Pakistan’s key fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, might not play in the final Test against Australia in Sydney, according to sources.
His potential rest is contingent on Pakistan’s performance in the Melbourne Test. If they win the Boxing Day Test, Afridi could participate in the Sydney game. Team management is considering giving him a break to ensure he remains fresh for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 12.
Afridi has been playing continuously, and fatigue is a concern. The Sydney match is scheduled for January 3 to 7, just days before the T20I series.
In the previous Test at Perth on December 17, Australia secured a dominant 360-run victory by dismissing Pakistan for just 89 runs.
Nathan Lyon reached a milestone by taking his 500th Test wicket. Pakistan’s attempt to win their first Test in Australia since 1995 was thwarted by Lyon and Australia’s formidable pace attack, wrapping up the game in four days. The visitors struggled to chase the daunting target of 450, with Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood taking crucial wickets.