Pakistan faced criticism for the heavy defeat in the series-opener, leading to the decision to drop left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from the crucial second Test against Bangladesh on Thursday.
Following backlash for the significant loss in the first match of the series, Pakistan decided to leave out left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for the crucial second Test against Bangladesh. Former players criticized Pakistan’s team composition, specifically the decision to play four pacers instead of two spinners. Shaheen comprehends the situation and the break will allow him to spend quality time with his family, according to head coach Jason Gillispie.
“We had a positive discussion with him and he is fully aware that we are considering the optimal lineup for this game. The past few weeks have been eventful for him with becoming a father and other commitments. This break will give him the opportunity to be with his family,” Gillispie mentioned in the pre-game press briefing.
The ex-Australian fast bowler mentioned that Shaheen is collaborating with Azhar Mahmood to enhance his performance, and the team is eager to witness him in top form with an extensive schedule of cricket matches ahead.
“We currently believe that we have all aspects of our bowling strategy taken care of,” he stated.
Shaheen has only participated in six Test matches due to a knee injury since July 2022. He was benched for the last Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year.
Gillispie also verified that all-rounder Aamer Jamal remains unfit to compete for Pakistan and has been excluded from the game. He also emphasized the importance of the Pakistan team improving their decision-making regarding slow over rates.
Apart from weather conditions and breaks, we must improve in order to navigate overs more effectively. Pakistan were penalized 30 percent of their match fees and had points deducted in the World Test Championship due to slow over rates in the first Test, which they lost by 10 wickets.
“We have the ability to manage our energy levels to ensure we efficiently navigate our tasks.” Gillispie expressed his satisfaction with the team’s positive attitude in the first Test, especially with the confident declaration in the first innings.
“See, Bangladesh performed superiorly in cricket and emerged victorious.” We can’t change it now, but we must take our mistakes as a lesson and use them in the upcoming test. He further mentioned that players must assume both personal and team accountability to perform assertively on the field. It’s not just about hitting sixes constantly, but rather staying engaged in batting and displaying high energy levels.
He believed that bowlers should be more aggressive, bowl accurately and consistently hit the right target to compete with the opposing team.
“We must consistently and ruthlessly adhere to our fundamental principles.” Gillispie expressed that the players understood the great honor of representing Pakistan and were saddened by the loss in the initial Test match.
We are urging them to exhibit genuine talents and play freely with determination. They simply have to perform skill levels correctly.
Shan Masood leads 12-member Pakistan squad: Saud Shakeel is vice captain, Mohammad Rizwan is wicketkeeper, with players including Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shehzad.
Team Bangladesh consists of 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, and Syed Khaled Ahmed.