Pakistan’s head coach, Aqib Javed, has shed light on the much-discussed absence of star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi from the recent Test series against South Africa and the ongoing home series against the West Indies. His explanation offers clarity and sets clear expectations for Afridi’s return to the longer format of cricket.
Aqib Javed, while addressing the media ahead of Pakistan’s second Test against the West Indies, emphasized the importance of playing four-day cricket as preparation for Test matches. According to Javed, Test cricket is a demanding format, especially for fast bowlers, who often have to deliver long spells and maintain high energy levels throughout the match.
Shaheen Afridi, regarded as one of the world’s finest pacers, has been out of action in the Test arena for some time. He missed the South Africa series despite the bowler-friendly pitches in Cape Town and Centurion. The official reason cited earlier was workload management ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. However, Javed clarified that Afridi’s lack of recent four-day cricket was the primary reason behind the decision to rest him from Test cricket.
Javed explained that Test cricket requires exceptional stamina and fitness, particularly for bowlers who might need to deliver up to 30 overs a day. Without recent experience in four-day matches, it becomes challenging to perform at the required level. He further noted the difficulties bowlers face when dealing with tailenders after long spells, adding that playing four-day cricket ensures that players maintain the fitness and rhythm needed for the longer format.
The coach also addressed criticism about choosing Mohammad Abbas over Shaheen Afridi in the first Test in Cape Town. Abbas, who returned to the Test side after a three-year gap, delivered an outstanding performance that nearly took Pakistan to a dramatic victory. Javed defended the decision, saying that giving Abbas the opportunity to shine was critical, and his performance justified the call.
Aqib Javed’s no-nonsense approach and his emphasis on merit-based selections have brought a fresh perspective to Pakistan’s Test team. Despite coaching Shaheen Afridi during the Lahore Qalandars’ PSL triumphs, Javed has made it clear that everyone on the team is held to the same standard.
The message is clear: to earn a spot in the Test side, players must prove their readiness through consistent performances in four-day cricket. This approach not only ensures fairness but also strengthens the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Shaheen Afridi’s fans eagerly await his return to Test cricket, but Aqib Javed has set a precedent that highlights the importance of preparation and fitness in the demanding world of Test matches. This strategy could pave the way for a stronger and more competitive Pakistan Test side in the future.
Read Also: Babar Azam Shines as the Only Pakistani in ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024!
1 thought on “Shaheen Afridi Return to Test Cricket as Aqib Javed Sets the Rules!”