Pakistan Set to Play All-Pace Attack in a Home Test for the Second Time in 28 Years
In a bold move, Pakistan is ready to field an all-pace attack in their upcoming home Test against Bangladesh. This marks only the second time in almost three decades they’ve chosen this strategy. The decision comes after recent changes to the squad, showing a big shift in how Pakistan approaches Test cricket, especially given the pitch conditions & available resources.
Historic Decision: All-Pace Attack
For the first Test of the series, set to kick off in Rawalpindi next week, Pakistan won’t include a specialist spinner. Abrar Ahmed, a promising young spinner, has been let go from the Test squad to play with the Shaheens team facing Bangladesh A in a four-day match. His absence, along with Kamran Ghulam’s release, opens the door for an all-pace attack a tactic missing from Pakistani home Tests since December 2019.
Last time Pakistan used an all-pace attack at home was in Rawalpindi during a Test against Sri Lanka. That was part of their first home series in ten years. Led by Azhar Ali back then, they made this choice due to Yasir Shah’s poor form. But it didn’t last long; Yasir returned soon after & pitches were made to support spin bowlers again.
Team Composition: A New Pace Quartet
The upcoming Test will show off an exciting pace quartet, especially with Naseem Shah returning after being out for a year. Naseem really boosts an already talented group which also has Shaheen Shah Afridi known for his speed and swing. Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza are part of this squad too, having shown what they can do in recent Tests against Australia, along with Mohammad Ali.
Aamer Jamal stood out in Australia with 18 wickets and important runs but might miss this Test because of a lower back injury. That’s unfortunate, but the rest of the pace bowlers can definitely rise to the occasion.
Pitch Conditions & Strategic Shift
Going without a specialist spinner ties into what they expect from the Rawalpindi pitch. Historically, these pitches have been flat and high-scoring zones, but now Pakistan is hoping for something that will provide pace & bounce. This change might favor their pace strategy more than worrying about not having a spinner.
The State of Spin Bowling in Pakistan
Letting Abrar Ahmed go also points to how Pakistan’s spin resources stand right now. Sajid Khan & Noman Ali simply haven’t secured permanent places on the Test team recently. So now, they’re leaning more on their pace bowlers with Agha Salman likely to handle any spin needs. Salman has looked good in recent Tests, especially as an off-spinner during key moments.
Gillespie’s Perspective on Spin Options
Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s Test coach, has spoken about worries around spin options. He sees potential in both Agha Salman & Abrar Ahmed while stressing that they have a solid mix of both spin & pace choices available. Gillespie’s insights show confidence in their squad’s ability and how decisions are based on current conditions and talent at hand.
Looking Ahead
Once Abrar Ahmed & Kamran Ghulam finish up with the Shaheens, they’ll rejoin the Test squad for the second match in Karachi. This rotation keeps Pakistan’s lineup flexible and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead during the series.
Pakistan opting for an all-pace attack against Bangladesh signifies both a bold choice & fresh strategic thinking in their cricketing ways. By going for pace instead of spin, they’re adapting to what’s expected on the pitches while also making do with their current spin resources. As the series unfolds, it’ll be interesting to see how this adventurous approach plays out and if their pace bowlers can achieve what they’re aiming for.
