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Pakistan Drops Star Pacer Abbas, Stuns Cricket World
3 Aug
Summary
- Mohammad Abbas, a key pacer, was controversially dropped from the Pakistan squad.
- The team management cited 'conditions' for the decision, not injury.
- West Indies finished day one of the second Test at 239/5.
Pakistan made a startling decision by excluding their leading fast bowler, Mohammad Abbas, from the second Test against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval. This move came as a shock, particularly after Abbas's outstanding performance in the first Test, where he secured a five-wicket haul in the second innings. The team management stated the exclusion was due to the prevailing conditions, not an injury, a rationale that baffled many observers.
Four changes were made to Pakistan's playing XI, including debuts for Ubaid Shah and Awais Zafar, and the return of Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan. Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Shan Masood, and Abbas were the players left out. The decision to field an unproven bowler like Ubaid Shah in a crucial match, especially after losing the first game, has drawn scrutiny.
The West Indies, batting first, concluded the opening day at 239/5. Justin Greaves anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64, guiding the team to a stable position after a mid-innings slump. Captain Roston Chase also contributed with an unbeaten 36, showcasing resilience. Spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman took two wickets each for Pakistan, while Mohammad Ali and Ubaid Shah claimed one apiece.
