The Pakistan cricket team has made a notable change for the second Test against Bangladesh, which is set to begin at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30. Shaheen Afridi, the left-arm pacer and a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack, has been dropped from the squad. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, during a press conference held on Thursday.
Afridi’s removal from the squad has raised eyebrows, especially given his prominent role in Pakistan’s recent matches. The decision comes in the wake of Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test of the series. In that match, Bangladesh achieved a historic victory over Pakistan, marking their first-ever Test win against the Green Shirts. On the final day of the Test, Bangladesh’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, dismissing them for 146 in their second innings. The Bangladeshi openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, then successfully chased down the modest target of 30 runs in just 6.3 overs to secure the win.
Afridi’s exclusion from the second Test is attributed to multiple factors, according to Gillespie. The head coach mentioned that Afridi has been working on technical aspects of his bowling to enhance his effectiveness. Additionally, Afridi has been participating in all three formats of international cricket for Pakistan and recently welcomed his first child. Gillespie emphasized the importance of allowing Afridi some time to be with his family during this period. This personal and professional balance is considered crucial for maintaining the player’s overall well-being and performance.
In Afridi’s absence, the Pakistan team has made adjustments to their squad. Spinner Abrar Ahmed and left-arm pacer Mir Hamza have been included in the 12-member squad for the upcoming Test. This change signifies a strategic shift by the team management, as they aim to strengthen their bowling attack and adapt their approach for the crucial second Test.
The revised 12-member squad for the second Test is as follows: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shehzad. The inclusion of Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza reflects the team’s intent to diversify their bowling options and address the challenges faced in the first Test.
Shan Masood, who is leading the team, will need to rally his players and strategize effectively to level the series. With the addition of Ahmed and Hamza, Pakistan’s bowling attack will include a mix of spinners and pace options, potentially providing a more balanced and adaptable approach to counter Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
The second Test represents a critical opportunity for Pakistan to bounce back and regain momentum in the series. The changes in the squad, including Afridi’s temporary exclusion, are part of the team’s broader strategy to address the issues observed in the first Test and to put forth a stronger performance.
As the Test match approaches, the focus will be on how the new squad configuration performs and whether they can adapt their game plan to overcome the challenges posed by the Bangladeshi team. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be the venue where Pakistan seeks redemption and aims to showcase their resilience and capability in the face of adversity.
