WI vs PAK: Babar Azam explains decision to drop Mohammad Abbas for second Test

Pakistan captain Babar Azam explained the reason behind benching Mohammad Abbas for the ongoing second Test against West Indies, calling it a decision backed by conditions. Abbas was surprisingly dropped for the second Test as Pakistan made four changes to their playing XI after suffering a crushing 90-run defeat in the series opener.

The right-arm seamer was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors during the first Test, registering figures of 8/85 across two innings, including a spectacular five-wicket haul (5/22) in the second one. However, despite his stellar show, Abbas failed to retain his place as the Pakistan team management brought in Sajid Khan in his place.

“No, no. I told you that because of the conditions. The conditions demand is different, so the condition is like different, so I put one spinner on,” Babar said at the toss.

Since returning to Pakistan's Test side in December 2024, Mohammad Abbas has re-established himself as the team's most effective fast bowler. Across five Tests, he has claimed 28 wickets at an impressive average of 20.32 while maintaining a miserly economy rate of 2.86.

Pakistan hand debut to Ubaid Shah

Abbas has also enjoyed remarkable success on the slow surfaces as well, having picked up 27 wickets in six Tests in the UAE at an outstanding average of 17.55, his best in any country where he has played more than one Test. More recently, he finished as Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the Test series against Bangladesh, taking 10 wickets at an average of 23.80.

Apart from Abbas, Pakistan brought in Abdullah Shafique, Awaiz Zafar and handed a debut to Ubaid Shah, while benching Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad. Meanwhile, West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first.