debut: 2/16/24
635 runs
The second and final test between the next two opponents for the West Indies on the test match schedule, is currently being held at Rawalpindi.
Heavy persistent rain for several days has caused the entire first day to be washed out. The home side will be desperate to get onto the field as soon as possible, in order to try and put pressure on the tourists who hold a 1-0 lead going into the match. Neither side has been able to even look at the surface which has been under covers for days. This has led Pakistan to name a XII including bowling options that offer a more balanced attack, rather than the all out pace attack from the first test.
After instructing the ground staff to prepare a pitch suited to their quicks, the sides were greeted with a slow, low track for the first test (also at Rawalpindi). For this game, Pakistan have selected leg spinner Abrar Ahmed over Shaheen Shah Afridi. Shaheen has been well shy of his earlier strong form in test cricket for around a year now, even failing to make an impact on helpful Australian wickets. Following his latest injury, his pace, usually into the 140ks, has dropped considerably. Although he became a father recently, it was not named as a factor for the change in selection. Shaheen has been dropped rather than granted leave.
If the skies clear, it should be a fascinating contest.
Heavy persistent rain for several days has caused the entire first day to be washed out. The home side will be desperate to get onto the field as soon as possible, in order to try and put pressure on the tourists who hold a 1-0 lead going into the match. Neither side has been able to even look at the surface which has been under covers for days. This has led Pakistan to name a XII including bowling options that offer a more balanced attack, rather than the all out pace attack from the first test.
After instructing the ground staff to prepare a pitch suited to their quicks, the sides were greeted with a slow, low track for the first test (also at Rawalpindi). For this game, Pakistan have selected leg spinner Abrar Ahmed over Shaheen Shah Afridi. Shaheen has been well shy of his earlier strong form in test cricket for around a year now, even failing to make an impact on helpful Australian wickets. Following his latest injury, his pace, usually into the 140ks, has dropped considerably. Although he became a father recently, it was not named as a factor for the change in selection. Shaheen has been dropped rather than granted leave.
If the skies clear, it should be a fascinating contest.
