Pakistan’s fast-bowling coach, Umar Gul, believes that the team will feel the absence of pacer Naseem Shah during their upcoming Australia tour.
The 20-year-old Naseem Shah, who missed the ICC World Cup 2023, is also excluded from the squad for the Down Under series due to shoulder surgery.
Currently undergoing rehabilitation, he’s expected to start bowling at around 50-60% capacity in three weeks, according to chief selector Wahab Riaz.
“Naseem Shah’s rehabilitation is ongoing” mentioned Umar Gul during the pre-tour camp at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
He added, “We’ll miss his presence in Australia”
Gul also shared his plans for the pacers in the Australia tour, emphasizing the necessity of endurance for long spells in Test cricket.
“Bowling extended spells are common in Test cricket. We’ve devised our plans accordingly” he highlighted.
The team is geared up for the challenging conditions in Australia, intending to train on four different pitches during the camp to adapt to the rigorous conditions.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s World Cup performance, Gul admitted it fell short of expectations.
Shan Masood will lead the Pakistani squad during the series, commencing with the first Test in Perth on December 14.
The team has gathered in Rawalpindi for a training camp from November 22 to 28 before departing for Australia on November 30 from Lahore.
Additionally, several other players are part of the training camp, including Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir.
Shahnawaz Dahani, currently unfit to bowl, has been sent to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation. At the same time, Ali Shafique, Mohammad Ali, and Sameen Gul have been called to the training camp.