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Pakistan captain Shan Masood explained why they didn't choose Shaheen Shah Afridi for the last Test against Australia in Sydney, starting on January 3. Before the New Year's Test, Pakistan announced their team and made two important decisions by not including opener Imam-ul-Haq and pacer Shaheen. Australia, however, kept the same team for the second time in the three-match series.
Even though Pakistan have already lost 2-0 in the series after matches in Perth and Brisbane, they are still hoping to win a match in Australia, something they haven't done since 1995 in more than 16 Tests.
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Afridi was anticipated to take on a pivotal role in the Pakistan bowling lineup, especially with Naseem Shah unavailable. However, after Khurram Shahzad's debut in Perth and his subsequent ruling out due to a stress fracture, Shaheen partnered with Mir Hamza, who had an impressive debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Currently, Pakistan have formed a three-man pace attack with Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal, and Hasan Ali. Additionally, off-spinner Sajid Khan is getting a chance to play for the first time in the series.
"Shaheen Afridi has bowled most overs in world cricket in recent times. He gives his 150 percent in the training sessions as well. He keeps motivating his teammates. He is our main player. We'll make sure we look after Shaheen Afridi really well," Masood said while speaking to the press on the eve of the third Test.
The 23-year-old has bowled 99.2 overs in the first two Tests, the highest in the ongoing series. Nathan Lyon, an off-spinner, is second with 59.5 overs bowled so far. Afridi has been a crucial figure in Pakistan's bowling unit, playing a significant role in their recent World Cup campaign in India.
Captain Masood stressed the need for careful management of Shaheen due to his history of injuries. After a lengthy injury break, he bowled nearly 360 overs in international cricket in 2023, the highest among Pakistan bowlers.
In the New Year's Test in Sydney, Pakistan face a challenge on what's anticipated to be a favourable batting pitch. The spotlight will be on David Warner, set to play his final Test in front of his home crowd.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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