Last Updated on 32 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
There aren’t too many quiet days in Pakistan cricket. Their must-win, second Test against the West Indies in Port-of-Spain quickly became about Mohammad Abbas, after the visitors decided to leave out the seamer in favour of Mohammad Ali, debutant Ubaid Shah and spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman.
Abbas was magnificent in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. He took match figures of 8/85 – including 5/22 in the second innings – challenging the Windies batsmen with immaculate control of line and length. A few days later, the decision to leave him out of the XI was “down to conditions” according to captain Babar Azam at the toss.
Mohammad Ali was preferred from the last Test. He bowled well, taking 2/49 off 17 overs. However, debutant Ubaid struggled for control, leaking 56 off his nine overs and operating at speeds in the early 130s.
To rub salt into the wounds, Babar employed just two slips inside the first half hour, with numerous edges flying through the vacant third. “Two slips and gully, this is poor, is really is from Pakistan,” said Ian Bishop on commentary as Tagenarine Chanderpaul edged another through the region. “Being too defensive early in the first half an hour. The third time it has flown through slip.”
Pakistan criticised for leaving Mohammad Abbas out of the XI for the 2nd Test against West Indies
Among bowlers with at least 100 Test wickets in the last 10 years, Abbas’ average of 22.38 is only behind Jasprit Bumrah (19.79), Kagiso Rabada (21.83) and Pat Cummins (22.17).
Babar’s explanation at the toss raised eyebrows given Abbas has an excellent record on slow pitches. In the UAE, for example, Abbas has taken 27 wickets in six Tests at an average of 17.55.
“Unprecedented… can’t remember any Pakistan bowler dropped after getting eight wickets… barring any fitness issues… dropping Abbas on the pretence of spinning conditions boggles mind… that too on a 0-1 deficit!” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Pak have dropped the seamer who didn’t just take 8 wickets in the previous Test but also provided great control. Abbas continues to get unfair treatment. Clueless leadership and thought process of management,” wrote another.
Pakistan, despite their poor fielding and inconsistent bowling at times, reduced West Indies to 120/4 and 173/5. However, Justin Greaves (64*) and Roston Chase (36*) have stitched together a dangerous, unbroken 66-run stand on a pitch taking turn.
West Indies finished day one on 239/5 after 74 overs.
