Good opportunity for backup spinners to prove themselves in Yasir's absence - Misbah

Good opportunity for backup spinners to prove themselves in

Ahead of the first Test match against Zimbabwe, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has hinted at giving an opportunity to the uncapped spinners in the squad.

While the ace spinner Yasir Shah is unavailable for the upcoming two-Test series due to a knee injury, Pakistan will try domestic stalwarts such as Zahid Mahmood and Sajid Khan. Misbah has urged the backup spinners to make a case and perform well in the absence of Yasir.

“We are missing Yasir Shah here but the two-Test series provides a very good opportunity for the backup spinners to show their worth. Both Zahid and Sajid have been bowling brilliantly in domestic cricket. Hopefully, if the opportunity comes they would make the best use of their abilities. It would be high time for them to bring their best of domestic experience to the international level,” Misbah said as quoted by The News.

The head coach is also expecting the players to replicate the performance that was on display against the Proteas a few months ago.

"We are coming out of a Test series against South Africa where we performed brilliantly. We want to carry that form in the Zimbabwe series. The morale of our Test squad is very high and hopefully, our players will perform with the same spirit that was there against South Africa."

Misbah also showed faith in the fast bowling unit of Pakistan that is spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and is hoping for another great show against the African country.

“Led by Shaheen, hopefully, the pace attack will put up their best efforts to earn a victory for their country. They are capable of doing that and hopefully would continue with the same vein in this series also,” he said.