Mohammad Abbas Left Out Despite Heroics As Babar Breaks Silence

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has cleared the air over the surprise Mohammad Abbas omission, insisting it had nothing to do with fitness and everything to do with the surface at Queen's Park Oval.

The decision immediately became the biggest talking point before the second and final Test against the West Indies. Pakistan made four changes to the side, but the absence of Abbas stood out more than any other. It was difficult to ignore considering the experienced fast bowler had carried the attack in the opening Test.

Speaking with Ian Bishop at the toss, Babar dismissed injury concerns in a few direct words. He said the team picked its attack after studying the pitch and believed a different combination offered a better chance on a slower wicket.

Pakistan prioritises conditions over recent form 

Pakistan strengthened the spin department by bringing Sajid Khan into the XI, while young fast bowler Ubaid Shah received his Test cap. Mohammad Ali kept his place, leaving Abbas on the sidelines despite entering the match as Pakistan's most successful bowler in the series.

The Mohammad Abbas omission surprised many because the right-arm seamer collected eight wickets in the first Test, including the seventh five-wicket haul of his Test career. His return to international cricket has been equally impressive. Since December 2024, the 35-year-old has claimed 28 wickets in only five Tests at an average of 20.32.

Those numbers become even stronger when slower conditions are considered. Abbas has consistently delivered on flat surfaces throughout his career. In the UAE alone, he owns 27 wickets at an average of 17.55. He also finished as Pakistan's leading wicket-taker during the recent Bangladesh Test series with 10 wickets.

His overall Test bowling average of 22.38 remains among the finest recorded by a Pakistan bowler with a lengthy career, placing him ahead of several celebrated names in the country's cricket history.

For now, Pakistan believe their revised attack gives them the best chance of levelling the conditions in Trinidad. Whether that gamble pays off will become clear over the next few days. Even so, Babar Azam has made it clear the selection was tactical, not personal, and the experienced Abbas remains firmly in Pakistan's long-term Test plans, particularly with a demanding tour of England waiting after the Caribbean series.