Ex-Pakistan coach furious over Pacer’s forced SA Tests

Former Pakistan team manager Mickey Arthur is shocked by Shaheen Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad for the upcoming series in South Africa. Mickey Arthur asked why Shaheen Afridi was not included in the squad, adding that South Africa is one of the best places to play fast bowlers.

Shaheen Afridi was last seen in action for Pakistan in the recent ODI series against South Africa. The left-arm fast bowler took seven wickets to help Pakistan to a historic 3-0 whitewash. However, the 24-year-old is not part of the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa.

Pakistan will face South Africa in the two-match Test series from December 26, 2024 to January 7, 2025. However, Shaheen Afridi will play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which runs from 30 from December to February 7. His decision to skip the South Africa Tests and play in the BPL has raised some questions.

Shaheen Afridi is a game breaker and a match winner – Mickey Arthur

In a recent conversation, Mickey Arthur said that Shaheen Afridi offers a left-arm option and was surprised by his omission. Arthur acknowledged the inclusion of Mir Hamza but stressed that Afridi is a game changer and a match winner.

“I can’t believe it. If he’s not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling? It’s pretty much the best place to bowl in the world. Plus it gives you a left-arm option,” Arthur . he said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

“I know they have Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a match-breaker and a match-winner. I’m not on the inside in terms of knowing the details of why they didn’t pick him, but on sheer skill. , I would have him in South Africa in any team I choose,” he added.

The Pakistan fast bowlers Bowl the Wrong Lengths – Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur spoke about the challenges Pakistan’s fast bowlers will face in South Africa. He pointed out that bowlers often bowl too short, allowing the South African batsmen to capitalise. Arthur emphasized the need for discipline to succeed and break the opposition batting line-up.

“They (Pakistan’s fast bowlers) bowl the wrong lengths. In South Africa, you get a bit excited when you see the ball fly to the wicketkeeper. If you go too short, the South African batsmen will leave you out. You have to be disciplined and get enough balls in the right area and if you do that, you can break them as a team,” Arthur said.

So many teams were defeated by South Africa in the last session – Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur claimed that teams are often punished by South Africa when their performance drops after a good start.

“You’re getting conditions you can work with. But the moment you fall and your first spell is great, your second spell is fine, your third spell falls, you’re going to be punished in the last session of the day. And i see so many teams defeated by south africa in the last session of the day.

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