Ahmed Shehzad should replace Azhar Ali as ODI opener

[Mamoon]

I think he deserves another opportunity. I have been impressed with his domestic 50 overs performances. I have been one of his earliest critics, before hating on him became the cool thing to do, but as I said in another thread, I like to keep an open mind and based on his recent form, he should get another go.

Don't agree with the notion that he is limited etc., think he has all the shots but the wrong approach. Played too much for his position in the team and the tuk tuk mentality, but he clearly has an array of shots unlike Azhar.

He had a tough childhood and lost his father early, thus spending his youth looking for a father figure and ended up in the wrong hands of folks like Afridi etc.

However, things and people change, or at least have the potential to change. Hopefully Shehzad will have a good PSL and catches the eye of Mickey, who can help him play international cricket with the same freedom and aggression that he plays domestic cricket.

I urge PPers to keep an open mind like me and look beyond petty personal grudges and who said what etc.

P.S. Don't pollute this thread with all the stats and dot ball percentages. People are aware of that already and there are other threads for it. This thread is philosophical in nature and doesn't have anything to do with his current stats in LOIs.

 

[shaz619]

Mamoon looking for that heel heat.

Based on his recent form he deserves a recall but have you watched him bat? what is his strike rotation like? have any improvements been made? And on top of that we'd need to be sure of his change in attitude. I think it's unfair to demonize someone especially if they've made an effort to change their ways, everyone deserves a chance at redemption but not if they abuse the opportunities which are given to them.

 

[Madplayer]

If there is no one else left, then he deserves a go. he needs to compliment sharjeel at the crease.

If he resorts to his old approach, he is only going to put pressure on sharjeel.

Also if his attitude is the same, he would yet again prove to be a cancer for the team. Not sure if he can actually change that.

 

[Kamil1979]

No I am not agree for him to replace Azhar as opener due to his selfishness he showed in his career, he is most selfish player who always played for his runs instead of team requirements, his career strike rate in modern cricket is completely not meet the moderne cricket requirement, we have to bring new talent like Sharjeel or if we want to go for oldies so why not we can try shahzaib again or fakhar zaman but pls no shahzad

 

[Sherlock]

The issue will always be his attitude. I was a fan of his and saw the talent first-hand vs Australia/SL/SA etc...but his ego is destructive and may deter from seeing him play more often.

I'd try him in Tests first because I haven't seen much of an improvement from his dot-ball montage he had when he last played for Pakistan.

 

[Ahson8]

Why not give Fakhar Zaman, Khalid Latif or Shahzaib Hasan a shot first ? If they fail, then mayne we should think about going back to Shehzad.

 

[hadi123]

if he has a good PSL then yes even though we know he's gonna flop again

 

[Zohaib Shah]

Don't we have other players besides these tried and tested failures?

How about keeping an open mind for someone new?

 

[waleed88]

Well he bats the same way Babar Azam does, I can't see why he doesn't deserve a comeback.. It also puts pressure on Azhar Ali to perform to deserve a place in the side.. it will increase competition

 

[lahoriyah1234]

Well he bats the same way Babar Azam does, I can't see why he doesn't deserve a comeback.. It also puts pressure on Azhar Ali to perform to deserve a place in the side.. it will increase competition

Bhai you will see Babar Strike rate goes up in the coming months. He is a talent you can count on but Shehzad AKA Kohli. He was a failure and he will fail again.

I rather take my chances with Harris Sohail As an opener. So we can add fakhar zaman down the order, he is a good player who deserve a chance.

 

[waleed88]

If Babar Azam can bat at a strike rate of 60, but then accelerate to a strike rate of 80-90 before getting out, can't see why Shehzad can be given that same leverage.. his 100 vs SA was an SR of 90+, and most of his centuries range at this pace..

Not only that he is replacing Azhar Ali who almost bats the same way... so its not gonna be a big improvement, 2 batsmen out of top 3 are accumulators..

It just makes it more competitive for the others vying for the spot

 

[Hamza_]

Indeed his approach has not been good in International Cricket. Played far too many selfish innings, But performance is the Ultimate criteria for selection, So he should be in the team.

