AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi Likely To Be Rested For Third Test Against Australia To Manage Workload

Criticism has been directed at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their alleged failure to manage player workloads, particularly in the case of premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. There are indications that Afridi might be rested for the third and final Test against Australia in Sydney, pending the outcome of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. This decision follows the substantial rib cage injury suffered by Khurrum Shahzad after his notable debut against Australia.

Following Pakistan’s loss in the first Test in Perth, where Khurram Shahzad was injured, there are concerns about the workload of pace bowlers, particularly T20 captain Shaheen Afridi. The PCB is keen on monitoring and managing their bowlers’ workload, considering the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States, less than six months away, with the series against New Zealand playing a pivotal role in their preparations.

Amidst backlash and concerns over Shaheen Afridi’s form, there are discussions within the PCB about resting him for the Sydney Test if he doesn’t perform well in Melbourne and the team faces another defeat. This strategic move aims to keep Afridi fresh for the subsequent T20I series in New Zealand.

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Pakistan’s bowling attack is already weakened with the absence of injured Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who opted out of the series to participate in Australia’s T20 Big Bash League. Khurram Shahzad’s injury is a significant setback, prompting his return to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore for comprehensive injury care and rehabilitation.

The team management is contemplating experimenting with a new opening combination of Saim Ayub and Babar Azam during the T20I series in New Zealand. This decision arises as the former Pakistan skipper, who has partnered with Muhammad Rizwan in T20s for the past few years, has been advised to prepare for a potential new opening partner. Pakistan faces challenges in reshaping their bowling unit and finding effective combinations amidst the ongoing series against Australia and the impending T20 contests in New Zealand.