Pakistan’s fast bowling stocks have received a timely lift as young quicks Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. have both resumed bowling in the nets ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming series against Bangladesh and the West Indies.
Former interim head coach of the Pakistan cricket team Aqib Javed confirmed the development while speaking at the ongoing skills development camp.
“Naseem had some injury issues in the past, but now he is coming here daily, bowling and improving his fitness more and more. Wasim also had an injury and now he is bowling again,” Aqib Javed said.
Naseem Shah and Wasim Jr.’s return comes at a time when Pakistan is looking to solidify its player pool ahead of a crucial period. While Naseem has firmly established himself in Pakistan’s limited-overs plans, Wasim has found his opportunities limited. He was set to feature against Bangladesh in Pakistan’s home series but had to be replaced due to his ailment.
While the two were rumoured to miss the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, it appears they might be back in contention. The PCB is expected to name the touring parties for Bangladesh and the West Indies any day now, with the squad set to assemble on 8 July for a training camp. Whether Naseem Shah and Wasim Jr. are fit enough to find a place in the team will be answered soon.
With Pakistan likely to name a near full-strength team for the upcoming tours, Naseem and Wasim Jr.’s return gives Pakistan a wealth of fast-bowling options and much-needed depth across formats.