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Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has opened up on his decision to leave out experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas from the Playing XI for the second and deciding Test against the West Indies, despite the seamer’s brilliant display of bowling in the ongoing series.

Abbas, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, was in sublime form as he picked up five wickets in the first Test. However, his omission came as a complete shock after he had been phenomenal in his bowling. Pakistan made several changes to the XI that lost the opening Test by 90 runs as they looked to exploit the conditions in Port of Spain.

Babar Azam cites conditions behind Abbas’ omission

After West Indies won the toss and decided to bat first, Babar Azam revealed that Pakistan made four changes to the playing XI, including the inclusion of Abdullah Shafique in place of Shan Masood and a debut for two players.

“We have a couple of changes due to conditions. We have Abdullah Shafique instead of Shan, and we also have two debutants. So, that’s four changes overall,” said Babar at the toss.

Asked about the decision to leave out the experienced Abbas, who was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the series, Babar said it was a condition-based decision only.

“No, no. I told you already, due to conditions, the condition is different, so the condition demands a different player (laughs). I just put one spinner,” he added.

Pakistan also gave a Test debut to pacer Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of Naseem Shah, and batter Awais Zafar as they named an unchanged squad for the final Test.

West Indies ended up in a strong position at 239/5 after making the best use of the scoring-friendly surface on Day 1. Justin Greaves was not out on 64, while the captain Roston Chase was also not out on 36 at the close. The innings had a good start as opener Brandon King scored a quick-fire 46 in 50 balls.

Mohammad Ali was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, claiming two wickets, while debutant Ubaid Shah, Ali Usman, and Sajid Khan each took a wicket.