Despite acknowledging that his team will be without injured pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka beginning on Sunday, Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq expressed optimism that other bowlers will step up as his team attempts to win the series after a gratifying victory in the first game.
Pakistan would be harmed by Shaheen’s absence owing to a knee injury because they depend on their quicks to take early wickets even on grounds that turn in the subcontinent.
Pakistan substituted left-arm spinner Nauman Ali for him on Saturday after he grabbed four wickets in the first innings of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, where the second Test will also take place.
On Saturday, Saqlain stated, “He is inspirational, leads the bowling unit from the front, and we will miss his aggression and his presence.”
“Hopefully the other bowlers will step up,” said the coach, “the way he comes and provides us the breakthrough at the outset.” In all three games played in the last several weeks, including two Tests against Australia, the pitch at Galle has altered in nature.
When Pakistan batted on the final two days, Sri Lankan players thought the surface flattened down, but Saqlain insisted his batters were up to the task.
