Pakistan Take a look at cricketer Mohammad Abbas. — ICC/File
Pakistan captain Babar Azam stated the choice to depart skilled quick bowler Mohammad Abbas out of the enjoying XI for the second and ultimate Take a look at in opposition to the West Indies was based mostly solely on the enjoying situations at Queen’s Park Oval.
Abbas’ omission got here as the most important shock when Pakistan introduced 4 modifications for the sequence decider, regardless of the right-arm seamer being the guests’ standout performer within the opening Take a look at.
The skilled pacer claimed eight wickets within the first Take a look at, together with the seventh five-wicket haul of his Take a look at profession, making his exclusion one of the vital talked-about choice choices.
Talking to former West Indies captain Ian Bishop on the toss, Babar dismissed hypothesis that Abbas had picked up an harm and confirmed the transfer was purely tactical.
“It was down to conditions,” Babar stated, suggesting Pakistan opted for a bowling assault higher suited to the sluggish floor in Port of Spain.
The guests strengthened their spin division by bringing Sajid Khan into the aspect whereas handing a Take a look at debut to younger quick bowler Ubaid Shah. Mohammad Ali retained his place as the opposite specialist seamer.
Pakistan’s determination raised eyebrows given Abbas’ spectacular report since returning to the Take a look at aspect in December 2024. The 35-year-old has taken 28 wickets in 5 Exams at a mean of 20.32, making him Pakistan’s main tempo wicket-taker throughout that interval.
Abbas has additionally proved efficient on slower pitches all through his profession.
In six Exams within the UAE, he has claimed 27 wickets at an excellent common of 17.55, whereas he was Pakistan’s main wicket-taker throughout their current Take a look at sequence in Bangladesh with 10 scalps at 23.80.
His profession Take a look at bowling common of twenty-two.38 stays the very best amongst Pakistan bowlers with vital careers, narrowly forward of legendary captain Imran Khan’s 22.81.
Pakistan will subsequent journey to England for a three-match Take a look at sequence, the place Abbas is anticipated to be a key determine given his excellent County Championship report with Nottinghamshire and Hampshire, having taken 171 wickets at a mean of 20.49.
