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Pakistan know they must manage axed Naseem

3 minute read

Pakistan are well aware they must play it safe with young quick Naseem Shah after the 16-year-old was dropped for the Adelaide day-night Test against Australia.

NASEEM SHAH of Pakistan bowls during the Test between Australia and Pakistan at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia.
NASEEM SHAH of Pakistan bowls during the Test between Australia and Pakistan at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Pakistan will play it slow with teen sensation Naseem Shah as they look to manage his introduction to Test cricket.

Naseem lit up the first Test at the Gabba as he sent down his first over in Test cricket at speeds in excess of 145km/h, and claimed David Warner as his first and only wicket.

However, he did not bowl another over after taking that wicket early on the third day, and was dropped for Friday's Test in Adelaide as Pakistan debuted fellow youngster Muhammad Musa.

"We don't want to put too much on him. As talent-wise and skill-wise we know he belongs here," captain Azhar Ali said this week.

"But obviously we'll think hard about how we're going to manage him.

"He's a fantastic bowler so hopefully he can produce performances for Pakistan in the future."

The tourists are also well aware they must look after the 16-year-old.

Former coach Mickey Arthur this week claimed Naseem could not be picked unless he can send down his share of overs with just three quicks picked.

What appears certain but is that Naseem will play more cricket for Pakistan, even if he does not feature in Adelaide.

The right-armer has a first-class average of 18.50 with the ball, and at times looked Pakistan's only bright spark during their bowling innings in Brisbane.

"The good thing about Naseem was whenever he bowled, we bowled really well," Azhar said.

"Unfortunately, the last couple of weeks haven't been very easy for him. But we backed him because his skills you've seen.

"His pace was up whenever he came in to bowl and his line and lengths were good and he troubled the batsmen. That's why we were so confident.

"But we obviously have to see how much he's been through. He's just 16 and has a very young body and we have to look and be careful."

Pakistan also brought Mohammad Abbas in for Imran Khan in Adelaide, as part of a revamped bowling attack.

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