridi back to his best as he is instrumental to the Pakistan side across the all format.
Gillespie also congratulated Afridi regarding his recent personal achievements that he achieved in the cricket field. Afridi was given birth last week and thus Gillespie suggested that this could be the reason for him to spend some time with his family.
Pakistan’s Strategic Shift
Abrar Ahmed who is a legspinner is a new addition to Pakistan’s strategy. A decision to go all out pace in the first Test proved catastrophic authenticating Pakistan’s first Test series defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This change of attitude is reflected by Abrar’s selection in the squad, which sees a move to a better balance of the attacking line up.
Weather and Pitch Conditions in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi weather has also been influential in selection process as far as Pakistan is concerned. Rain has continued to rain in the past three days as both teams have not been able to have a proper view of the pitch. This led to cancellation of training sessions while even the press conferences had to be conducted in the Serena Hotel. Again, lack of preparation time has made it very difficult for Pakistan to decide on their final playing eleven.
Abrar Ahmed’s Likely Inclusion
Considering these factors and Pakistan’s requirement of a spinner the chance of Abrar Ahmed getting to play is high. The inclusion of Abrar is still believed to bowl a much needed spin for Pakistan. It is the same reason for which his capacity to take advantage of any turn on offer could be influential. This decision presents Pakistan’s need to change tact after the strategy their team had applied applied backfired in the game.
Mir Hamza’s Role in the Squad
In the playing eleven, opener Abrar Ahmed is included and besides that, fast bowler Mir Hamza has also been called for the assignment. There is another left-arm option available in the team in form of Hamza, however, his role will be determined by the nature of the pitch at Sharjah.
Pakistan’s Need to Win the Second Test
Pakistan cannot afford to lose second Test match as well, especially after they had lost the first Test so comfortably. The inclusion of Abrar Ahmed his exclusion and the exclusion of Shaheen Afridi is what depicts Pakistan’s emotion in trying to get the right combination. Gillespie also said that the team has to be more informed at the time they select the most appropriate candidate.
Bangladesh’s Confidence After Historic Win
I must mention that the first Test victory that Bangladesh has achieved has worked wonders for them in terms of confidence boost. This win was also the team’s inaugural Test triumph over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The win has placed Bangladesh on the driver’s seat as they can now demand for series win. The change of lineup Pakistan has done shows that they have realized the potential of the Bangladeshi team.
Shaheen Afridi’s Future Prospects
Nevertheless, Shaheen Afridi is out of the Pakistan’s final squad but he would be a vital player in this tournament. His recent bad performance is perceived as temporary blip and does not lay a lasting raze. From the remarks of Gillespie it is implied that Afridi should return to performing well once he addresses his problems.
Abrar Ahmed’s Potential Impact
It would be incorrect to underestimate the potential of Abrar Ahmed. His inclusion can alter the look of the Pakistan’s bowling line up. Alternatively, Abrar’s leg-spin adds another dimension and cause concern to the Bangladeshi batters. He is a man with a vision which if harnesses can change the tide in favor of Pakistan. Most attention will be on Abrar’s performance in the second Test.
Mir Hamza’s Opportunity to Shine
Mir Hamza has been included in the list and hence he has a chance to stake his claim. There have been glimpses of his potential in domestic cricket and hence this could be his time to do well in the international cricket. If selected, this could be the strength of Hamza, he bowls with good line and length and the ability to get movement could be useful for Pakistan.
Conclusion
The non-selection of Shaheen Afridi in the second Test match against Bangladesh is perhaps one of those turning point in Pakistan cricket. The decision does make sense as Pakistan has to search for the correct balance in the side after their defeat in Rawalpindi. It will be quite an important test to see how their strategies for the Test will fare and how much their back was strong enough to support them during the woman’s Test.
FAQs
- Why was Shaheen Afridi left out of the second Test?
There was no place for Afridi in thismatch due to his current performance. - Who is likely to replace Shaheen Afridi in the playing XI?
Spin bowler Abrar Ahmed, is likely to take the place of fast bowler Afridi. - What were the reasons behind Pakistan’s loss in the first Test?
Pakistan’s decision of having an all-pace attack in the first Test proved to be counterproductive for them. - How has the weather in Rawalpindi affected Pakistan’s preparation?
Rain has had an impact of both teams where they hardly have any opportunity. - What does Pakistan need to do to win the second Test?
Pakistan has to identify the right balance and the going to be able to get 20 wickets in the match.
