[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Pakistani fast bowler, made a remarkable return to Test cricket after a year-long absence due to a knee injury. Opening the bowling for Pakistan in a warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka Cricket Board XI at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Afridi displayed his trademark pace, lethal swing, and accurate lengths. He finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 36 runs in the first innings and contributed with another wicket on the final day. Pakistan dominated the match, scoring 342 runs in their innings thanks to strong performances by Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel.
Speaking about his return, Afridi expressed his excitement at coming back to the country where he had sustained his injury. He acknowledged that injuries are a part of an athlete’s life but stated his joy at returning to red-ball cricket. Afridi is on the verge of reaching 100 Test wickets, a significant milestone for any bowler. He acknowledged that achieving this feat would be a great accomplishment for him.
Due to the nature of his injury, Afridi had to make a gradual and systematic return. Although he made his international comeback in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, he suffered a knee twist in the final, which caused him to miss subsequent series against England and New Zealand. To regain his rhythm and adjust to red-ball cricket, Afridi played for Nottinghamshire and ensured he met the desired workload levels.
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Afridi reflected on the time he spent away from the game and how it has helped him grow and learn. He emphasized the importance of patience and teamwork in Test cricket, expressing his desire for a strong start to the ICC World Test Championship and Pakistan’s qualification for the final.
Alongside his bowling prowess, Afridi has worked on strengthening his batting during his rehabilitation. His powerful unbeaten 44 off just 15 balls in the HBL Pakistan Super League final for Lahore Qalandars showcased his batting potential. He further demonstrated his hitting abilities in the international arena by smashing New Zealand’s Blair Tickner for 22 runs in an over during an ODI match in Karachi.
While Afridi considers himself primarily a bowler, he is eager to contribute with the bat whenever the opportunity arises for his country.
Having taken 99 Test wickets in just 25 matches at an average of 24.86, Afridi is on the cusp of joining the elite club of Pakistani pacers with a century of Test wickets. His return to the Test team after his injury layoff brings renewed excitement, and Afridi is eager to make a significant impact with both ball and bat for Pakistan in the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