 

[waleed88]

Bhai you will see Babar Strike rate goes up in the coming months. He is a talent you can count on but Shehzad AKA Kohli. He was a failure and he will fail again.

I rather take my chances with Harris Sohail As an opener. So we can add fakhar zaman down the order, he is a good player who deserve a chance.

Lets see in coming days... Shehzad restarted his career in 2013 same way to Babar Azam, but that he plateau'd very quickly over the time being

 

[lahoriyah1234]

Lets see in coming days... Shehzad restarted his career in 2013 same way to Babar Azam, but that he plateau'd very quickly over the time being

Yes you will see. A difference between a natural talent and a tried and copied talent.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

I hope Azhar will find his form in ODIs... So far he has been a very good upgrade compared to shehzad.. His captaincy was an issue which was affecting his batting clearly.. I think along with his part-time legspin he will soon turn into an asset in ODI team.. Because Sarfraz is a good captain who knows how to attack the opposition.. Interesting phase to look at Azhar in ODIs..

 

[angrypathan]

If Babar Azam can bat at a strike rate of 60, but then accelerate to a strike rate of 80-90 before getting out, can't see why Shehzad can be given that same leverage.. his 100 vs SA was an SR of 90+, and most of his centuries range at this pace..

Not only that he is replacing Azhar Ali who almost bats the same way... so its not gonna be a big improvement, 2 batsmen out of top 3 are accumulators..

It just makes it more competitive for the others vying for the spot

Because Babar's career strike rate is 90+ and Shehzad's is in the low 70s. That's clear enough to suggest a big difference in the way they bat.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Like for like rubbish replacement! excellent Idea!

 

[waleed88]

Yes you will see. A difference between a natural talent and a tried and copied talent.

That was said about Ahmed Shehzad as well.. that he has more centuries than Tendulkar Ponting Kallis and a few other names at the same age/matches played

 

[ExpressPacer]

No thank you. No need for yet another one dimensional player. I don't want him back in the team unless he GUARANTEES a much healthier strike rate and positive cricket in the PSL.

Would much rather have Shahzaib.

 

[Pete Rose]

Nope. Better candidates who have higher strike rates should be in the running: shahzaib, Awais zia etc

 

[Hawkeye]

Trying to make bold calls and stick your neck out?

Won't work in this case.
You can do better predictions.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Since the nature of the discussion is philosophical, I'd like to question a few aspects of him other than his cricketing abilities.

1. Has he sorted out the search of 'a father figure' and understood what a professional athlete needs to do?
2. Has he discussed his mental issues with a sports psychologist after getting hit on the head?
3. Has he worked on reducing usage of social media and tried to get out of the hype bubble?
4. Has he seen the meteoric rise of Virat Kohli and learnt the necessary lessons out of that?

 

[waleed88]

Nope. Better candidates who have higher strike rates should be in the running: shahzaib, Awais zia etc

Yaaar.. I have to disagree with you here [MENTION=107807]Pete Rose[/MENTION] bhai

Shahzaib and Awais Zia are not International material

 

[waleed88]

Because Babar's career strike rate is 90+ and Shehzad's is in the low 70s. That's clear enough to suggest a big difference in the way they bat.

Sample size is pretty small and context very important... its easy to score at a strike rate of 90 when the opposition is defending 370 and giving you free singles away as long as you don't score a boundary..

 

[Abdullah719]

Sample size is pretty small and context very important... its easy to score at a strike rate of 90 when the opposition is defending 370 and giving you free singles away as long as you don't score a boundary..

Sample size for Shehzad's SR of 73 is large enough.

Unless he has drastically improved, he will be of no use.

 

[Slog]

If Babar Azam can bat at a strike rate of 60, but then accelerate to a strike rate of 80-90 before getting out, can't see why Shehzad can be given that same leverage.. his 100 vs SA was an SR of 90+, and most of his centuries range at this pace..

Not only that he is replacing Azhar Ali who almost bats the same way... so its not gonna be a big improvement, 2 batsmen out of top 3 are accumulators..

