In recent years, the team management has put a lot of emphasis on fitness. The fitness test for World Cup selection is scheduled on 14th April and any player who fails to pass the test will not be eligible to represent Pakistan at the mega event.
In the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, which Pakistan lost by a thumping 5-0 margin, as many as five players failed to clear the fitness test.
Among those who didn’t pass the test include Umar Akmal, Abid Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Yasir Shah, and Imad Wasim, who led the last two ODIs following Shoaib Malik’s rib injury.
Pakistan’s fielding woes were evident in the series as Pakistan fielded poorly on a number of occasions, which can be attributed to the players’ fitness levels.
Opener Abid Ali might have presented a solid case for a World Cup berth with a hundred on debut, however, the revelation regarding his fitness puts his chances in doubt. Umar Akmal is almost out of contention after a miserly series with the bat. He got out when the team needed sensible batting from him on a couple of instances.
Yasir Shah was also poor with the ball while Mohammad Hasnain was impressive on occasions. With one or two bowling spots up for grabs, he might get a chance, however, his fitness troubles might dent his case.
This is not the first time Imad Wasim has failed a fitness test, which puts a question mark on his inclusion in the squad as well.
