Pakistan have options to replace unfit Yasir Shah in ODIs: Haroon Rasheed

Pakistan chief selector says team needs better combination to defeat England in third ODI

Pakistan chief selector Haroon Rasheed said on Monday that the team has more than one spin bowling options to replace leg-spinner Yasir Shah who will not be available for the third ODI against England due to fitness issues.

“Yasir bowled a lot in the Tests against England. He also had a back problem before he came into the second Test match. His shoulder would have been over-worked,” said Haroon, while talking to the media in Lahore.



“We have options to replace him. Zafar Gohar is included in the squad. Pakistan can do well without Yasir in the ODIs.”

Meanwhile, commenting on the third ODI against England, Haroon said that Pakistan will have to plan a different strategy to overcome the English side.



“A team needs to be consistent after gaining lead in a series. Credit goes to England who made a good comeback in the third ODI. They outclassed Pakistan in all three departments; they batted, bowled and fielded well.

“Pakistan now need a better combination to make a comeback in the third ODI. The bowlers will have to plan out a strategy to bowl the English team out for a lower total. Pitches are good for batting in the UAE, so we will always be looking at scores of 300+ in the first innings.”



When asked if the England team was too good for Pakistan, Haroon praised England’s ODI status.

“England have always been a good side in the ODIs. They bat deep down the order, almost till number 10 even 11.”