News by “Sana Ullah“
Anticipated adjustments are on the horizon for Pakistan as they approach the third and decisive Test against Australia in Sydney. It seems a modification is in the cards, with young talent Saim Ayub poised to debut and potentially replace the opener, Imam-ul-Haq.
Insiders suggest that the team management is dissatisfied with Imam’s lackluster batting performance throughout the series. The southpaw has accumulated a modest 94 runs across four innings at a strike rate of 31.22.
Sources indicate that the management has explicitly communicated the need for a more proactive cricket approach to the team. This directive underscores a desire for a shift in the team’s playing style.
Additionally, there’s a strategic decision to alleviate the workload on vice-captain and prominent pacer Shaheen Afridi. In preparation for the third Test commencing on January 3, Afridi will abstain from bowling in the nets and is likely to have a reduced bowling load during the final match of the series. Notably, Afridi has delivered 99.2 overs in the series thus far, the highest among players from both teams.
Australia secured victory in the second Test in Melbourne, triumphing by a margin of 79 runs and sealing the three-match Test series. In pursuit of a 317-run target, Pakistan faced dismissal at 237 in their second innings on Friday.
