Naseem Shah Absence: A Blow to Pakistan’s Bowling Lineup
Pakistan‘s bowling prowess has taken a hit with the injury of their star pacer, Naseem Shah. Morne Morkel, Pakistan’s bowling coach, expressed his concerns about the young bowler’s absence, terming it a “significant setback” for the team. However, Morkel remains optimistic that another bowler will rise to the occasion, especially in the pivotal Asia Cup Super Four match against Sri Lanka.
Blow for Pakistan with Naseem Shah ruled out of the Asia Cup with a shoulder injury 🤕 pic.twitter.com/vGz1zBHxdK
— Sport360° (@Sport360) September 13, 2023
The Injury and Its Implications
During a crucial match against India, Naseem Shah sustained an injury to his right shoulder, which led to his exclusion from the remainder of the tournament. As a replacement, Zaman Khan has been brought into the squad. This injury comes at a time when Pakistan and Sri Lanka are neck and neck, both holding two points each. The upcoming match is a virtual knockout, with the winner set to face India in the grand finale on September 17.
Morkel’s Take on the Situation
Morkel, while acknowledging the weight of Naseem’s absence, stated, “It’s a significant blow. It’s unfortunate he picked up some niggles. However, this presents a golden opportunity for the newcomers. After our loss to India, the next game is a must-win for us. I’m eager to see the new talents step up and display their mettle.”
Reflecting on the disheartening loss to India, where Pakistan managed only 128 runs in response to India’s massive 356, Morkel emphasized the need for introspection and resilience. He mentioned, “Post the India match, the disappointment was palpable. It’s crucial for our bowlers to introspect and confront the tough questions. The Indian batters deserve credit for their performance. They applied pressure from the get-go. These are invaluable lessons as we approach the World Cup. We aim to learn and bounce back stronger.”
Spinners to the Rescue?
Given the spin-friendly conditions, Morkel is hopeful that Pakistan‘s spinners will be the game-changers in the match against Sri Lanka. He expressed, “The conditions favor spin, and our spinners are putting in the hard yards. These seasoned players are always ready to take charge when necessary, known for their match-winning abilities and remarkable comebacks.
VijayCricket.com
