AUS vs PAK: Waqar Younis Expresses Worry Over Pakistan’s Bowling Lineup Before MCG’s Boxing Day Match

Ex-Pakistan cricket captain Waqar Younis has voiced concerns about the team’s weakening fast bowling as they gear up for a comeback in their three-match Test series against Australia. Following a significant loss to Australia in Perth, Pakistan is regrouping for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Their preparation for the MCG Test took a hit with the absence of pace bowler Khurram Shahzad due to a rib injury.

Waqar expressed his apprehensions about Pakistan’s pace attack on ESPN’s Around The Wicket show. He noted a lack of real speed in the current lineup, missing the fast bowling that typically excites fans in Australia. Waqar recalled the days when Pakistani pacers would bowl at speeds around 150 kph, a trait not evident in the current squad.

He also commented on Shaheen Shah Afridi’s recent performance, which yielded only two wickets for 172 runs. Waqar suggested that Afridi needs to revise his strategy or consider a break if unfit, noting a noticeable drop in his bowling speed and effectiveness.

Under Shan Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan faces a challenging task to make a comeback in the series, especially after a 360-run defeat in Perth, leaving them trailing 1-0. The upcoming Boxing Day Test is crucial for Pakistan, as another loss could mean losing the Test series and impacting their World Test Championship (WTC) qualification prospects.