Ramiz Raja terms dropping Yasir Shah a ‘huge mistake’

Pakistan former captain Ramiz Raja has stated that the selection committee unfairly dropped leg spinner Yasir Shah in the third and final Test of the series against South Africa.

“Yasir was unfairly dropped because the side will need him on this (Wanderers) pitch. Unfortunately, the leggie was dropped due to the low performance from the batsmen because it created pressure on him (Yasir), as Pakistan decided to pick allrounders,” said Raja, at Ramiz Speaks.

The cricketer turned commentator opined that Test cricket demands specialists; especially a bowler of Shah’s caliber is always needed. “I think this is a huge selection mistake,” he added.

Taking about senior batsman Azhar Ali, whose lack of form has become a major reason behind Pakistan’s frequent batting collapses, Raja said that there is huge question mark over Ali. “He didn’t seem to be in control of his shots, the only reason that he is in the team because he has played 70 odd Tests,” he said.

Ali was out on naught in the first inning of the third Test, and has so far only managed to score 44 runs in the entire series against Proteas.

Pakistan will resume their inning at 17 for the loss of two wickets, as they will aim to achieve the 262 runs target.