Rashid Latif says Pakistan must restore reverse swing and spin weapons in Test cricket

Rashid Latif Pakistan reverse swing: Calls for revival of lost Test match weapons

In a candid and passionate interview, former Pakistan wicketkeeper and captain Rashid Latif asserted that Pakistan’s Test cricket has lost crucial weapons such as reverse swing, bowling craft, and specialized spin variations. He praised standout performances from Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, but warned that without restoring these skills, Pakistan’s ability to win Tests on turning pitches will suffer.

Latif opened by questioning scheduling decisions, asking why Pakistan plays only two Tests in home series against South Africa and why only two test against Bangladesh—even at home or in tricky conditions—when winning six would push them much higher in rankings. He recalled a time when Noman and Sajid were summoned from home mid‑series (last October) and went on to win critical Tests against Bangladesh and West Indies.

Latif urged selectors to recognize the value in bowlers who can adapt—slowing pace, using angles, extracting bounce and reverse movement even on less responsive tracks. He backed Shaheen Shah Afridi, saying the reverse swing he showed in the recent match offered glimpses of the great fast bowlers of the 1990s like Wasim Akram or Waqar Younis.

“Reverse swing is not easy where the pitch doesn’t help. Yesterday Shaheen didn’t bowl; today he did, and that reverse was brilliant,” Latif observed.

He also lamented the loss of weapons like gugli, arm‑balls, and spin deception—skills that used to be a hallmark of Pakistan’s bowling arsenals with bowlers like Qadir, Ajmal, and Younis. Latif criticized the broad contract system, noting that some players in category C are doing the heavy lifting while B‑category players barely see a chance.

“We don’t need 30 players. We need 11 who bring skill, craft, and those weapons back—reverse, spin break, arm ball,” he said.

Latif’s interview serves as a call to arms for Pakistan cricket: rebuild the art and nuance in bowling and restore the aggressive, tactical strength that once made them formidable in Test cricket.