'Where the hell are they bowling Shaheen Afridi?’: Ex-Pakistan coach furious over pacer's SA Tests snub

Former Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur is surprised by left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi's exclusion from the Test squad for the upcoming series in South Africa. Mickey Arthur questioned why Shaheen Afridi was not included in the squad, adding that South Africa is one of the best places for fast bowling.

Shaheen Afridi was last seen in action for Pakistan in the recent ODI series against South Africa. The left-arm fast bowler took seven wickets to help Pakistan secure a historic 3-0 whitewash. However, the 24-year-old player is not part of the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa.

Pakistan will face South Africa in the two-match Test series from December 26, 2024, to January 7, 2025. However, Shaheen Afridi will play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which runs from December 30 to February 7. His decision to skip the South Africa Tests and play in the BPL has raised some questions.

Shaheen Afridi is a Game-Breaker and Match-Winner - Mickey Arthur

In a recent conversation, Mickey Arthur said that Shaheen Afridi provides a left-arm option, and was shocked at his omission. Arthur acknowledged the inclusion of Mir Hamza but emphasized that Afridi is a game-changer and match-winner.

"I can't believe it. If he's not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling him? It's the best place to bowl in the world, almost. Plus, he gives you a left-arm option," Arthur said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

"I know they have got Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner. I'm not in the inner echelon in terms of knowing the ins and outs of why they haven't selected him, but on pure skill, I would have him in South Africa in any team I pick," he added.

Pakistan's Fast Bowlers Bowl the Wrong Lengths - Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur discussed the challenges Pakistan's fast bowlers would face in South Africa. He pointed out that bowlers often bowl too short, allowing South African batters to capitalize. Arthur emphasized the need for discipline to be successful and break the opposition's batting lineup.

"They [Pakistan's fast bowlers] bowl the wrong lengths. In South Africa, you get a little bit too excited when you see the ball flying through to the keeper. If you get too short, the South African batters are going to put you away. You have got to be disciplined and get enough balls in the right area. And if you do that, you can break them as a team," Arthur said.

So Many Teams Being Beaten by South Africa in the Last Session - Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur stated that teams are often punished by South Africa when their performance drops after a strong start.

"You're getting conditions you can work with. But the minute you fall away and your first spell is excellent, your second spell is okay, your third spell falls away, you're going to get punished in the last session of the day. And I see so many teams being beaten by South Africa in the last session of the day. You lose a session badly, and there's no coming back from that."

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