It just makes it more competitive for the others vying for the spot

The big difference which you conveniently forget is that Babar Azam averages 50+ whereas Shehzad is at a pathetic 33. That alone tells you how often Shehzad will go big and accelerate his SR compared to Babar. Reflects in the SR record too

 

[ExpressPacer]

Nope. Better candidates who have higher strike rates should be in the running: shahzaib, Awais zia etc

I agree. But not Awais Zia. There's much better options in Naved or even Nauman Anwar. Awais Zia is the father of hacks. And trust me, I'm not even against hacks.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Yaaar.. I have to disagree with you here [MENTION=107807]Pete Rose[/MENTION] bhai

Shahzaib and Awais Zia are not International material

Shahzaib is yaar. Mark my words, he's the best talent we have in Pakistan when it comes to playing the modern day game. He's got the best hand-eye coordination and best hitting ability. After Sharjeel of course. He's also dedicated and ready to improve which is obvious from the fact that he's back in shape and lost a lot of weight.

However, Awais Zia I agree. He is not even LA material.

 

[Rayyman]

I agree that Shehzad should be on the selectors' radar, but Shahzaib should be given a chance first. He has a decent ODI record, hit a monster 170-odd recently, and is an immense striker of the ball. Shehzad should be given a go if Shahzaib fails. Keep in mind that this is all if Azhar is dropped.

 

[waleed88]

Sample size for Shehzad's SR of 73 is large enough.

Unless he has drastically improved, he will be of no use.

I mean sample size for Babar is pretty small..

 

[angrypathan]

I mean sample size for Babar is pretty small..

If you can pull out a clump of 23 consecutive innings from Shehzad's ODI career over which his SR is in the 90s you'll actually have an argument to make

 

[angrypathan]

Sample size is pretty small and context very important... its easy to score at a strike rate of 90 when the opposition is defending 370 and giving you free singles away as long as you don't score a boundary..

That (rather selfish) knock is not the only game where Babar has played with a SR in the 90s though. To have a career SR in the 90s (after I believe 23 or so innings) means he consistently plays innnings at a high SR, and coupled with his average, put him in a completely different class to Shehzad. It's pretty understandable as to why Babar is given more leverage to start slow and Shehzad isn't.

 

[waleed88]

The big difference which you conveniently forget is that Babar Azam averages 50+ whereas Shehzad is at a pathetic 33. That alone tells you how often Shehzad will go big and accelerate his SR compared to Babar. Reflects in the SR record too

I don't think its fair to compare a no.4 batsman to an opener, Babar has played most of his innings at no.4 (12), and has had a quite a few easy series in between which flatters to deceive his stats..

his performances in Australia showed he's not as good as made out to be..

 

[nitrous]

Clearly the OP is trolling... Why not try some other youngster instead of a TTF?

 

[Rayyman]

Clearly the OP is trolling... Why not try some other youngster instead of a TTF?

Shehzad is both.

 

[Stallion__]

Not sure if it's a serious thread. He has provided everyone enough reasons to deserve all that criticism. I can't think of another player who was involved in four different off-field controversies in a single tournament, 2015 WC (Separate fights with head coach and fielding coach, fight with a journalist, breaking curfew). Put icing on the cake with some ATG knocks in the WC like his 70 ball 40 against India while chasing 30+. Infact with all those fangirls around him on twitter, no amount of censure is enough to reach his ears. His recent interviews testify this.

He performed in that domestic ODI tourney after failing in CPL and BBL. So let him be more consistent first before thinking about his selection.

He had a tough childhood and lost his father early, thus spending his youth looking for a father figure and ended up in the wrong hands of folks like Afridi etc.

Kohli too lost his father early so not a good enough excuse.

 

[Rayyman]

Not sure if it's a serious thread. He has provided everyone enough reasons to deserve all that criticism. I can't think of another player who was involved in four different off-field controversies in a single tournament, 2015 WC (Separate fights with head coach and fielding coach, fight with a journalist, breaking curfew). Put icing on the cake with some ATG knocks in the WC like his 70 ball 40 against India while chasing 30+. Infact with all those fangirls around him on twitter, no amount of censure is enough to reach his ears. His recent interviews testify this.

He performed in that domestic ODI tourney after failing in CPL and BBL. So let him be more consistent first before thinking about his selection.



Kohli too lost his father early so not a good enough excuse.

Kohli had Tendulkar, Sehwag, Dravid, Laxman, and Gavaskar. He bats like all of them combined and they(alongside Dhoni) have helped his personality mature.

