What's new

Can Fakhar Zaman succeed in Test cricket?

Leo23

Leo23

Tape Ball Captain
Joined
Jul 8, 2017
Runs
1,067
Fakhar Zaman has always been written off by the majority

Before his heroics in odi cricket people were vocal about how he does not have the technique to survive in international cricket and is hack etc etc but he silenced them with his thunderous performances

Now the same people have not learned their lessons and have laughed off the idea that he might prove himself in test cricket as well

Technique is important but it does not over power mental strength and hard work and fakhar zaman has shown that he possesses immense character and self ability

In some ways he is very much like fellow mardan batting legend younis khan

Instead of persisting with failures like shehzad and masood in tests it is time to give fakhar zaman a chance so that he can prove his detractors wrong in test cricket as well

Sri Lanka are playing minnow level cricket at the moment and unleashing Fakhar on them on flat UAE pitches next month could be a master stroke and will do a world of good to his confidence which is already sky high.

He will also provide an attacking option because our test lineup can be very one dimensional at times with too many tuk tuk players
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Think he will. Glaring weaknesses but seems to be the guy who gets past it regardless of his flaws. Reminds me a lot of Sarfraz that way. Why he scores in ODIs he's a busy player like Sarfraz hence hard to pin down.

I do think he'd do better down the order though. I just don't know where to fit him down the order. I guess if the Haris Sohail experiment doesn't work, he could be tried middle order.
 
This question would have been perfectly answered had Fakhar played for Somerset in county cricket but PCB ruined it.

It would have been a perfect learning curve for fakhar to play in England against the county side, but PCB being PCB messed it up big time.

And the worst part is Amir will return to play county, i.e. this decision (to call back players) was worst for Fakhar
 
Should not be inducted in the Test side for at least a year if not more as people always think that if a player has done well in one format then get him in the other format too regardless of anything else.

Pakistan has always made the mistakes of picking players who do well in one format and play them in the rest and then destroy the player completely as it they are mentally weak and find it even tougher to comeback after such experiences.
 
No. Fakhar's technique against the short ball will be exposed in Test cricket.

Performances in matches against the white Kookaburra that doesn't swing an inch after a couple of overs on flat pitches does not mean you are equipped to play Test cricket.

Pakistan for too many years have failed to select the right players for the right formats. Let him stick to LOIs.
 
Markhor said:
No. Fakhar's technique against the short ball will be exposed in Test cricket.

Performances in matches against the white Kookaburra that doesn't swing an inch after a couple of overs on flat pitches does not mean you are equipped to play Test cricket.

Pakistan for too many years have failed to select the right players for the right formats. Let him stick to LOIs.
Click to expand...

Fakhar does not move his feet. Gets into awkward positions. What he has is great hand-eye coordination like Sehwag (who does not move his feet much either).

I think what separates someone like Sehwag and guys like Fakhar is the ability to handle short ball and playing straight when needed. As of now Fakhar is a bunny against short bowling. Sure he hit them for sixes on CT. But all of them were top edges and looked extremely awkward playing them. If he can show patience in ducking under the short ball, he can be handful in Test matches too.
 
Markhor said:
No. Fakhar's technique against the short ball will be exposed in Test cricket.

Performances in matches against the white Kookaburra that doesn't swing an inch after a couple of overs on flat pitches does not mean you are equipped to play Test cricket.

Pakistan for too many years have failed to select the right players for the right formats. Let him stick to LOIs.
Click to expand...

troodon said:
Fakhar does not move his feet. Gets into awkward positions. What he has is great hand-eye coordination like Sehwag (who does not move his feet much either).

I think what separates someone like Sehwag and guys like Fakhar is the ability to handle short ball and playing straight when needed. As of now Fakhar is a bunny against short bowling. Sure he hit them for sixes on CT. But all of them were top edges and looked extremely awkward playing them. If he can show patience in ducking under the short ball, he can be handful in Test matches too.
Click to expand...

Sharjeel was far better than Fakhir in both test and ODIs. He almost proved in both format. Sharjeel has much better pull and cut, than any Pakistani batsmen. He was able to do well in AUS, because of those strengths...If Sharjeel can ever get back, he is must in all three formats... On really seaming wickets, almost all openers fail and on not so seaming ones, Sharjeel can give you a start, others cannot... That was sort of template of players like Shewag/Warner/Hadden...Sharjeel much like Shewag should be able to handle spin much better than westerners, since he is from Asia...

Azhar is other must opener, who can handle anything and make sure ship is steady in test. In ODI, Sharjeel and Fakhir makes Pakistan from the most sissy opening pair in LOIs to the most daring one ;-)
 
I don't think it will go through now because I think Somerset said they had found a replacement. Although haven't heard about any official replacement actually being named so hopefully Zaman does come. He has his visa, he can't play T20 blast as he didn't play in the group stage but I think he can still play County Championship if the deal goes through but I doubt it will anyway.
 
