Pakistan, Aug. 3 -- Pakistan captain Babar Azam has said that experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was left out of the second and final Test against the West Indies purely because of the playing conditions at Queen's Park Oval. Speaking at the toss, Babar dismissed reports of any injury and explained that the team selected a bowling attack better suited to the slow pitch. Pakistan made four changes for the series decider, making Abbas' exclusion the biggest surprise.

The decision attracted significant attention because Abbas was Pakistan's standout performer in the opening Test. The 35-year-old claimed eight wickets, including the seventh five-wicket haul of his Test career, and played a key role with the ball. Despite his outstanding ...