AUS vs PAK: Mushtaq Ahmed Lists Pakistan's 4 Best Spinners Currently

Former Pakistani cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed provided valuable insights into the leg-spin bowling options within the national team. Mushtaq Ahmed underscored the importance of not dismissing Yasir Shah in their strategic plans for the development of spin bowling.

Pakistan spinners Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz struggled to make an impact in the 2023 World Cup, despite favorable spin-friendly conditions. Shadab Khan managed to secure two wickets in six matches, while Nawaz also contributed two scalps in five matches.

Abrar Ahmed made his Test debut for Pakistan in December of the previous year. Abrar achieved a five-wicket haul in his debut match, becoming the 13th Pakistani bowler to accomplish this feat. He has picked up an impressive tally of 38 wickets in six Test matches.

Yasir Shah was omitted from the team following a dip in form. His last outing for Pakistan was against Sri Lanka in 2022. Yasir bagged an impressive record of 244 wickets in 48 Tests, boasting 16 five-wicket hauls and three instances of taking ten wickets in a match.

We Have Four Leg-spinners – Mushtaq Ahmed

In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Mushtaq Ahmed emphasized the abundance of leg-spin talent in Pakistan, highlighting five particularly noteworthy players. Mushtaq emphasized the significant contributions of these leg spinners over the past few years.

“Currently we have four spinners, they are leg-spinners, Usman Qadir on which you are banking for the past two or three years. There’s Usama Mir, and Shadab Khan as well. Zahid Mahmood has taken plenty of wickets in first-class cricket. We even have a fifth spinner, Yasir Shah, whom you shouldn’t discard,” Mushtaq said.

Spinners Should Play First-Class Matches – Mushtaq Ahmed

Mushtaq Ahmed recommended that spin bowlers actively participate in first-class matches. Mushtaq emphasized the significance of experiences in first-class cricket to enhance their actions and rhythm, suggesting bowling 20 to 25 overs as a valuable practice.

“Usama Mir, Zahid Mahmood, Yasir Shah, and Shadab Khan should play first-class matches so that they can understand their bowling. They should bowl 20 to 25 overs to figure out their action and rhythm, understand how to read pitches, learn when to attack or not, and read the batters. All these aspects are crucial, and it’s important to have these experiences in first-class cricket,” Mushtaq concluded.

Shadab Khan has predominantly concentrated on white-ball cricket, but his recent outings have been below par. The 25-year-old leg spinner’s last appearance in Test cricket was against England in 2020. He picked up 14 wickets in six Tests with an average of 36.64.

The Shan Masood-led team did not field any specialist spinners in their lineup for the first two Tests against Australia, with part-timer Salman Agha bowling a few overs. The team has selected Sajid Khan for the spinner role in the lineup for the third Test in Australia.

The Men in Green will take on the Pat Cummins-led Australia team in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. The visiting team will hope to conclude the three-match series with a victory.

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