Pakistan captain Shan Masood backed pacer Shaheen Afridi to come good in the upcoming second Test match of the three-match series against Australia. Pakistan, who lost the first Test in Perth by 360 runs, will clash with the hosts in Melbourne from December 26 onwards.
Shaheen Shah Afridi did not have an auspicious outing for Pakistan in the first Test against Australia in Perth. He has faced a massive dip in his form since his return from a knee injury.
Shaheen gave away 172 runs for two wickets across two innings and his pace was barely touching 135 clicks. He looked underpowered and cautious and it hampered not only his performance but it affected Pakistan team as well.
Shan Masood highlighted Shaheen Shah Afridi’s commendable discipline and willpower to make a comeback from his injury.
“Returning from a serious injury is never easy, especially for a fast bowler like Shaheen who faced challenges with his pace and the forces involved in bowling. His comeback shows immense discipline and willpower. Having experienced a similar injury, I understand the difficulties.
Shaheen has been a standout performer for Pakistan in all formats, and occasional challenges are part of the game. Despite plays and misses, he bowled well in Perth, and as an opposition team, sometimes you play off the best bowler and then capitalize,” Shan Masood said at pre-match presser.
Shan Masood has shown faith in Shaheen Shah Afridi’s potential to turn the match in Pakistan’s favor in a swift turn of moments. He even said that though the southpaw pacer was expensive, it is his style.
“Shaheen was expensive, but that’s his style. Despite some tough luck in Perth, he has the potential to turn a match around instantly. We’re optimistic about his performance for Pakistan here,” Masood added.
Pakistan will have to field a new look bowling attack with Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali all injured. One of Hassan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, or Mir Hamza will partner Shaheen and Aamir Jamal in pacer department. Off-spinner Sajid Khan is expected to play in Melbourne as well.
Pakistan squad for the second Test:
Imam-Ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan.
(ANI inputs)