Shehzad meanwhile has had YK, Afridi and Misbah as role models. He bats like Misbah and YK + acts like Afridi.

 

[Syed1]

That's like trying to put out a fire by pouring oil on it.

Sorry but no thanks. If it is a toss up between Azhar and Shehzad, I'd take Azhar any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Atleast Azhar will try hard and know if he has failed, not hit a 30 ball 10 and think that he has done his job.

 

[TalhaSyed]

Wow - I never knew Mamoon had this soft philosophical side to him

Well on the topic - anyone who performs well in the PSL should be considered for the T20 side, otherwise there is absolutely no purpose of the PSL (apart from making some cash on the side...)

Having said that, with Shehzad the issue seems to be a lot bigger than just his abilities on the pitch. The guy is a like a Pakistani Donald Trump when it comes to posting self obsessed garbage on Twitter. Has he actually got his act together now and is willing to stop acting like an immature teenager?

In the past - sure he had potential and talent - however, his behaviour off (and sometimes on) the field significantly out-weighed the amount of talent he has.

Back in August 2013 I put together and posted the following picture on my Twitter account:

Since then I have seen that exact same picture (with the same two images, white border etc.) on various news sources such as GEO News and The Express Tribune News Paper (https://tribune.com.pk/story/924277/virat-kohli-spotted-in-pakistan/).

I never realised that Shehzad would take the comparison so seriously and and he will start to think that he is as good as Kohli!!

For that - I apologies to PPers and all Pakistani fans

Jokes aside - if he does well in the PSL and he has learned to behave like an adult - there is no reason why he cannot open for Pakistan again in T20's and possibly even ODI's.

 

[nextover666666]

No its time to bring back Awais Zia, if him and Sharjeel click, they can score big, if not, they will be out fairly quickly, but that's nothing new.

 

[Pete Rose]

Yaaar.. I have to disagree with you here [MENTION=107807]Pete Rose[/MENTION] bhai

Shahzaib and Awais Zia are not International material

I think you have solide reasons to disagree. My point of view is that aggressive openers are not created. They either bat like that or they don't. Sharjeel was not very highly rated a few months ago

 

[Abdullah719]

I mean sample size for Babar is pretty small..

Thread is about Shehzad. Let's stay on topic.

 

[coy0607]

we'll find an opener in the PSL... be it Shehzad, Azhar or someone else

no point in anointing an opener when you have such a high profile tournament happening

 

[The_Odd_One]

If he bats at at 120+ SR in PSL then he deserves selection. However, I think it is Shahzaib's time now.

 

[Square Drive]

Nah.

Try out Umar Akmal, Shahzaib Hasan, Khalid Latif, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam.

If they all fail, then and only then bring Shehzad back.

 

[Hawkeye]

The big difference which you conveniently forget is that Babar Azam averages 50+ whereas Shehzad is at a pathetic 33. That alone tells you how often Shehzad will go big and accelerate his SR compared to Babar. Reflects in the SR record too

Not worth it to discuss Babar Azam with waleed.

Can't believe so much hatred.

 

[Don Quixote]

He is the future captain, who will take Pakistan to new heights.

 

[Don Quixote]

He deserves another go for sure, was the best batsman in Pakistan Cup, who can forget that? Also, performed really well in the List A tournaments, afterwards. He deserves to be selected, not for the sake of another chance, but on merit.

 

[Hasan123]

Okay I won't bring his dot ball percentage and strike rotation to this thread. But if you read his comments from his recent interviews than you can see his attitude is still the same. He genuinely believes he has been hard done by, how can a player with that mindset want to improve?

If he keeps performing in domestic cricket than he'll earn a recall but his attitude must be improve.

 

[Syed1]

He is the future captain, who will take Pakistan to new heights.

Going up is called height and going down is called depth.

I think you meant he will take Pakistan to new depths.

 

[Don Quixote]

Going up is called height and going down is called depth.

I think you meant he will take Pakistan to new depths.

