CRICKET
‘Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test’ – Star commentator lashes out at Pakistan Playing XI for third Test against Australia
Pakistan has opted to rest their key players, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and opener Imam-ul-Haq, for the upcoming third and final Test against Australia. The match is scheduled to commence on Wednesday. The playing XI for the New Year’s Test was announced on Tuesday and will feature the inclusion of 21-year-old Saim Ayub and 30-year-old Sajid Khan.
In addition to it, Saim Ayub, who made his T20 international debut in March of the previous year enters the Test lineup with a strong List A performance for Karachi. Despite being new to Test cricket, Saim has showcased his skills in eight T20I matches. He has scored 123 runs at an average of 17.57. After an absence of nearly two years, Sajid Khan makes a comeback to the Test team. His last appearance was against Australia during their tour of Pakistan in March 2022. Sajid boasts a commendable record, having secured 22 wickets in seven Test matches.
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle offered an intriguing perspective on the exclusion of Shaheen Afridi.
“Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test. I thought Pakistan’s key bowlers would be Shaheen and Abrar but look a bit thin without them. Excited to see Saim Ayub. I’ve heard a lot about him,” Afridi wrote on X.
Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test. I thought Pakistan's key bowlers would be Shaheen and Abrar but looks a bit thin without them. Excited to see Saim Ayub. I've heard a lot about him.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 2, 2024
Australia also announced their team for the third Test
Earlier today, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins announced an unchanged playing XI for the third and final Test match of the series against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), set to commence on Wednesday. Despite expectations of one of their primary quicks receiving a rest, Cummins clarified that all of them have recovered well and are prepared for the match.
The spotlight will be on veteran opener David Warner, bidding farewell to the longest format in front of his home fans at the SCG. To provide the seasoned opener with an ideal send-off, Australia is expected to be ready for the challenge against Pakistan in Sydney, with Warner leaving as Australia’s fifth-highest run-scorer in the format.