'Shaheen Afridi Is Not Used To Bowling Long Spells'- Umar Gul Analyses Pakistan Pacer's Struggles

Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan pacer seemed to struggle on day 2 of the first AUS vs PAK Test match at Perth. Despite bowling on a wicket renowned for pace and bounce, Afridi struggled to get wickets.

Overall, he bowled 27 overs for 96 runs on day two picking up just one wicket. Australia scored 487 with David Warner scoring 164 runs from 211 balls hitting 16 fours and four sixes.

Pakistan returned back to Australian shores for the first time in four years. They were whitewashed in 2019 and are certainly on the backfoot in this first Test match.

Meanwhile, Umar Gul and Ravi Shastri criticized Shaheen Afridi and his recent struggles. While Shaheen Afridi picked up just one wicket, his fellow pacer Aamer Jamal picked up six for 111 including the wicket of Warner.

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Hopefully He Bowls With Pace In Second Innings: Umar Gul On Shaheen Afridi

Speaking about Shaheen Afridi, Umar Gul said that his lack of experience of bowling in red-ball cricket and not bowling long spells is the reason why he seems to be struggling in the format.

“Shaheen used to bowl at 140 kph in [white-bal cricket]. However, when you switch from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket, you search for your rhythm first. Since they are playing red-ball cricket after a long time, their body gets tired fast and they are not used to bowling long spells. It will take time for our bowlers to get in rhythm and bowl at good pace. Hopefully, in second innings you will see them bowl with more pace,” Gul said.

After Australia were bowled out for 487, Pakistan in their first innings have scored 132/2 in 53 overs. Abdullah Shafique scored 48 while skipper Shan Masood scored 30. Imam-Ul-Haq is unbeaten on 38 with Khurram Shahzad unbeaten on 7.

Alex Carey after the second day’s play spoke about the status of the game. He said that they would like to cross 500 while picking a couple more wickets by the end of the day’s play.

“Probably would have liked to have a couple of wickets, but we’re happy with the score we got (487). We need to come back tomorrow and hit the right areas once again. We probably missed our lengths a bit, will have a chat tonight and come up better tomorrow” Carey said.

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