'My performances used to be the best but used to get dropped first' - Sajid Khan laments lack of opportunities post Multan heroics

Pakistan lost to Australia 0-3 when they toured the country in 2023-24. As the team struggled down under, there were glimpses of resilience from the likes of Aamer Jamal and Sajid Khan in the bowling department. Sajid played the final match in Sydney and picked three wickets as Australia won by eight wickets. 

The spinner could not feature for Pakistan in either of the formats since then until the second Test against England in Multan on October 15. As Pakistan are grappling with their form, they decided to rest key players and rely on spin solely. Sajid spun a web around the batting-heavy England line-up and picked seven wickets in the first innings. After his exploits, the 31-year-old lamented that he was not given a substantial run after performing in Australia.

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"My performances used to be the best but I was the one to be dropped first. My previous series was against Australia. I bowled well against them at their home ground. Next series, without any reason I was dropped. In Australia, Abrar had an injury and Noman had an operation, so I was called. I played the last match and performed well. Rest is all about luck: last series I didn’t get a chance against Bangladesh but got it in this series. I am trying to perform," Sajid said as quoted by Wisden.

Speaking of the second Test, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. On the back of debutant, Kamran Ghulam’s 118-run knock, the hosts put up a solid 366 runs on the board. England were rolled over by Sajid’s 7-fer and Noman Ali’s three wickets as they were bundled up for 291 runs. Pakistan obtained a good enough lead of 75 runs as they commenced their innings on Day 3.