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Azhar Ali - To open or not to open in Tests?

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Saj

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He looked ok opening the batting and I guess he was the best choice for The Oval given the circumstances.

I must admit I've not been keen for Azhar to open the batting in Tests as I prefer him at number three. However given Hafeez's struggles this may now become a permanent feature with a place in the middle order now up for grabs.

Do you think Azhar should now become the regular opener in Test cricket or should he be moved back to number three?
 
He should open. I didn't want him to open before but seeing him bat in last test, I think he is a perfect fit. We should draft in Babar Azam and play Shafiq at 3.
 
Should be at number 3. I have seen our previous number threes after Younus Khan dropped down and left the side during that 2008-09 period. We tried so many players at no.3 and we would fall like a pack of cards. Azhar gives us that stability at 3 and he has proven his class. He has the ability to make big scores so he should occupy the no.3 spot otherwise we'll start falling like a pack of cards again.

Our number 4-5-6 will not be able to face the new ball. So if Azhar falls cheaply to a good one opening, Shafiq, Younus and Misbah will be dearly exposed. I'd have Jaahid opening with Azhar at 3 but the fan boys will think this is a perfect opportunity for their 'ATGs to be' to occupy no.6.
 
Anfield said:
He should open. I didn't want him to open before but seeing him bat in last test, I think he is a perfect fit. We should draft in Babar Azam and play Shafiq at 3.
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Shafiq is better at 4 imo. He is not the most suited to deal with the new ball if one of the openers get out early.
 
Push him up to open with Sami Aslam. Slot in Asad at 3 and one of Babar Azam/Haris Sohail can take the #6 spot.
 
Him playing an opener allows us to play an extra batsman, all rounder or bowler.
 
Yes Why mess around trying to find openers when azhar is the most suitable?

Azhar
Sami
Shafiq
Younis
Misbah
Babar
Sarfraz
4 bowlers
 
endymion248 said:
Haris Sohail or Babar Azam.
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Harris Sohail is still recovering and not sure about Babar Azam either. Don't think he is ready to play at number 3 right now. Number 6 seems like a right position for him right now. He is still reckless.
 
Best for me would be to let Sami and Azhar open. After a long time would I be confident on both of our openers ability to get a 100, especially in Asia. Shafiq at 3 followed by Younis and Misbah. I will be glad if they draft Fawad Alam at 6. The lad deserves his chance, his inclusion will be make our line up much more accomplished with no weak links.

Many here name Babar Azam at the slightest of chance they get. Sure he is a wonderful player but I think he is massively over rated on this forum. He definitely will play for Pakistan for a long time but don't think so he is ready for Test cricket yet. Let him earn his place with First class runs at his back. For every batting problem, I hear Babar Azam's name popping up. Let him have at least a good season proving his worth in domestic cricket.
 
Anfield said:
Harris Sohail is still recovering and not sure about Babar Azam either. Don't think he is ready to play at number 3 right now. Number 6 seems like a right position for him right now. He is still reckless.
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I am speaking for the long-term. Right now YK and Misbah haven't retired so one of them can come down to 3 vs WI if Shafiq fails there, it doesn't really make a difference.
 
Faisalsq092 said:
Best for me would be to let Sami and Azhar open. After a long time would I be confident on both of our openers ability to get a 100, especially in Asia. Shafiq at 3 followed by Younis and Misbah. I will be glad if they draft Fawad Alam at 6. The lad deserves his chance, his inclusion will be make our line up much more accomplished with no weak links.

Many here name Babar Azam at the slightest of chance they get. Sure he is a wonderful player but I think he is massively over rated on this forum. He definitely will play for Pakistan for a long time but don't think so he is ready for Test cricket yet. Let him earn his place with First class runs at his back. For every batting problem, I hear Babar Azam's name popping up. Let him have at least a good season proving his worth in domestic cricket.
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What is Sami Aslam's FC average?
 
Saj said:
He looked ok opening the batting and I guess he was the best choice for The Oval given the circumstances.

I must admit I've not been keen for Azhar to open the batting in Tests as I prefer him at number three. However given Hafeez's struggles this may now become a permanent feature with a place in the middle order now up for grabs.

Do you think Azhar should now become the regular opener in Test cricket or should he be moved back to number three?
Click to expand...

Azhar should bat at number 3.

I would like to see more specialist openers like Shehzad, Masood or Fakhar Zaman.
 
