Pakistan revives Mohammad Abbas's test career with South Africa tour call-up
- Mohammad Abbas has been recalled to the Pakistan test squad after not playing red-ball cricket since 2021.
- The selection committee aims to ensure the fitness of key players for upcoming tournaments while adjusting the squad for South African conditions.
- The team's focus is on establishing a strong performance across formats during the South Africa tour.
Pakistan's cricket team has made a significant strategic decision by recalling fast bowler Mohammad Abbas for upcoming test matches against South Africa, marking his return after a three-year hiatus from red-ball cricket. This move comes as the team prepares for a crucial tour beginning on Tuesday, during which they will engage in three T20 matches followed by three ODIs and two test matches at venues in Centurion and Cape Town. Abbas has previously taken an impressive 90 wickets in just 25 test matches but last played in the red-ball format in Jamaica back in 2021. The selection committee's reasoning for recalling Abbas is largely based on his exceptional current form, where he has recently secured 31 wickets over five matches in a domestic four-day tournament, demonstrating his readiness for the international stage. Meanwhile, the decision to exclude Shaheen Shah Afridi from the test squad is aimed at keeping him fresh and focused on white-ball formats, especially with the Champions Trophy on the horizon. Aaqib Javed, a member of the selection committee, emphasized that this approach aims to maintain the players’ fitness and performance levels leading into larger international competitions. In addition, the test squad is well-balanced with the inclusion of pace bowlers like Naseem Shah, who returns after missing the last two home tests against England, alongside Khurram Shahzad and left-arm bowler Mir Hamza. The selectors faced tough choices, particularly regarding the inclusion of off-spinner Sajid Khan, who missed out despite impressive performances where he claimed 19 wickets in the last two tests against England. The committee ultimately opted for Noman Ali, who proved his worth with 20 wickets in past matches, targeting the pace-friendly conditions expected in South Africa. Under the captaincy of Shan Masood, the test squad reflects a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, with star players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also being included across all formats. The upcoming series is not just a test of skill, but strategically vital for building momentum heading into the Champions Trophy, thus providing a platform for blending seasoned expertise with fresh talent in an intense cricketing season ahead.