"Clueless Leader": Fans Ridicule Babar Azam For Dropping Mohammad Abbas In 2nd Test

Fans Ridicule Babar Azam For Dropping Mohammad Abbas [Source: AFP Photos, X]

In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan dropped fast bowler Mohammad Abbas from the playing XI for the second Test against West Indies despite the latter being the top performer and leading wicket-taker in the first Test held just days ago.

Trailing 0-1 in the series, Pakistan were asked to bowl first in the second Test currently ongoing at Queen’s Park in Trinidad. However, when visiting captain Babar Azam read out the team changes, the fans were left shocked and some experienced disbelief.

Pakistan drops Mohammad Abbas from second Test

At the toss, Pakistan captain Babar Azam revealed that they’ve dropped fast bowler Mohammad Abbas from the playing XI due to conditions not favouring fast bowlers much in Trinidad.

Instead of Abbas, Ubaid Shah, also a pacer, was handed his Test debut, and Mohammad Ali and Sajid Khan were included to strengthen the spin attack. Overall, Pakistan made four changes to their squad as Abdullah Shafique and Awaiz Zafar were also added to strengthen the batting depth.

However, Abbas’ omission came across as a shocking and unprecedented call. He took 8 wickets in the first Test, including a five-wicket-haul. Not only that, but since his return to the Test side in December 2024, the pacer has also taken 28 wickets in 5 Tests at an average of 20.32. 

Hence, his sudden exclusion didn’t make sense to critics and fans alike. But as per the management, playing an extra spinner was a better strategy due to pitch conditions.

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Fans lash out at Babar Azam

Having said that, Pakistan fans were not at all impressed by this decision and criticised captain Babar Azam for being timid and unfair. They argue that Mohammad Abbas has excelled on slower surfaces before. 

In 6 Tests played in the UAE, Abbas has taken 27 wickets at an average of 17.55. Not only that, but Abbas’ economy rate also (2.86) has been significantly better than Mohammad Ali's (3.63). 

Also, excluding him just to give a debut to another fast bowler, Ubaid Shah, didn’t sit right with the fans. And eventually, the frustration burst out on Babar Azam on social media since he is the captain of the Pakistan Test team.

"If you perform good then I will drop in next match - the bobbzy ling" - @Sarankumar39007

Saran kumar

@Sarankumar39007

@CallMeSheri1_ If you perform good then I will drop in next match - the bobbzy ling

Martial

@coverpoint_

Pak have dropped the seamer who didn't just took 8 wickets in the previous Test but also provided great control. Abbas continues to get unfair treatment. Clueless leadership and thought process of management.

M Khizar Aslam

@MKhizarAslam17

@CallMeSheri1_ The man who could take 10 wickets in a match in the dunes of Abu Dhabi, you think he couldn't be of use here of all places?! I'm lost of words here. They'd just drop anyone who performs well.

"Babar Azam is a gormless as well as a pathetic leader." - @bl_khatri

Eminence Grise 😎

@bl_khatri

Babar Azam is a gormless as well as a pathetic leader.

⬨

@MHVelox

Dropped Abbas because the conditions supposedly don't suit him then handed a debut to Ubaid Shah, who's also a pacer. Make it make sense.

Vipul 🖕🏿

@Vipul_Espeaks

Babar Azam on dropping Mohammad Abbas: Because of conditions. The condition demand is different, so I put one spinner on. Ubaid Shah, a pacer, who was not a part of last Test comes in but conditions saar, condition demand saar, spinner saar. Barbie Doll is actually retarded.

Was dropping Abbas the right thing to do for Pakistan?

Pakistan captain Babar Azam firmly argued that Mohammad Abbas was dropped solely due to conditions not favouring his bowling style. But Abbas has never been known for pace.

He generally bowls in the mid-120 km/h range, but his strengths are relentless accuracy, movement, and consistency. When a pacer is skilled with control, he can adapt to any conditions. Hence, instead of dropping him, Pakistan should have taken a leap of faith for Abbas.

Also, Pakistan's next Test assignment is a three-match tour of England, where Mohammad Abbas has an outstanding record in county cricket, having taken 171 wickets at an average of 20.49 across spells with Nottinghamshire and Hampshire. 

Hence, the pacer needed that exposure and playing time to be ready for the next challenge.

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