Pakistan stunned many by leaving out Mohammad Abbas for the second Test against West Indies despite his outstanding display in the series opener. The experienced fast bowler claimed eight wickets in the first Test, and his omission was one of the biggest talking points before the match at Queen's Park Oval.
Pakistan are trailing the two-match series 1-0 after a 90-run defeat in the opening Test at Tarouba. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first in the second Test, West Indies reached 239/5 at stumps on a rain-hit opening day, with Justin Greaves remaining unbeaten after another composed half-century.
Babar Azam Explains Decision to Drop Mohammad Abbas
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that Mohammad Abbas was left out because of the conditions at Queen's Park Oval, not because of an injury. Speaking to Ian Bishop at the toss, Babar stated that Pakistan wanted an extra spinner for the series decider after assessing the surface.
"No, no. I told you that because of the conditions. The condition demand is different, so the condition is like different, so I put one spinner on."
The Port of Spain pitch has traditionally helped spinners. However, the decision surprised many because Abbas had taken eight wickets in the first Test, including figures of 5/22 in the second innings. He was also Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the recent Bangladesh series with 10 wickets.
Abbas has continued to impress since returning to the Test side in December 2024. He has taken 28 wickets in five Tests at an average of 20.32 and an economy rate of 2.86. Overall, the 36-year-old has taken 118 wickets in 30 Tests at an outstanding average of 22.38, including seven five-wicket hauls.
Pakistan Hands Test Debuts to Ubaid Shah and Awais Zafar
Pakistan handed a Test debut to 20-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah in Mohammad Abbas' absence. The youngster joined Mohammad Ali in the pace attack and finished the opening day with figures of 1/56 from nine overs, claiming the wicket of Amir Jangoo.
Batter Awais Zafar also received his maiden Test cap as Pakistan made four changes to the playing XI. Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan returned to the side, while injured Shan Masood, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Abbas were excluded from the series-deciding Test.
Abbas has consistently outperformed Pakistan's other seamers in recent months. While Abbas usually bowls in the mid-120 km/h range, Mohammad Ali operates only slightly quicker. Abbas has also succeeded on slow pitches, including in the UAE, where he has taken 27 wickets in six Tests at an average of 17.55.
West Indies Recover Through Justin Greaves and Roston Chase
West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and chose to bat first at Queen's Park Oval. Pakistan reduced the hosts to 174/5 during the afternoon session, with Sajid Khan and Ali Usman taking one wicket each, while Mohammad Ali and debutant Ubaid Shah shared the remaining wickets.
Justin Greaves and Roston Chase then steadied the innings with an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership. Greaves continued his impressive form with a patient 64 not out from 125 balls, while Chase remained unbeaten on 36 before rain and bad light brought play to an early close.
The pair added an unbroken 66 runs to guide West Indies to 239/5 at stumps. Their partnership shifted the momentum towards the home side.
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