Pakistan captain Shan Masood believes that Pakistan has a very interesting group of fast bowlers and all of them can win matches for Pakistan whenever given a chance. Masood believes that all the fast bowlers have something different to offer and are capable of picking up 20 wickets.
Pakistan has picked six fast bowlers for its squad for the home Test series against Bangladesh. Those bowlers are Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Aamer Jamal. While five of them are fast bowlers, Aamer Jamal is an all-rounder.
It is unusual to have six fast bowlers in the squad for a series in the subcontinent. But Pakistan has no choice as it has only one international quality bowler in the person of Abrar Ahmed.
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Shan Masood expresses ‘confidence’ in Pakistan fast bowlers despite reduced spin attack
During a conversation with Bazid Khan on the PCB podcast, Shan Masood praised Pakistan’s pace attack and asserted that all six fast bowlers can make it into the playing XI. He further added that the fast bowlers on the bench have the ability to replace the ones in the playing XI at any time and win matches for the team.
“But the most exciting thing is that in our current squad we have six exciting fast bowlers. All six can be picked for the starting XI and all six offer something different. Wherever someone is needed, and if that allows us to rest one of our best bowlers, I think we will be in a good position and give experience to those who play,” Shan Masood said.
“We are equally confident that whoever steps in, the new boys like Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Ali and even Aamer Jamal to some extent, when they step in, whether Shaheen or Naseem Shah or someone else is not available, they will all offer something that can win matches for Pakistan and pick those crucial 20 wickets,” Shan Masood added.
The fast bowlers who are likely to feature in the opening Test match against Bangladesh are Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza. Abrar Ahmed is likely to play as the lone specialist bowler. There is also a possibility of Aamer Jamal taking part in the match, depending on his fitness.
“You have to manage the players’ workload” – Shan Masood
Pakistan captain Shan Masood also shared his views on managing the workload of his fast bowlers. He explained why Shaheen Afridi had to be rested for the third Test match against Australia in the last series.
“You have to manage their [pacers] “Like Shaheen Afridi in Australia, he played two Test matches back to back and we had to rest him for the third one because he had a very heavy schedule ahead. We will continue to study that,” Masood added.
Shaheen Afridi played the first two Tests of the series and took 8 wickets at an average of 41.62. Lack of penetration cost Pakistan dearly as Australia swept them aside in the series 0-3.
Pakistan’s upcoming agenda
The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi. After the series against Bangladesh, Pakistan will host England for a three-match Test series.
They will then play a two-match away Test series in South Africa before returning to Pakistan for a two-match Test series.