Rashid Latif Wants PCB To Play Shadab Khan Regularly In Test Cricket

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called for the inclusion of leg-spinner Shadab Khan back into the Test side. 

Shadab, 24, has been a regular member of the Pakistan white-ball teams (T20Is and ODIs) but has been limited to just six Tests in his career.

Shadab has taken 14 wickets in six Tests at an average of 36.64 with his last appearance being against England in August 2020. 

Pakistan levelled Test series with Sri Lanka

Pakistan recently drew 1-1 against Sri Lanka in the two-Test series after suffering a 246-run thumping defeat in the second Test in Galle this week. 

Senior spinner Yasir Shah returned to the Test fold almost a year later. Mohammad Nawaz and Nauman Ali were the other spinners on the tour. Debutant Agha Salman and Babar Azam were used as part-time spin bowlers. 

Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who returned with four wickets against Australia in three Tests in March, made the way for Yasir to stage his comeback. 

Shadab Khan should be tried throughout the season: Rashid Latif

Latif, who led Pakistan in six Tests and 25 ODIs, wants PCB to consider Shadab as a spin bowling option and explained how current Pakistan spinners have become a weak force in the Test team. 

“We have been dominating in the spin department but we still require good spinners. We had to drop Nauman [Ali] and Sajid [Khan] and bring in new spinner Nawaz besides Yasir’s comeback,” Rashid Latif told Cricket Pakistan.

“I have a request to Pakistan Cricket Board, selection committee, and Babar Azam to work on it. It has become our weak link. Shadab should be tried and played throughout the season. There should be a future plan. But I do not see a Test spinner which is a big concern for me.

“Confidence plays a big factor, as Sajid and Nauman have been playing in last 5-6 Tests. But spinners were changed in Sri Lanka, three new spinners played in Sri Lanka. Nawaz played while Yasir [Shah] made his comeback. Players who are playing regularly usually have more confidence,” he added. 

The Pakistan men’s cricket team will visit the Netherlands to play three ODI matches, starting on August 16 in Rotterdam. 

Also Read: SL vs PAK: Rashid Latif Criticises Babar Azam And The Team Management For Ignoring Shadab Khan In Tests