Pakistan has dropped start fast bowler Shaheed Shah Afridi and struggling opener Imam-ul-Haq as it announced two changes for the third and final cricket Test against Australia, starting at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday (tomorrow), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Shaheen Afridi and Imam will be replaced by Sajid Khan and Saim Ayub, who will make his debut. Go-slow Imam has scored 94 runs in his last four innings in the first two Test matches against Australia.

Spinner Sajid Khan has been included in place of pacer Shaheen Afridi, who has been rested, in order to boost the spin-bowling department since the pitch is likely to assist the slower bowlers.

🚨 Our playing XI for the SCG Test 🚨#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/xTJzOcgy2n

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 2, 2024

Shaheen Afridi had bowled 99.2 overs during the series, which is the most for both teams. 

Australia beat Pakistan in the second Test by 79 runs in Melbourne to clinch the three-match Test series. Chasing a target of 317 runs, Pakistan were dismissed for 237 in their second innings on Friday last.

Teams

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Sajid Khan, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal.

Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.