Mohammad Hafeez addresses Shaheen Afridi's absence from Sydney Test

Pakistan team director and head coach, Mohammad Hafeez, has provided insights into the rationale behind resting the fast bowler Shaheen Afridi for the Sydney Test.

During the post-match conference following the third Test, Hafeez emphasized the importance of managing Afridi's workload to prevent any adverse effects on his body.

"We took the decision to rest Shaheen and manage his workload because we didn't want his body to be adversely affected. In the last one year since his return from injury, he has worked hard, and the workload on him has been massive. We wanted to give him a break and manage his workload. I don't know what's happened previously, but at this time, I wanted to make sure that no bowler's career is spoiled due to their workload not being managed," Mohammad Hafeez said.

Contrary to speculations, the former all-rounder clarified that Afridi's absence was not due to his participation in T20 cricket.

"Shaheen did not rest because of T20 cricket at all. It's not because he wants to play T20 cricket. It's clear that his body was a bit sore. He wasn't feeling very comfortable that his body would be able to respond appropriately. As the team director, I have to ensure that no player goes into a zone where he suffers an injury. So before that happens, I wanted to ensure he has enough time to recover," he said.

Australia beat Pakistan by eight wickets with David Warner scoring a pulsating 57 in his farewell Test match in Sydney on Saturday to sweep the series 3-0.

Warner, playing in his 112th Test, was dismissed at his home Sydney Cricket Ground before an adoring crowd just 11 runs short of victory.

At the close Australia were 130-2, Marnus Labuschagne unbeaten on 62 in his 19th Test half-century and Steve Smith on four.

It was Australia's 17th consecutive Test win against Pakistan after securing the current series in Melbourne over Christmas.