Mir Hamza Exits Pakistan Test Squad for Rehab in Karachi
Pakistan initially fielded three pacers, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Aamir Jamal, but later switched to a spin-heavy lineup, including only one specialist pacer, Jamal.
Pakistan's fast bowler Mir Hamza has been released from the Test squad to undergo rehabilitation in Karachi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the decision on the first day of the crucial third Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi. Hamza, 32, has been dealing with a strain in his right glute, which has prevented him from actively participating in training or bowling sessions in preparation for the match.
According to sources from Cricbuzz, Hamza was seen conducting band exercises under the guidance of Pakistan's team physiotherapist on Tuesday. Despite being named in the Test squad for both the initial and concluding matches of the series, Hamza didn’t play in any of the games. His last appearance for Pakistan came during the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, where he claimed a total of 12 wickets across 12 innings with an average of 42.08.
Pakistan initially fielded three pacers, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Aamir Jamal, but later switched to a spin-heavy lineup, including only one specialist pacer, Jamal. Jamal’s superior batting capabilities, compared to the other fast bowlers, earned him a spot over Hamza. This tactical shift, along with Hamza’s injury, ruled him out of the final Test of the series.
