PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Shaheen Afridi Omitted for Crucial Match, Head Coach Jason Gillespie Clarifies Decision

New Delhi: Following a heavy defeat in the series-opener against Bangladesh, Pakistan has made the decision to drop left-arm fast pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the must-win second Test match. The decision comes after facing a lot of criticism for the team's performance in the first match.

The combination of the Pakistan team, in which they fielded four pacers, also invited sharp criticism from former players, who felt that playing with two spinners was a better option according to Rawalpindi’s pitch.

Head coach Jason Gillispie said Shaheen understands the “situation” and the break will give him quality time with his family.

“We had a good conversation with him and he fully understands we are looking at the best combination for this game and the last few weeks have been interesting for him with fatherhood and other things, this break will allow him to spend time with his family,” Gillispie said.

The former Australian pacer stated that Shaheen is working with Azhar Mahmood to be more reliable and effective, as the management certainly wants to see him at his very best as there is a lot of cricketing technique coming up.

“Right now we feel we have all bases covered in our bowling attack,” he said.

Shaheen has played just six Tests since July 2022, owing to a knee injury. He was rested for the final Test against Australia at Sydney in January this year.

Gillispie also confirmed that all-rounder Aamer Jamal was still not fit to play for Pakistan and was ruled out of the match. He also stressed the need for the Pakistan team to make better decisions over slow-over rates.

“Everything aside including allowances for weather and breaks, we need to be better to get through overs better,” he added.

Pakistan was fined 30 per cent of the match fees and also were pulled down in points for the World Test Championship for slow over-rates in the first Test that endured them a loss by 10 wickets.

“We can control our energy levels to make sure we are going through our overs quickly,” said the head coach.

Gillispie said he was pleased with the positive intent shown by the team in the first Test with a bold declaration in the first innings.

“Look, Bangladesh played better cricket and won. There is nothing we can do about it now but we have to learn from our mistakes and hopefully apply those learnings in the second test,” he added.

He also felt that bowlers needed to be more technical and ruthless, make a mark and target, try to hit the line and length and hit the good spot consistently to challenge the opposition.

He also said that players would have to take individual and collective responsibility to go out there and play positively and this doesn’t mean hitting sixes every ball but it is about being busy in batting and showing the right energy levels.

Gillispie said the players realised it was an absolute privilege to play for Pakistan and it was disappointing to lose the first Test.

“We are encouraging them to play with freedom and intent and show authentic skills. They just need to execute skill levels properly,” he said.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Squads:

Pakistan Squad: Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), 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, Syed Khaled Ahmed.