Pakistan captain Babar Azam caused a stir at the toss for the second Test when he announced that Mohammad Abbas, the team’s most consistent seamer and top performer from the first match, would be left out of the playing XI. The omission was the most significant of four changes made by the side, which had been expected to shuffle their lineup following a lackluster first-Test performance and an injury to Shan Masood.
Addressing the decision during the toss, Babar clarified to Ian Bishop that the move was purely down to conditions, dispelling speculation that the bowler was managing an injury. The team opted to include two spinners by bringing in Sajid Khan, suggesting that the management felt the slow nature of the pitch would negate the threat posed by Abbas, who typically bowls in the mid-120s.
In place of Abbas, Pakistan handed a debut to Ubaid Shah, while Mohammad Ali retained his spot as the other fast bowler. The decision remains a point of contention, as Abbas has been a standout performer since his return to the team in December 2024. In that period, he has claimed 28 wickets across five Tests at an average of 20.32 and an economy rate of 2.86, outperforming Ali, who maintains an economy rate of 3.63.
Historical data also challenges the theory that slow wickets hinder Abbas. He has taken 27 wickets at an average of 17.55 across six Tests in the UAE and was Pakistan's leading wicket-taker during their recent series in Bangladesh, taking 10 wickets at an average of 23.80. With a career Test bowling average of 22.38—the best of any Pakistan bowler, edging out the legendary Imran Khan’s 22.81—Abbas has proven his effectiveness across diverse surfaces. Furthermore, he is a seasoned performer in English conditions, having secured 171 wickets at 20.49 for Nottingham and Hampshire in the County Championship, a factor that could have been relevant for Pakistan's upcoming three-match series in England.
