Pakistan drop fast bowler Mohammad Amir for Australia series
What's the story
Mohammad Amir's career hit a new low after the selectors dropped him for the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia. He was unimpressive in the Asia Cup 2018, and this is why the Men in Green took the tough call. He has going through a rough patch since quite sometime now. The series will be held next month in the UAE. Here's more.
Dropped
Amir dropped due to lack of form
Amir went wicket-less in the Asia Cup 2018 as Pakistan bowed out of the tournament in a dismal fashion. And this led to the selectors omitting his name from the 17-member squad. According to the The Express Tribune, chief selector Inzamam-ul Haq stated, "The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions of the UAE. Amir has been dropped on lack of form."
Form
Amir's form has been an issue for Pakistan
Amir had made a strong return to cricket in 2016 after serving a 5-year ban post a spot-fixing scandal. He gained a lot of praise from everyone after delivering impressive spells across all formats. But his form took a slump over the last few months. The player, who was expected to lead the line in the Asia Cup, was one of the worst performers.
Bowling
Pakistan hand berths to Riaz and Hamza, 3 spinners selected
Pakistan have included Wahab Riaz and Mir Hamza in the 17-man squad. They have also gone in with three spinners in Shadab Khan, Yasir Shah and Bilal Asif. This is due to the conditions in the UAE that assist spinners at large. Pakistan will rely heavily on Shah, who played a crucial role in their 2-0 win against Australia here in 2014.
Squad
Here's the complete squad
Pakistan squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain/wicket-keeper), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan. The first Test starts on October 7. The second game is from October 16 onwards. Post that there are three T20Is as well.