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'Medium Pacer in the Making': Pakistan Cricket Legend Waqar Younis criticises Shaheen Afridi's Pace

Shaheen Afridi struggled to generate the required pace. Expressing dissatisfaction with the left-arm pacer, Pakistan's pace icon Waqar Younis remarked that persisting in this manner might lead Afridi to transform into a 'medium pacer.'

By Omar | Dec 25, 2023 | 2 Min Read

In the initial Test against Australia, Shaheen Afridi’s bowling speed hovered around 130 kmph and witnessed a decline to approximately 120 kmph in the second innings. The Pakistani fast bowlers have faced scrutiny due to their lack of pace during the first Test against Australia in Perth. Hindered by challenges in assembling a formidable pace bowling lineup—Naseem Shah nursing an injury and Haris Rauf opting out of the ongoing three-match Test series.

Shan Masood’s deputy, Shaheen Shah Afridi, struggled to generate the required pace. Expressing dissatisfaction with the left-arm pacer, Pakistan’s pace icon Waqar Younis remarked that persisting in this manner might lead Afridi to transform into a ‘medium pacer.’ Throughout the initial Test, Afridi’s average speed was around 130 kmph, with a noticeable dip to approximately 120 kmph in the second innings.

“I am uncertain about what’s afflicting him. If he is unfit or facing issues, he should step away from the game to address them. Continuation in this manner will inevitably relegate him to being a medium pacer,” remarked Younis in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.

“In the earlier days, he used to bowl at speeds ranging from 145 to 150 kmph, coupled with swing. Presently, I observe a semblance of swing, but his pace has significantly diminished. This won’t result in acquiring wickets. If you can’t secure wickets here, it will be challenging anywhere else. It’s imperative to bowl accurately, but one must also acknowledge the critical role pace plays,” he emphasized.

Despite bowling 45.2 overs, Shaheen only managed to secure two wickets in the game. Australia emerged victorious with a substantial lead of 360 runs.

The second Test of the three-match series is scheduled for Tuesday, with Australia currently leading the series 1-0.