Don't try to be over smart, kid. I didn't mention 'depth' or 'going down'.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Shazaib and Fahkar should get a go before him.
Even maqsood. Heck I get sick seeing Azhar Ali in Odis but I'd rather him than Shazhad

 

[Mamoon]

Attitude problems are there, but dumping someone for good is not always the answer. I think its a cop-out without an honest attempt to resolve the situation.

Most of his attitude problems surfaced during Waqar's reign, and fighting fire with fire doesn't always work. Sometimes, all you need is a gentle hand. Clash of egos will not solve his attitude problems.

I think Mickey is someone who can bring the best out of him both as a player and person. Names like Shahzaib and Fakhar etc. are relevant and if they outperform him in the PSL, select them by all means, but the likes of Latif etc. are short-term options and should not get preference over someone who can represent Pakistan for the next 10 years.

All I'm saying is that Shehzad has done enough as a player to deserve another chance. I'm interested to see how he fares under Mickey, and this isn't a prediction thread. I don't know if he will succeed or not, but he certainly merits another opportunity.

 

[goran]

Both Shehzad & Azhar are among the worst ODI openers we've ever had. These two are a big part of the problems that we are facing now. We should keep them away from LOIs if we want to improve our rankings and be competitive with the top teams. We should try a new opener to partner Sharjeel and give him an extended run to establish himself.

 

[Hawkeye]

Both Shehzad & Azhar are among the worst ODI openers we've ever had. These two are a big part of the problems that we are facing now. We should keep them away from LOIs if we want to improve our rankings and be competitive with the top teams. We should try a new opener to partner Sharjeel and give him an extended run to establish himself.

Azhar is 10x better than Shehzad. But still bad.

Now imagine where Shehzad stands.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

No. He's absolutely rubbish. Umar should open.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

That's like trying to put out a fire by pouring oil on it.

Sorry but no thanks. If it is a toss up between Azhar and Shehzad, I'd take Azhar any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Atleast Azhar will try hard and know if he has failed, not hit a 30 ball 10 and think that he has done his job.

Well said. Why can't some guys just realize that shehzad is just awful. Had a good PSL last year and we all saw what he did in the world t20. Just not good enough to play against good bowlers. If he gets selected again I gurantee he will fail and I will be the first to bump this thread.

 

[Rayyman]

He is the future captain, who will take Pakistan to new heights.

I doubt it.

 

[Adil_94]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] im surprised to see you advocating for Shehzad i remember you were one of his biggest opponents on PP

 

[taqi]

i see kami in ranks for return after todays innings

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] im surprised to see you advocating for Shehzad i remember you were one of his biggest opponents on PP

You are right, but as I said in the OP, he deserves another go if he does well in the PSL because he has been seriously impressive in domestic cricket in recent times. Let's see if Mickey can help translate the domestic performances at the international level where he bats with a lot of inhibition.

 

[LordJames]

Lets wait for Shahzaib as well KAKMAL has made his case today.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

People act as if shehzad should only issue is his temperament. He just doesn't have the ability. The likes of Kamran and Shahzaib are what we need to partner Sharjeel if not Umar

 

[Mamoon]

People act as if shehzad should only issue is his temperament. He just doesn't have the ability. The likes of Kamran and Shahzaib are what we need to partner Sharjeel if not Umar

His batting temperament is actually his strongest point, but I know you're referring to his attitude problem.

 

[msb314]

I wholeheartedly agree with [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] - I have backed him since 2013 as one of the top talents. I guarantee he will come good and be a top performer.

In fact, I am sure he should be a leading candidate for captaincy in all the 3 formats as well.

Just needs to increase his SR - has all the shots and temperament in abundance.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

Mamoon bhai Kami chahiye ya Shehzad decide karlo confuse mat karo

 

[msb314]

Sample size for Shehzad's SR of 73 is large enough.

Unless he has drastically improved, he will be of no use.

The big difference which you conveniently forget is that Babar Azam averages 50+ whereas Shehzad is at a pathetic 33. That alone tells you how often Shehzad will go big and accelerate his SR compared to Babar. Reflects in the SR record too

Keep in mind Shehzad played in an era where 220-230 was the norm for the pakistan team.

Sharjeel, Azhar and Babar are playing in an era now where we are constantly having to chase 350+ scores hence they are forced to increase their SR's.

