It seems Pakistan’s cricketing challenges continue to mount, especially on their ongoing tour of Australia. Shaheen Afridi’s struggle to secure wickets, particularly in the first Test, has raised concerns about the team’s pace attack. Once known for their formidable pace, Pakistan’s fast bowlers are now operating within the 130-140 kph range, excluding Shaheen and Hasan Ali.
The critique from Pakistan bowling legend Waqar Younis has added to the worries. Waqar expressed disappointment in Shaheen’s reduced pace, citing that he used to touch 150 kph but now seems to hover around 130-132 kph. Concerned about Shaheen’s performance and pace, Waqar emphasized the need for rectifying any underlying issues affecting Shaheen’s form.
As Pakistan gears up for their next challenge, the Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26, they face not only performance issues but also injury setbacks. The loss of spinner Abrar Ahmed to injury and now Noman Ali’s acute appendicitis further complicates their strategy. With Sajid Khan remaining as the sole spinner in the squad, Pakistan’s approach in the Boxing Day Test remains uncertain.
The team is navigating a challenging phase, dealing with both form and injury concerns, hoping to overcome these hurdles for a more competitive showing in the upcoming matches.
