Shaheen Afridi Not Picked For 3rd Test vs Australia. Harsha Bhogle Says, Pakistan "Looks A Bit Thin"

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and opener Imam-ul-Haq have been rested for the third and final Test against Australia, which begins on Wednesday. Pakistan on Tuesday announced their playing XI for the New Year's Test against Australia. The 21-year-old Saim Ayub and 30-year-old Sajid Khan have been drafted into the playing XI. Saim, who debuted in T20 international cricket in March of last year, joins the team after putting up strong List A results for Karachi. He's never played a Test match before. During his eight T20I matches thus far, he has amassed 123 runs at an average of 17.57.

After an almost two-year hiatus, Sajid Khan rejoins the Test team. He last competed against Australia during their March 2022 tour of Pakistan. Sajid has taken 22 wickets in seven Test matches, which is a respectable record.

Famous cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle had an interesting take on the omission on Shaheen Afridi. "Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test. I thought Pakistan's key bowlers would be Shaheen and Abrar but looks a bit thin without them. Excited to see Saim Ayub. I've heard a lot about him," he wrote on X.

Big call to be without Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test. I thought Pakistan's key bowlers would be Shaheen and Abrar but looks a bit thin without them. Excited to see Saim Ayub. I've heard a lot about him.

Earlier today, Australia skipper Pat Cummins on Tuesday announced an unchanged playing XI for the third Test and final match of the series against Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), beginning on Wednesday.

While it was anticipated that one of their three primary quicks would receive a rest, Cummins stated that every one of them has recovered well and is ready to play. All