Belawal2014 said:
Push him up to open with Sami Aslam. Slot in Asad at 3 and one of Babar Azam/Haris Sohail can take the #6 spot.
Click to expand...

Number 6 is too low for Babar and/or Haris.

Either of them should bat no lower than 4.

I am beginning to think Asad should continue playing at 6 as he has done fairly well in that position and provides us with stability before the new ball is taken.

He should only bat up the order if we need a long rearguard from him i.e. we are facing a huge deficit or following on
 
I think his game is only going to help him further when we get to Australia as he tends to hang on the Backfoot. So top three for tests should be Sami, Azhar, and shafiq
 
msb314 said:
Number 6 is too low for Babar and/or Haris.

Either of them should bat no lower than 4.

I am beginning to think Asad should continue playing at 6 as he has done fairly well in that position and provides us with stability before the new ball is taken.

He should only bat up the order if we need a long rearguard from him i.e. we are facing a huge deficit or following on
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Misbah just mentioned in the pressed the number three is locked with shafiq long term
 
This is what Mickey prefers as he wants a batting allrounder at 6/7. This means Ammad, Yamin, Nawaz could be in for that slot.

Yes Babar is good, but Mickey would like an extra bowler.
 
Saj said:
He looked ok opening the batting and I guess he was the best choice for The Oval given the circumstances.

I must admit I've not been keen for Azhar to open the batting in Tests as I prefer him at number three. However given Hafeez's struggles this may now become a permanent feature with a place in the middle order now up for grabs.

Do you think Azhar should now become the regular opener in Test cricket or should he be moved back to number three?
Click to expand...

Sample size is small. But certainly can be given a shot.
Will prolong his career his ODI's as well as Tests this way..
 
endymion248 said:
What is Sami Aslam's FC average?
Click to expand...

Fair point but now that Sami Aslam has shown what great judgement he has of his off stump, it is very clear that he is one of the better openers in the country. Yes his number aren't great just like Babar Azam but that doesn't justify to include Babar just because Sami too got a chance.

Another point wrt to Sami's situation is that he plays at a position where we have had a lot of issues in recent times. So many lesser players have been selected so him getting a run in wasn't something out of the ordinary. Glad he took his chance. In case of Babar, he is eyeing to fit in one of the most solid middle order we had in recent times. The benchmark is higher as compared to our opening standards. No one will bother replacing Masood or Hafeez with any XYZ but there is a lot of competition going on for that middle order spot, better give it to someone who has proven his worth over time.
 
Faisalsq092 said:
Fair point but now that Sami Aslam has shown what great judgement he has of his off stump, it is very clear that he is one of the better openers in the country. Yes his number aren't great just like Babar Azam but that doesn't justify to include Babar just because Sami too got a chance.

Another point wrt to Sami's situation is that he plays at a position where we have had a lot of issues in recent times. So many lesser players have been selected so him getting a run in wasn't something out of the ordinary. Glad he took his chance. In case of Babar, he is eyeing to fit in one of the most solid middle order we had in recent times. The benchmark is higher as compared to our opening standards. No one will bother replacing Masood or Hafeez with any XYZ but there is a lot of competition going on for that middle order spot, better give it to someone who has proven his worth over time.
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Sure then the question is: who is a better candidate than Babar Azam?
 
Prince of Pakistan said:
This is what Mickey prefers as he wants a batting allrounder at 6/7. This means Ammad, Yamin, Nawaz could be in for that slot.

Yes Babar is good, but Mickey would like an extra bowler.
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Babar is an option for after YK/Misbah retire, though.
 
endymion248 said:
Sure then the question is: who is a better candidate than Babar Azam?
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As I said before, Fawad Alam is the best choice as per my opinion. The other candidates could be Haris Sohail (if fit), Mohammad Rizwan or any decent Batting All rounder out there. So Babar Azam for me is 4th or 5th in that order.

As I said, he is a wonderful player with hopefully a great career but at this stage he hasn't earned his spot yet.
 
Faisalsq092 said:
As I said before, Fawad Alam is the best choice as per my opinion. The other candidates could be Haris Sohail (if fit), Mohammad Rizwan or any decent Batting All rounder out there. So Babar Azam for me is 4th or 5th in that order.

