KINGSTON: Pakistan’s decision to leave fast bowler Mohammad Abbas out of the second Test against the West Indies has drawn widespread criticism after he starred with the ball in the series opener.
Abbas was Pakistan’s most successful bowler in the first Test at Tarouba, claiming eight wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in one innings. Despite his performance, Pakistan suffered a 90-run defeat due to a batting collapse.
For the second and deciding Test, the team management handed a Test debut to young fast bowler Ubaid Shah in place of Abbas.
Captain Babar Azam defended the move, saying the team made four changes based on pitch conditions and that Abbas was rested as part of those adjustments.
The decision has surprised cricket experts and fans, with records indicating it is the first time since 1980 that a Pakistan bowler has been left out of the next Test immediately after taking a five-wicket haul in an innings.
The previous instance came during Pakistan’s 1979-80 tour of India, when Ehteshamuddin was dropped after taking five wickets in an innings to make way for Imran Khan.
Ubaid Shah, who replaced Abbas, conceded 56 runs in nine overs in his debut spell, adding to the scrutiny surrounding Pakistan’s selection decision.
Pakistan’s team selection for the second Test against the West Indies has sparked debate in cricket circles, with the omission of fast bowler Mohammad Abbas emerging as the biggest talking point.
Following Pakistan’s defeat in the opening Test, the team management made four changes to the playing XI.
However, the decision to leave out Abbas, who was the team’s standout bowler in the first match, drew widespread criticism from fans and analysts.
Abbas claimed eight wickets in the series opener, including a five-wicket haul in one innings. Despite his performance, captain Babar Azam said the pacer was fully fit and had been rested solely because of the pitch conditions.
Pakistan included an additional spinner, Sajid Khan, while young fast bowler Ubaid Shah was handed his Test debut.
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The experienced seamer has also performed well on slow pitches, including in the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh. With Pakistan’s next Test series scheduled in England, where Abbas has extensive county cricket experience, his omission has raised further questions about the team’s selection strategy.