 

[msb314]

Mamoon bhai Kami chahiye ya Shehzad decide karlo confuse mat karo

He said in the other thread - whoever performs the best in PSL should be given a chance.

 

[Abdullah719]

Keep in mind Shehzad played in an era where 220-230 was the norm for the pakistan team.

Sharjeel, Azhar and Babar are playing in an era now where we are constantly having to chase 350+ scores hence they are forced to increase their SR's.

It was the norm because we had the likes of Shehzad and Misbah whose low SRs were conducive to such scores.

 

[Kamil1979]

His batting temperament is actually his strongest point, but I know you're referring to his attitude problem.

My friend attitude suit to players like kohli n AB n root not ordinary player like shahzad, All and all we have to accept that he is most selfish player in history of Pakistan cricket

 

[moghul]

He had performed well in the past then there was a dip in his form, now back in cracking form and no reason to deny him a come back. On current form he is the best one to open with Sharjeel.

 

[Seamer]

I would have Shahzaib replace Azhar Ali in odis with latif at 6. This lineup can do well in champions trophy:

1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Shahzaib Hasan
3. Babar Azam
4. Malik
5. Sarfaraz
6. Latif
7. Aamer Yamin
8. Imad Wasim
9. Amir
10. Hassan
11. Junaid

 

[Bilal7]

Not yet. There is nothing to suggest that he has improved his character. Sami Aslam or Imam ul Haq should partner Sharjeel.

 

[Ilan Bluestone]

He played very selfishly due to dot balls, but Ahmed knows how to stay at the crease and he does have shots. If he has improved the selfish play and the ability to rotate the strike, I wouldn't mind it. He has an affinity to score big, but it always was just a big score that would not help Pakistan. Azhar after his purple patch fell off a wagon so there is an opening, and if Shehzad improved on his weak areas, then a 25 year old opener of his caliber to stay through an innings with a power player on the other side wouldn't be the worst thing.

It could fail but looking at him recently in Pakistan, he is on a tear in the last year. Here's hoping.

 

[msb314]

He played very selfishly due to dot balls, but Ahmed knows how to stay at the crease and he does have shots. If he has improved the selfish play and the ability to rotate the strike, I wouldn't mind it. He has an affinity to score big, but it always was just a big score that would not help Pakistan. Azhar after his purple patch fell off a wagon so there is an opening, and if Shehzad improved on his weak areas, then a 25 year old opener of his caliber to stay through an innings with a power player on the other side wouldn't be the worst thing.

It could fail but looking at him recently in Pakistan, he is on a tear in the last year. Here's hoping.

This. Agree and should be given an ample time to succeed.

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

Agreed. Ahmad Shezad should play but in place of hafeez , not Azhar .

 

[Rayyman]

Not yet. There is nothing to suggest that he has improved his character. Sami Aslam or Imam ul Haq should partner Sharjeel.

Sami Aslam is a tuk tuk master and even worse than Shehzad. That's a horrible suggestion.

 

[yasir]

I think you have solide reasons to disagree. My point of view is that aggressive openers are not created. They either bat like that or they don't. Sharjeel was not very highly rated a few months ago

I agree with you on that, Shezad does not have guts not skills to face best bowler in the world and go after him. If I have to bring tried player, I might as well bring Kamran, who hit Styen over his head in WC SF back in 2009, his starts in SF and Final made sure we don't jitter those chases, he had guts to hit top bowlers... he is a better clutch player.

I want to take a look at Shabaz and Awais, Pakistan has to look for better players of pull and cut that is absolutely must for openers in LOIs, Kammy also like Sharjeel has good cut and pull, not as good but better than rest. For me strength of pull and cut is litmus test, we got to develop players with those shots to be a modern LOI unit.

 

[saeedhk]

I would never want to see Shehzad anywhere near the team. An awfully limited batsmen who fails to rotate the strike and bat at a snail's pace. He is a dictionary definition of 'mediocrity'.

 

[Slog]

Keep in mind Shehzad played in an era where 220-230 was the norm for the pakistan team.

Sharjeel, Azhar and Babar are playing in an era now where we are constantly having to chase 350+ scores hence they are forced to increase their SR's.

this is reverse logic from you

Pakistan were scoring 220-230s due to guys like Shehzad