As I said, he is a wonderful player with hopefully a great career but at this stage he hasn't earned his spot yet.
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Fawad Alam :)))

What year is this? It's been established he is rubbish at least 4 years ago.

Harris Sohail or Aamer Yamin/Mohammad Nawaz, true, I wouldn't mind.
 
azhar can open but shafiq is not a no.3... so making him open will make no.3 spot vacant... Haris or babar should fill in...
 
Time to open for hm

High time to bring Babar Azam and/or Haris Sohail
 
ask_analyse_act said:
azhar can open but shafiq is not a no.3... so making him open will make no.3 spot vacant... Haris or babar should fill in...
Click to expand...

How are two guys who have yet to play a test a better bet at number 3 than a guy who has scored a century. Besides this type of nonsensical wishful thinking doesn't really happen under misbah, so I would think babar Azam will start at 6.
 
He should be at #3 and Asad at #4 going forward once YK and Misbah are gone. Pakistan need to find another opener (though I think Hafeez is not a writeoff yet in the short term).
 
People here forget that Azhar 80% of the time opening the innings anyway the way Mr Hafeez or Mr. Masood went with their business.
 
Yes Azhur should open. Him and Sami look so much better than walking wickets hafeez and shaan.
Both have good techniques know how to leave the ball and can use the pace of the bowlers.
I see their partnership flourishing .
Let's not go back now.
Shafiq did well also add 3- it's time he took the mantle.
Hammad Azam at 7 sarfraz.
 
Didn't Shafiq say he was comfortable playing at 3 as he's played a lot of FC matches there ?

As for the openers, as someone who's witnessed nearly every lallu panju opener we've tried since Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail - now that we finally have a decent opening combination please just stick woth it for the foreseeable future.
 
Should give Jaahid Ali a chance but no problems with Azhar opening as long as it's consistent
 
Im Suds said:
Yes Azhur should open. Him and Sami look so much better than walking wickets hafeez and shaan.
Both have good techniques know how to leave the ball and can use the pace of the bowlers.
I see their partnership flourishing .
Let's not go back now.
Shafiq did well also add 3- it's time he took the mantle.
Hammad Azam at 7 sarfraz.
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Hammad is useless as his bowling doesn't add much. His bowling is only good for T20's. Mickey wants someone who can bowl 15-20 in a day.
 
Yes, definitely. Enough is enough. Since Taufeeq, we really haven't found a consistent opener that can play on all or at least most surfaces.

Sami is one, and now Azhar is another. Two such openers found together - we should be thankful! Today's attempt to chasing 40 was commendable, and these two showed what's to come in the future when they open together, iA.

So yeah, Azhar opening with Sami, with Asad at #3 sounds great.

Babar/Haris should slot in at #6 even though that doesn't seem an ideal position for them. Guess they can follow Shafiq's route, i.e. spend some time at #6 until there's space to move above (which shall be very soon with at least Misbah looking to go by early next year). By next year, Babar/Haris can move up to #5 assuming Misbah leaves and then we can draft in someone else at 6 (the other one of Haris/Babar or Rizwan).

The cycle continues once Younis retires.
 
Square Drive said:
Yes, definitely. Enough is enough. Since Taufeeq, we really haven't found a consistent opener that can play on all or at least most surfaces.

Sami is one, and now Azhar is another. Two such openers found together - we should be thankful! Today's attempt to chasing 40 was commendable, and these two showed what's to come in the future when they open together, iA.

So yeah, Azhar opening with Sami, with Asad at #3 sounds great.

Babar/Haris should slot in at #6 even though that doesn't seem an ideal position for them. Guess they can follow Shafiq's route, i.e. spend some time at #6 until there's space to move above (which shall be very soon with at least Misbah looking to go by early next year). By next year, Babar/Haris can move up to #5 assuming Misbah leaves and then we can draft in someone else at 6 (the other one of Haris/Babar or Rizwan).

The cycle continues once Younis retires.
Click to expand...

Our test team looks good for the future. Need to improve in odis.
 
Saj said:
He looked ok opening the batting and I guess he was the best choice for The Oval given the circumstances.

I must admit I've not been keen for Azhar to open the batting in Tests as I prefer him at number three. However given Hafeez's struggles this may now become a permanent feature with a place in the middle order now up for grabs.

Do you think Azhar should now become the regular opener in Test cricket or should he be moved back to number three?
Click to expand...

