Usman Shinwari announces retirement from Test cricket

Pakistan pacer Usman Shinwari has announced his retirement from Test cricket to prolong his career in white-ball formats. The left-arm confirmed this news on Twitter on Tuesday (November 16). Shinwari has played only one match in red-ball cricket against Sri Lanka in 2019. The pacer revealed that he took the decision to quit Test cricket on advice from the doctors. Notably, Shinwari's career has been marred by recurring back issues.

Advertisment

The 27-year-old, who is known to generate serious pace, is now eying to make a comeback in the limited-overs format. "Alhamdullilah, I have made my comeback again from a back injury and now I am absolutely fit," Shinwari said.

"But due to my doctors and physio advice, I have to leave the long format to avoid such injuries in future and prolong my cricket career. I am resigning from red-ball," he added.

Thanks to @sportsphysiojav ALHAMDULILLAH I have made my comeback again from back injury and now I am absolutely fit but due to my Doctors and physio advises I have to leave Long format to avoid such injuries in future and prolong my Cricket career.I am Resigning from Red ball pic.twitter.com/63gy4J7RKS

— Usman khan shinwari (@Usmanshinwari6) November 16, 2021

In one Test, 17 ODIS, and 16 T20Is, Shinwari has picked up 48 wickets since making his debut in 2013. However, it is the 50-over format that he excelled the most, picking up 34 wickets at an average of 18.62. In just his second ODI in 2017, Shinwari dismantled the Sri Lankan team with a five-wicket haul.

He continued to torment sides in the T20Is before injuries cut short his promising start. Now, by giving up the Test format, Shinwari’s workload can be considerably managed. Often due to heavy workloads in all three formats, pacers give up the red-ball format. Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir too had quit Test cricket to prolong his career in white-ball formats.