By IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan’s chief selector Abdul Qadir has hinted that some of the under-performing senior players could be rested for the two-match Test series that begins in Karachi next month.
A former leg-spinner, Qadir, said Pakistani cricketers showed a lack of spirit and commitment in their shocking 234-run defeat in the in the last match of the one-day series against Sri Lanka in Lahore last week.
As a result, national selectors are considering several changes in the team, he said, without naming the players likely to be axed.
Senior players like comeback fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, all-rounder Shahid Afridi and wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal were among the biggest failures in the series against Sri Lanka.
Pakistani officials are giving the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka a lot of importance a it would serve as a dress rehearsal for Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka this July. Pakistan will play three-Tests and five one-dayers during the tour.
Qadir said all the leading players will be provided ample opportunities to prove their form and fitness ahead of the Test. He said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will stage two five-day selection matches in Karachi and Lahore.
Karachi will host the first Test from Feb 22 and the second in Lahore.