In a surprising move, Pakistan has opted for an all-pace attack for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting Wednesday in Rawalpindi. The team has released specialist spinner Abrar Ahmed from the squad, leaving Salman Ali Agha as the sole spin option.
Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to lead the pace attack, with Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shehzad, and Mir Hamza also featuring in the bowling line-up.
The decision to leave Abrar out of the first Test comes as a surprise, especially considering his recent performances. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has explained that the selectors want the leg-spinner to gain some match practice ahead of the second Test in Karachi, starting on August 30.
Abrar and uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam, who was also named in the 17-member Test squad, will play for Pakistan Shaheens in a four-day game against Bangladesh A, starting in Islamabad on Tuesday. They will rejoin Pakistan’s Test squad ahead of the second Test match.
Pakistan last played a Test match with an all-pace attack during the home series against Sri Lanka in 2019. While this strategy may raise eyebrows, it highlights the team’s confidence in their fast bowling unit.
Agha, the only spin option now available, has been a consistent performer with the ball in recent Test matches, picking up crucial wickets for Pakistan. It remains to be seen how the team will adapt to the absence of a specialist spinner, particularly against a Bangladesh side known for their strong batting line-up.
