Legendary Pakistani fast-bowler, Waqar Younis, has expressed deep concern about the lack of pace in the current Test lineup during the Australia tour, which was once an exciting prospect for Pakistani pacers.
In the recent Test series opener, Pakistan's fast-bowling quartet, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khurram Shahzad, Aamer Jamal, and Faheem Ashraf, struggled to breach the 140kmph mark. With Shahzad sidelined due to injury, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Mir Hamza are alternative options, but they do not instill confidence in reaching the 140kmph mark.
Waqar voiced his worry on ESPN's Around The Wicket show, stating, "I'm really worried because I have not seen it at the domestic level also. In the past, you would always see a battery of fast bowlers that they could always bring on, but unfortunately, that is not there, and I'm really worried about that."
Highlighting the absence of express pace that traditionally defined Pakistani bowlers in Australia, Waqar said, "People used to come and watch Pakistan pace bowlers really running in hard and bowling 150 clicks (kph), and that's what I'm not seeing there."
With key pacers like Naseem Shah sidelined due to injury and Haris Rauf participating in the Big Bash League (BBL), the onus falls on Shaheen Afridi to inject the much-needed spark of extra pace. However, Waqar expressed disappointment with Shaheen's performance, emphasizing the drop in pace from his previous high standards.
Concerned about Shaheen's diminished pace, Waqar stated, "If he's not fit, if he's got some issues, he needs to go away from the game and fix that because if you are going to carry on like that you are going to become a medium-pacer."
Reflecting on Pakistan's overall performance in the first Test, Waqar highlighted missed opportunities and emphasized the critical importance of flawless fielding, especially against the formidable Australian batting lineup.
In conclusion, Waqar expressed the painful experience of watching the first Test and urged Pakistan to focus on impeccable fielding to counter Australia's potent batting lineup.
(With Agency Inputs)
