Centurion [South Africa], December 25: Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to exclude pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi from the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Arthur described Afridi as a “game breaker and match-winner” and expressed disbelief over his omission.
The Test series, which begins on Thursday, is crucial for South Africa’s hopes of securing a place in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s next June. Afridi, who featured in the white-ball formats earlier, has been left out of the Test squad as the PCB aims to manage his workload ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, starting in February.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Arthur questioned the logic behind not selecting Afridi for the South Africa tour, saying, “I cannot believe it. If he is not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling him? It is the best place to bowl in the world, almost. Plus, he gives you a left-arm option. I know they have got Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner. On pure skill, I would have him in South Africa in any team I pick.”
Arthur’s comments come in the context of Pakistan’s historic struggles in South Africa. Several of the country’s legendary fast bowlers, including Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, have had less-than-impressive records on South African soil. Only Mohammad Asif (18.47) and Mohammad Amir (23.58) have excelled in South Africa, with Afridi boasting a commendable bowling average of 26.66 in the country.
The second Test of the series will begin on January 3.
Pakistan’s squad for the South Africa tour includes: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.