Pakistan has sprung a selection surprise on Australia, leaving star seamer Mohammad Abbas out of its XI at the Gabba.
Abbas was Pakistan’s most dangerous bowler the last time these two sides met in the Test arena, taking 17 wickets at 10.58 runs apiece in the 2018 series in the United Arab Emirates.
However, Abbas’ form has faded since then, collecting just seven wickets at 46 runs apiece in Pakistan’s next two campaigns .
There were signs the seamer was on the outer when he was left out of the side that took on the Australia A at Perth but took 2-22 in the preceding tour match against the Cricket Australia XI to bolster his case for selection.
It was a performance former Australia opener Chris Rogers believes should have seen him picked.
“I think that was a big mistake by Pakistan,” Rogers said on ABC Grandstand. “I was in Perth at the WACA when he bowled against the CA XI.
“He did not miss his length. For them to leave him out for Imran Khan is a highly curious decision.”
Abbas missed out on selection to 16-year-old speed demon Naseem Shah, 19-year-old quick Shaheen Afridi and 32-year-old Imran Khan, who took 5-32 against Australia A. Legspinner Yasir Shah rounds out the attack.
Despite his lean numbers in the past year, Abbas had been singled out as the man to look out for from the Pakistani attack.
“If he can do it on really flat pitches like he did in the UAE against us, why can’t he do it in Brisbane and Adelaide where it’s going to offer something?” Ricky Ponting told cricket.com.au. “Whenever the ball moves, we know it’ll challenge the Australian players.
“He’s going to have to get some lateral movement somewhere ... but Brisbane and Adelaide will probably provide that for him.”
Australia legend Mark Waugh was shocked by Abbas’ omission, posting to Twitter: “Big shock for mine that Mohammed Abbas has been left out of the Pakistan 11.
“Reliable quality seam bowler with a super test match record.”
He destroyed Australia last time but Pakistan still couldn’t find room for him
He destroyed Australia last time but Pakistan still couldn’t find room for him
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