Pakistan vs Australia ODI series: 5 Talking Points

#2. Will Pakistan’s test stars shine in ODIs too?

Yasir Shah has been given an opportunity to prove himself in the shorter format

With some of their key players given a break, Pakistan have decided to try out two of their biggest Test performers against Australia. Yasir Shah and Mohammed Abbas have been extremely prolific wicket-takers in Test cricket. Now, they are being offered a chance to make a case for themselves in ODIs also.

Yasir Shah has played some one-dayers previously but was unable to make a mark. His much-younger colleague Shadab Khan has been leading the spin-charge in the shorter format. But the senior pro possesses undeniable quality and has been backed by Shane Warne to emerge as a leading leg-spinner in the World Cup.

Inzamam-ul-Haq has already announced that Pakistan intend to have two leg-spinners in their World Cup team. Yasir has a golden opportunity to book his place by delivering good returns.

Abbas, on the other hand, is the sort of bowler who can be extremely effective in English conditions. But there is a subtle difference between bowling in Tests and ODIs. Abbas, who has been metronomic in his accuracy while bowling in the longest format, has these five matches to convince selectors of his worth in shorter format.

If both these players shine against Australia, Pakistan’s strength would increase substantially for the World Cup.