PAK vs ENG 3rd Test: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday that fast bowler Mir Hamza has been released from the Test squad to focus on his rehabilitation in Karachi. The 32-year-old was carrying a niggle in his right glute and was unable to participate in training sessions or bowl during the lead-up to the third and final ongoing Test against England in Rawalpindi.
Hamza released due to rehabilitation
Hamza, a left-arm pacer, was included in the squads for the first and last two Tests of the series but did not make the playing XI. His last appearance for Pakistan was in the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, where he claimed 12 wickets in as many innings at an average of 42.08.
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With the conditions in Rawalpindi favouring spin, Pakistan opted for a bowling attack consisting of three specialist spinners and a solitary pacer, Aamir Jamal. Jamal’s ability to contribute with the bat gave him an edge over Hamza, who was already hampered by his injury. Shan Masood in fact opened the bowling with two spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, thus making history by creating only the 4th instance of such bowling strategy in Test history.
The PCB’s decision to release Hamza for rehabilitation is a prudent one, as it allows him to focus on his recovery and return to full fitness. While his absence is a setback for the team, it is important to prioritize the long-term health and well-being of the players.
PAK vs ENG 3rd Test: Pakistan vs England Playing XIs
Pakistan (Playing XI): Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood(c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood
England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir
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