Waqar Younis tears into star Pakistan player: 'I do not understand. That's a real shocker for me'

Australia faces Pakistan at the SCG in the third Test, trailing by 307 runs as Pakistan scored 313 in their first innings. At the end PAK’s innings on Day 1, Australia's openers, D. Warner and U. Khawaja, are at 6* and 0* respectively. Pakistan's bowler S. Khan stands at 0/6 from 1.0 overs. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. The match, with Australia leading the series 2-0, holds promise for an intense and gripping encounter.

3 things you need to know 

• Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test match is underway 
• Pakistan hit 313 in their 1st innings against Australia in the 3rd Test 
• Australia leads the series by 2-0 

Waqar Younis is not happy with Pakistan’s decision ahead of the 3rd Test 

Former fast bowler Waqar Younis slammed Pakistan's choice to rest fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for the third and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Pakistan sent in off-spinner Sajid Khan as a substitute for Shaheen, who was rested, for the New Year's Test. Sajid was included in the squad owing to worries over Abrar Ahmed's fitness.

Waqar Younis' displeasure emphasises Pakistani team management's strategic decisions, notably in the context of resting fast bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi. The decision to use an off-spinner instead signals a change in bowling composition, and Younis' comments show his dissatisfaction with this tactical move. Speaking on the broadcast, Waqar Younis said: 

“We play for Test match cricket; we don't play for T20s or one-day cricket. If you're missing Test match cricket purely because you're being rested, I do not understand. That's a real shocker for me,”

How has Shaheen Afridi performed so far?

Shaheen Shah Afridi had a strong showing in the two previous Tests at Perth Stadium and the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The left-arm fast bowler took eight wickets, showcasing his ability to bowl in Australian conditions. His fortunes changed on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, when Abdullah Shafique dropped a simple catch.

Despite the loss, Shaheen Shah Afridi came back strongly in the second innings of the Test, taking four wickets and dismissing Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc. Shaheen has 113 wickets in 29 Tests since his debut in December 2018, with 12 four-wicket hauls, four five-wicket hauls, and one 10-wicket haul.

As Pakistan attempts to prevent a series whitewash in Australia, after losing the first Test by 360 runs in Perth and the second by 79 runs in Melbourne. Shan Masood and his squad must overcome their previous troubles on Australian soil to win the last Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.