In the ongoing first Test between Pakistan and Australia in Perth, cricket enthusiasts witnessed a gripping contest unfold on the field in the first two days.
Amidst the cricketing action, attention zeroed in on the underperformance of Pakistan’s top fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi.
On a pitch favouring fast bowlers, much was expected of Shaheen Afridi. However, his first innings display fell short of expectations. Respected cricket commentator Ravi Shastri shared insights on Afridi’s struggles. Shastri highlighted the tremendous pressure Afridi faces as Pakistan’s main bowling weapon, lacking ample support in pace from the other end. According to Shastri, the absence of a bowler consistently hitting speeds near 140 adds extra weight on Afridi.
Shastri outlined that Shaheen Afridi faces a significant challenge in shouldering the main responsibility in Pakistan’s bowling lineup. Pakistan has traditionally prided itself on a formidable fast-bowling attack known for its genuine pace. Shastri noted the current situation lacks a bowler consistently surpassing the 140-mark. This absence of genuine pace not only heavily burdens Afridi but also weakens Pakistan’s overall bowling effectiveness.
“I think the real problem for Shaheen Afridi is the pressure of being the spearhead of this Pakistan attack and without much real support at the other end when it comes to pace, genuine pace. When you talk of Pakistan and when you talk of their fast-bowling attack there is genuine pace all the time and you don’t have one bowler here who is even close to a 140. So that puts immense pressure on someone like Shaheen,” said Ravi Shastri during commentary.
It must be noted that after bowling 27 overs, Shaheen only managed to take one wicket, conceding a hefty 96 runs with an economy rate of 3.6. This performance raised concerns and drew criticism from both fans and experts.
Remember, Pakistan reached 132-2 after dismissing Australia for 487 at stumps on the second day of the first Test in Perth on Friday. The visitors still trail by 355 runs in their first innings.
Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq gave Pakistan a solid start as they added 74 runs for the first wicket. However, Lyon gave Australia a breakthrough after dismissing Shafique for 42.
Captain Shan Masood looked good during his 30 runs, in 43 balls, but he was also dismissed towards the close of play after chasing a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc as Alex Carey completed the catch behind the stumps.
However, Imam played a resolute knock and was unbeaten on 38 runs while facing 136 balls.
Earlier, Australia were dismissed for 487 in their first inning as pacer Aamer Jamal, who is making his debut, claimed a six-wicket haul for Pakistan.
Jamal was on song as he claimed four out of five wickets that fell on the second day during Australia's batting. The right-armer finished with figures of 6 for 111.
The other debutant for Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad, claimed two wickets. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf bagged one each.
David Warner top-scored for the hosts with 164 runs, meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh scored a quick-fire 90 runs.
- Ravi Shastri