Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir has identified a flaw in Shaheen Afridi’s bowling action. Speaking on a private TV program, Amir demonstrated on stage how Shaheen has been making a crucial mistake since recovering from his injury. He emphasized that this issue can be corrected with proper adjustments.
The Landing Foot Issue
Amir noted that when Shaheen approaches the crease to deliver the ball, his landing foot tends to open up excessively. He explained that this improper alignment affects the force of his delivery, causing it to disperse rather than stay targeted. This, in turn, reduces the effectiveness of his signature in-swing deliveries.
Misconceptions Among Young Bowlers
Amir also addressed a common misconception among young fast bowlers, stating that the power of a delivery does not come solely from the arm. Instead, he stressed the importance of body alignment in generating true bowling strength. If a bowler’s head tilts excessively during the action, it disrupts balance and ultimately weakens the delivery.
Rashid Latif’s Analysis
Former captain Rashid Latif, who was also part of the discussion, pointed out that Shaheen Afridi performs better against left-handed batsmen, which is why he finds success against them. However, he has been struggling to generate the same level of swing against right-handed batsmen.
Latif further suggested that slight modifications in Shaheen’s bowling action could help improve his performance. He added that coaches should have paid closer attention to these technical flaws in Shaheen’s bowling action and worked on refining them.
Need for Technical Adjustments
With insights from both Amir and Latif, it is evident that Shaheen Afridi needs minor technical adjustments to regain his full bowling potential. Coaches and analysts will need to focus on refining his mechanics to ensure he remains a formidable force in international cricket.
