Azhar Ali: “He (Shaheen) should also take three months’ rest so that he gathers his fitness. I feel that if he takes two or three months break, he will be a great bowler”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali believes ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi should take a three-month break from international cricket.
He noted that Afridi should spend the time away working on his fitness, saying he will return a “great bowler” if he does.
Afridi’s bowling has come under intense scrutiny of late, with many saying he has not been taking wickets regularly enough and that his bowling speed has dropped.
“He (Shaheen) should also take three months’ rest so that he gathers his fitness. I feel that if he takes two or three months break, he will be a great bowler,” Azhar was quoted as saying by A Sports.
Afridi was not picked for Pakistan’s recent two-Test series against the West Indies, which ended as a 1-1 draw.
He also failed to make the cut for the ongoing three-Test series against England, where Pakistan find themselves 2-0 down and looking for a consolation win in the 3rd Test, which is currently taking place in Birmingham.
Pakistan Squad for 3rd Test against England in Birmingham: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah