Former Pakistan Test cricketer Toosif Ahmed has revealed that former captain Misbah-ul-Haq was not in favor of including fast bowler Mohammad Abbas in the national Test team. Abbas made a return to the Test side after four years, being included in the squad for the series against South Africa. He made an impressive comeback, taking six wickets in the Centurion Test.
Toosif Ahmed stated that during Pakistan’s 2017 tour of the West Indies, the selection committee had picked Abbas for his outstanding domestic performances. However, Misbah-ul-Haq, along with coach Mickey Arthur, took Abbas’ case to chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, arguing that Abbas’ pace was too slow.
In response, Inzamam urged Misbah to consider Abbas’ stellar domestic form, suggesting that he should be included in the squad for the West Indies tour.
Meanwhile, former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal criticized those who had kept Abbas out of the team for three years. He said Abbas’ recent performance was a slap in the face to those who doubted his abilities. “Mohammad Abbas proved his critics wrong with his performance, and his contributions cannot be forgotten,” Akmal added.
Ahmed also mentioned that while the national team put up a strong fight, they were unfortunate not to win the match. He emphasized that other bowlers should have supported Abbas, as Pakistan had the match in their hands. In the end, South Africa won the thrilling first Test in Centurion by two wickets.
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