Former Australia cricketer Mark Waugh expressed his disbelief at Pakistan’s decision to leave out seamer Mohammad Abbas from their playing XI for the first Test against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Pacer Imran Khan Sr was preferred over Abbas, who impressed with five wickets in just 12 overs during Pakistan’s practice match against Australia A in Perth.

Abbas has taken 66 wickets so far in his brief 14-Test career, at an average of 18.86 and a strike-rate of 46.

Waugh took to Twitter to convey his surprise at Abbas’ exclusion despite having a brilliant Test record.

“Big shock for mine that Mohammed Abbas has been left out of the Pakistan 11. Reliable quality seam bowler with a super test match record,” tweeted Waugh.

Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur was also not pleased and questioned Azhar Ali’s rationale behind the decision.

“I am flabbergasted with Abbas being left out,” said Arthur while working as an analyst for a private channel. “Azhar Ali said that he [Abbas] is their number one bowler. Well if he is your number one bowler, why is he not in the playing XI?”

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Pakistan veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was equally confused and inquired through his Twitter account whether the seamer was dropped or unfit.

“Dropped or Unfit @Mohmmadabbas111 ?” wrote Hafeez.

Australia dismissed Pakistan for 240 to bring a close to the opening day of the first test on Thursday.

The Men in Green will take the field on the second day and it remains to be seen whether the exclusion of Abbas is going to hurt the visitors.