Pakistan Anxiously Awaits Update on Senior Spinner Sajid Khan’s Availability
Pakistan’s cricket community is eagerly anticipating updates on the availability of senior spinner Sajid Khan for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Sajid has been recuperating from a viral infection, which has raised concerns regarding his participation.
Sajid Khan’s Health Update
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, confirmed that Sajid Khan has begun to return to training. He has reportedly bowled in the nets but a final decision on his selection will rely on medical assessments prior to the match. Masood stated that if Sajid is fit, he will be one of the first players selected due to his significant contributions to the team.
Selection Considerations
In the event that Sajid Khan is deemed unfit for play, selectors may consider uncapped spinner Asif Afridi as an alternative. Masood emphasized the importance of starting strong in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, highlighting South Africa’s status as the defending champions.
Importance of Home Matches
- The team must capitalize on home conditions to secure wins.
- Executing effective spin strategies is key to claiming the required 20 wickets for victory.
- A successful series against South Africa could provide much-needed confidence for future matches.
Long-term Aspirations
Masood acknowledged past disappointments in the WTC and noted that the team has devised plans for the next two years. The focus remains solely on performing well over the next ten days of matches against a competitive side.
According to Masood, victories against South Africa would not only enhance the team’s standing but also serve as motivation as they progress through the championship. The spinning duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have been particularly impactful in recent home Tests, underlining the significance of spin bowling in Pakistan’s strategy.
