"Supporting the selectors’ decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket" - Shahid Afridi
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has backed the selectors' decision to rest stars Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for the remainder of the England Test series at home. Pakistan suffered a sixth consecutive Test loss in the series opener to fall 0-1 behind in the best-of-three series against England.
Following their most recent setback, the management made the bold move of excluding the trio for the second and third Test, leaving fans and experts in shock. However, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood softened the blow on the eve of the second Test by confirming that the three stars were rested and not dropped.
Despite Shaheen being his son-in-law, Shahid Afridi supported the decision to rest him and the other two superstars on his X handle.
"Supporting the selectors’ decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket. This move not only helps protect and extend the careers of these champion players but also gives a great opportunity to test and groom emerging talent, building strong bench strength for the future," posted Shahid Afridi.
The trio endured a forgettable outing in the first England Test as Pakistan suffered an innings defeat.
While Babar scored only 35 runs across the two innings, Shaheen and Naseem combined for woeful figures of 3/277 in 57 overs.
Pakistan set several dubious records in the opening Test defeat to England
The first Pakistan-England Test at Multan was another case of the hosts dominating the opening stages of the contest before succumbing to the pressure in the end.
Batting first, the hosts posted a massive total of 556, thanks to three centurions - Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood and Agha Salman. However, their bowlers came apart on Days 3 and 4 in the wake of some attacking batting by the Englishman.
The visitors piled on a gigantic 823/7 decalred in their first essay to capture a 267-run lead. In response, Pakistan crumbled in their second innings to be bowled out for a paltry 220, hence suffering an innings and 47-run defeat.
Pakistan's 556 was the highest-ever team total in Tests that ended in an innings defeat. Shan Masood's Men also became the first side to lose five Tests after scoring over 500 in the first innings.
It was also Pakistan's fifth-worst home Test defeat and the worst over the past two decades at home.
They will look to avoid a hat-trick of Test series losses when the second England Test begins at Multan on October 15.