#3 is the hardest batting position to fill and Azhar Ali has a proven record at #3 so it does not make sense to move him from #3 unless Pakistan feels they have a better #3 than Azhar Ali.

I think Pakistan should try Ahmed Shehzad and Jaahid Ali as openers along with Sami Aslam.
 
Azhar not suited to 3 he is to defensive need to open in future Asad at 3 and Haris/Babar at 6
 
Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam should be our openers now. Shan Masood and Mohammad Hafeez should be dropped and Jaahid Ali should be the backup opener from now on.

Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam and Jaahid Ali can perform better in away Tests and at least comparable to Mohammad Hafeez in UAE.
 
He has an opener's approach already. Blunts the new ball. Besides he has been practically an opener for us his entire career, most of the time he was on the crease in the first 6-7 overs.

Those who consider him to be our most solid bat should be glad to have him as an opener. The opener is the most important position in tests. They have the toughest job of negating the new ball. With good openers the middle order becomes much more potent.
 
He should open along with Sami, kick Hafeez out of the team along with Sohail Khan. Bring Babar Azam and also one genuine fast bowling AR.
 
For WI tour Hafeez should come in as an opener and he has an excellent record in UAE. Plus he should clear his bowling test as well to give us that 5th bowling option. In New zealand/Aus Azhar should move up as opener and hafeez should drop down to 6 as with the old bowl he would be a beast as we know how quickly he can score. Plus additional bowling option is needed to cover Yasir shah and 3 fast bowlers.
 
Azhar is best opening option we have to go along with Sami so its a no brainer! This then allows shafiq to bat number 3 and Babar Azam can be slotted into the test side at number 6. Players like hafeez need to be completely dumped from tests going forward.
 
Pete Rose said:
How are two guys who have yet to play a test a better bet at number 3 than a guy who has scored a century. Besides this type of nonsensical wishful thinking doesn't really happen under misbah, so I would think babar Azam will start at 6.
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asad didnt bat at no.3 it was yasir shah who blunt the new ball.. still asad was edgy and dropped at the slip cordon...Babar azam is an opener, haris should his ability in CWC against pace and bounce... I bet Haris should be the no.3 in all formats, the only dynamic player but he needs to have the hunger to score daddy hundreds..
 
Amad isn't good enough to bat at number 7 brothers and we have to ask ourselves if yamin good enough a bowler to take some occasional wickets. We can not call them all rounders because they can bowl a few , they need to be able to bowl well. Better play a specialist batsman at number 6 for now , Babar azam for now.
 
cricketlover87 said:
For WI tour Hafeez should come in as an opener and he has an excellent record in UAE. Plus he should clear his bowling test as well to give us that 5th bowling option. In New zealand/Aus Azhar should move up as opener and hafeez should drop down to 6 as with the old bowl he would be a beast as we know how quickly he can score. Plus additional bowling option is needed to cover Yasir shah and 3 fast bowlers.
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That's not how test cricket works for batsmen. You have to be good enough to play in all conditions. Bowling compositions change because of pitches etc, but batsmen don't get to have a pin easy ride at home. Hafeez's test career is rightfully on ice.
 
ask_analyse_act said:
asad didnt bat at no.3 it was yasir shah who blunt the new ball.. still asad was edgy and dropped at the slip cordon...Babar azam is an opener, haris should his ability in CWC against pace and bounce... I bet Haris should be the no.3 in all formats, the only dynamic player but he needs to have the hunger to score daddy hundreds..
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All sounds like conjecture.
 
Azhar Ali has a game of an opener , take the shine off new ball. I think this can be Pakistan's best opening pair since anwar and Sohail If sami performs in the next few series. It won't be easy for them in newzealand and Australia and that's where their techniques and temperaments will be tested. As for now I don't see mohaad hafeez coming back into.the team barring any injury to any of aslam or azhar.

Asad will love batting in Australian conditions if they remain as phatta as in the recent years, I can bet that he will be our best bat in Australia. It's very important for us to win a test in Australia , to get future invitations frequently we should be able to show that we can compete. Its not good touring a country after 6 years.
 
endymion248 said:
Fawad Alam :)))

What year is this? It's been established he is rubbish at least 4 years ago.

Harris Sohail or Aamer Yamin/Mohammad Nawaz, true, I wouldn't mind.
Click to expand...

I am not sure who established that. Whoever it was, should look at his performances across all levels. I am hoping he gets a chance soon, no one deserves it more than him.
 
