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Shan Masood Drops Naseem Shah As Pakistan Announces Playing XI For 2nd Test

Anurag Dasgupta

Naseem Shah dropped [Source: AP Photos] Naseem Shah dropped [Source: AP Photos]

Pakistan have dropped a bombshell ahead of the 2nd Test match Vs South Africa in Cape Town. Just half an hour prior to the toss, Pakistan announced their playing XI and there was one shocking exclusion. 

Shan Masood, the Pakistan Test captain has dropped star pacer Naseem Shah after a poor showing in the Centurion Test. Mir Hamza, the left-arm pacer has replaced him in the side.

Why was Naseem Shah dropped?

Naseem Shah bowled well in the first innings of the Centurion Test, but failed to deliver in the second innings. He looked wayward with his lines and lengths and ruined Mohammad Abbas' good work as South Africa won a close-fought contest.

While other pacers put the pressure on the Proteas batters, Naseem was erratic with his lines and lengths as the home side won the match.

Hence, with the series still to be levelled, Shan Masood took the bold step and decided to bring in a new dimension as Mir Hamza's left-arm angle might create trouble for the South African batters.

Pakistan still have lot to play for

Pakistan bowlers kept the team in the match in the last game, but the batters couldn't live up to the expectations.

The caravan has now moved towards Cape Town as Pakistan have a lot to play for. A win here in the second Test match will give them loads of confidence for the next WTC cycle, and will also give Masood his first away Test win as the skipper of the Pakistan side.