Pakistan’s decision to drop Mohammad Abbas for the second Test against West Indies has sparked debate after the experienced seamer claimed eight wickets in the series opener. Captain Babar Azam insisted conditions drove the selection, but the call came under scrutiny before the opening day had even finished.
Abbas produced Pakistan’s best bowling performance in the first Test at Port of Spain despite the 90-run defeat. He claimed three wickets in the first innings before taking five more in the second to finish with eight wickets in the match. Despite that return, Pakistan left him out of the XI for the second Test.
The omission surprised supporters because Abbas had not suffered an injury. Instead, Pakistan reshaped their attack to suit the expected conditions and opted for an extra spinner.
Babar explained the decision at the toss.
“It’s completely because of the conditions. The wicket here demands something different, so we decided to play an extra spinner.”
Pakistan made four changes for the second Test, all based on the surface. Abdullah Shafique replaced Shan, while two players earned Test debuts as the visitors looked to level the series.
Babar also stressed the need for a stronger all-round performance after the opening defeat.
“We made a few changes keeping the conditions in mind. We need to play more competitive cricket in the second Test. We can’t lose wickets in clusters during our batting innings. We need to build big partnerships, and with the ball we have to execute our plans in the same way.”
However, Pakistan’s selection quickly came under fresh scrutiny. Debutant Ubaid Shah, who replaced Abbas in the pace attack, finished the opening day with one wicket after conceding 56 runs from nine overs at an economy rate of 6.22.
Meanwhile, West Indies closed the first day on 239 for five, putting themselves in a strong position. That performance only intensified questions over Pakistan’s decision to leave out the bowler who had taken eight wickets only days earlier.