Faisalsq092 said:
I am not sure who established that. Whoever it was, should look at his performances across all levels. I am hoping he gets a chance soon, no one deserves it more than him.
Click to expand...

Keep hoping, that hack won't get anywhere near the test team.
 
Pete Rose said:
That's not how test cricket works for batsmen. You have to be good enough to play in all conditions. Bowling compositions change because of pitches etc, but batsmen don't get to have a pin easy ride at home. Hafeez's test career is rightfully on ice.
Click to expand...

Dear I Agree with you but he has been our best batsmen since 2010 if you look at the averages. Now if you go for his record at home and outside Asia including before 2010 then thats not fair. He had looked much better in England then in SA in 2013 and should have pressed to scrore big twice in first two tests but played wrong shots. Nothing wrong in technique which every one noticed for Younis. If he scores well he should be given chance to tour Australia especially him liking the bounce and pace.
 
cricketlover87 said:
Dear I Agree with you but he has been our best batsmen since 2010 if you look at the averages. Now if you go for his record at home and outside Asia including before 2010 then thats not fair. He had looked much better in England then in SA in 2013 and should have pressed to scrore big twice in first two tests but played wrong shots. Nothing wrong in technique which every one noticed for Younis. If he scores well he should be given chance to tour Australia especially him liking the bounce and pace.
Click to expand...

I understand your enthusiasm for him and I agree he did not look out of depth. But I think, Hafeez is out of the running for opener against West Indies. His best chance is middle order all rounder. But for that he needs to clear his action and perform well in the odi's in England as a start
 
Saj said:
He looked ok opening the batting and I guess he was the best choice for The Oval given the circumstances.

I must admit I've not been keen for Azhar to open the batting in Tests as I prefer him at number three. However given Hafeez's struggles this may now become a permanent feature with a place in the middle order now up for grabs.

Do you think Azhar should now become the regular opener in Test cricket or should he be moved back to number three?
Click to expand...

Pakistan team needs to move forward and bring in all rounders to bring more depth into the batting and bowling departments. Also to ensure the main bowlers stay fresh.

Putting Azhar Ali at 3 means bringing an extra batsman. Now I ask yourself do we really need more batsman? Besides Pakistan isn't producing good openers. If you look at Azhar Ali's game closely with his solid defensive and strike rate he is a better opener than a number 3.

Asad Shafiq is a better number 3 than a number 6 because in the latter he's not great when it come to batting with the tail or scoring quick runs which is occasionally required at this position.
 
This is a change that should have happend some time again. Azhar practically opens anyway, and lack the dynamism that a number 3 sometimes requires. It just makes the team so much more balanced
 
Future line up without Younis and Misbah

Azhar Ali
Sami Aslam
Haris Sohail
Asad Shafiq
Babar Azam
Sarfraz Ahmed
Muhammad Nawaz
Hasan Ali
Yasir Shah
Mohammad Amir
Mir Hamza
 
I have long advocated that Azhar opens and before Younis open from around 2005.

Not sure about Asad at 3 but the boy did well and I like our order now as we can bring in an all-rounder at 6 or 7 if Sarfraz eventually moves up.
 
Depends on whether we're thinking of giving Fakhar a chance or not. If we are, I would play Azhar at one-drop as a fail-safe if there's an early wicket. I also feel that Babar needs to be eased in. His test match technique against the moving ball leaves a lot to be desired.
 
Looking at his current performances I think it would be better if he batted at 3

Open with Fakhar and Imam/Sami

Fakhar
Sami/Imam
Azhar
Haris
Saad
Usman
Sarfraz
Fahim
Shadab
Hasan
Abbas
 
It's in Pak's interest if he opens but they will move him back to nr 3 if he keeps failing which could mean the end of Babar or Haris in test cricket (for the moment).

But yea with Azhar opening we have an extra option in the middle order.
 
Open. He's done so well opening in recent times. Century in England, double in Australia, 2 hundreds vs WI.
 
He's a better no. 3 in Tests.

Imam
Fakhar
Azhar
Haris
Asad
Sarfraz
Shadab
Faheem/H Ali
M Amir
R Ali
M Abbas
 
No way should Azhar be an opener. He is terrible against the moving ball. At least if he is no 3 he has a few balls to observe movement from the pavilion before being required.
 
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