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LONDON - Former England fast bowler Darren Gough has questioned Pakistan’s decision to leave Shaheen Shah Afridi out of the squad for the ongoing three-match Test series against England, saying the left-arm pacer remains capable of making a significant impact despite a recent dip in form. Shaheen, who has claimed 126 wickets in 34 Tests at an average of 28.13, was omitted from Pakistan’s Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England following the team’s 2-0 series defeat by Bangladesh in May. Pakistan managed to draw their Caribbean series 1-1, ending a lengthy run without an away Test victory, but their bowling attack struggled badly in the opening Test against England. The pace combination of Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali conceded 300 runs for five wickets as England posted 409 before Pakistan collapsed for 171 in their first innings. The visitors then were dismissed for just 135 in the second innings, suffering an innings-and-103-run defeat. The heavy loss has intensified questions over Pakistan’s Test performance and the composition of their bowling attack, prompting Gough to express his surprise at Afridi’s absence. “I cannot get my head around Shaheen Afridi, how he’s not here in England,” Gough said in an interview. The former England pacer acknowledged that Shaheen has not been at his best over the past 18 months but insisted the 26-year-old remains a genuine wicket-taking threat, particularly in English conditions. “I know he’s not been at the races this last 18 months, but he’s still a quality bowler. Every time I see him bowl, I still think he can pick up wickets,” Gough said.