despite afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan team Director Mohammad Hafeez defended the decision after Shaheen Shah Afridi was omitted from the lineup in the third Test against Australia, emphasizing the duty of care to players beyond individual matches.

After Pakistan's eight-wicket defeat at the SCG, Hafeez explained that Afridi's omission was a strategic move to prioritize his long-term career. Despite Afridi's stellar performance in the first two Tests, the toll on his body led to concerns about his ability to deliver his best in the third Test.

Hafeez stated, "He bowled really well in those two games and bowled the most of any bowler. When I asked him before the third Test, his body was sore. And I need to look after him more than anything."