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'It's Not About..,' Shan Masood Reveals Why PAK Dropped Mir Hamza For 1st Test vs BAN

Mir Hamza won't play 1st Test vs BAN [X]Mir Hamza won't play 1st Test vs BAN [X]

Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood has revealed why the hosts ignored in-form seamer Mir Hamza for the first match against Bangladesh. On Wednesday, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the first Test of the upcoming two-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

The hosts have announced a formidable playing XI for the game, going with an all-pace bowling attack comprising Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali. 

Shan reveals why PAK preferred Mohammad Ali over Mir Hamza

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Shan Masood explained why Mohammad Ali was preferred over Mir Hamza for this Test match. 

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, the stylish southpaw stated that Mohammad Ali was better suited for the third seamer's role, with Shaheen and Naseem slated to open the bowling. 

He highlighted Mohammad Ali's extra pace and ability to hit the deck as the reasons for his inclusion in the playing XI. 

"If you look in isolation, you can argue that why this particular bowler was preferred over another. We considered who could best support Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who will hopefully take the new ball tomorrow," Shan Masood said. 

"We believe Mohammad Ali is well-suited for this role. He hits the deck hard, can move the ball in the air with the seam, and has that extra pace. It's not about one bowler being better than another, but rather about who fits the conditions best," he added. 

In two Tests, Mohammad Ali has scalped four wickets at an abysmal average of 65.25. Meanwhile, Mir Hamza was impressive in Australia and could've been a lethal weapon on Rawalpindi's pace-friendly surface. 

He also looked lethal in the recently held four-day match against Bangladesh A, which concluded in a draw.