Leo23 said:
fakhar zaman has always been written off by the majority

before his heroics in odi cricket people were vocal about how he does not have the technique to survive in international cricket and is hack etc etc but he silenced them with his thunderous performances

now the same people have not learned their lessons and have laughed off the idea that he might prove himself in test cricket as well

technique is important but it does not over power mental strength and hard work and fakhar zaman has shown that he possesses immense character and self ability

in some ways he is very much like fellow mardan batting legend younis khan

instead of persisting with failures like shehzad and masood in tests it is time to give fakhar zaman a chance so that he can prove his detractors wrong in test cricket as well

sri lanka are playing minnow level cricket at the moment and unleashing fakhar on them on flat uae pitches next month could be a master stroke and will do a world of good to his confidence which is already sky high

he will also provide an attacking option because our test lineup can be very one dimensional at times with too many tuk tuk players
Click to expand...

Yes he has good defence
 
Markhor said:
No. Fakhar's technique against the short ball will be exposed in Test cricket.

Performances in matches against the white Kookaburra that doesn't swing an inch after a couple of overs on flat pitches does not mean you are equipped to play Test cricket.

Pakistan for too many years have failed to select the right players for the right formats. Let him stick to LOIs.
Click to expand...

Let's see the other options.. Shan masood, who once got bounced by a bowler when the keeper was standing up, Shazad how got hit and dazed by a 70 mph delivery from Anderson!
 
Why not? His FC average is 40+, has about 20 innings of 50+ out of 60, that's around 1/3, which is quite decent. He is quite good actually against spin and a lefti - not a bad idea for No. 6.

People have a tendency to attach defensive players with Test cricket, but attacking players can also be very good Test player, even great Test player. May not be in top 3 because of weakness against moving balls & short balls, but he can easily be successful at 4 to 6. No. 6 needs a player who is good against spin but isn't a bunny of new ball - in that regard Sarfraz at 5 & FZ at 6 is a good mix & he is lefti.

Also, Misbah era made sure that the team combination remains as 6 batsmen who bats & 4 bowlers who bowls - and that in whole PAK there is only one batting all-rounder - Mohammad Hadeez. Fakhar can be a very good batting all-rounder, who can give 10-12 overs/innings.

Should have played for Somerset though for better judgements.
 
I have noticed this trend recently. We fans give way too much credit for 1-2 good innings. Same We did with Sami Aslam. Didn't let him establish his feat in any format(ODI/Test) and now he is out of the picture. Any player who plays 1-2 good innings we 'll start comparing him to the Lara or Miandad or Viv or any former greats.. Fakhar first need to play some 20-25 odis against quality Teams not Zim or Ire or WI.. prove his worth as a permanent opener for ODI then we can think about tests.
 
He has a lesser chance then Afridi to be successful at Test Cricket. Unless he can greatly amend his batting technique and psyche will remain a one day player.
 
He may even fail in ODIs with Afridi like commitment to high risk shots. Doesn't look like he has the technique and temperament for Tests.

I really hope he proves me wrong.
 
Watch him come into the test team within next years. he is a quick learner and works hard. He has all the shots and good temperament.
 
Abdullah719 said:
Good start to the FC season for Fakhar, 111 off 104 balls.
Click to expand...

Good start to the season for him, but it was against a pretty weak bowling attack. Here's hoping there is more to come!
 
No, bad technique, and could get figured out in odi

also no room in batting order for him, fawad should be playing ahead too
 
If his primary role is of a bowler who can bat, then it should be fine. Watching him bat in the champions trophy, even though he scored a lots of runs, he might be a hit or miss test player. He might not get away with some edges he does in the ODI, his technique against new ball seemed suspect. He can still be a useful bowling all-rounder though but cannot be a regular top order batsman at least for now. He can definitely improve and prove everyone wrong.
 
Should Pakistan also try Fakhar Zaman in Test matches?

Seeing him bat so well in overseas conditions in England and NZ plus his very good FC average has got me thinking why he has not made his test debut.

Certainly can do better than Masood.

Care to comment fellow PPers
 
Impressed by Fakhar yesterday. Seems to have calmed down a bit and tightened his technique.

But for now keep him in LOIs
 
Yes we should do it if we want Fakhar to become a 'tuk tuk' player.
 
Wouldn't be against it at all. He's also a good fielder and can bowl as well.
 
[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] did you watch him yesterday? Any difference in his technique do you think ?
 
babajee said:
[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] did you watch him yesterday? Any difference in his technique do you think ?
Click to expand...

Some changes indeed, but his batting strength is dependent on reflex/eye - I think, he is trying to play more with straight bat (it's coming down straight, rather than from left shoulder), he is driving with top hand (at least bringing top hand more, previously he was slicing with bottom hand even for cover drives). Also, first I saw him pulling on wrist only (not positioning back foot at all), now he is trying to get inside the line for horizontal bat shots.

I think, guy has a very good learning/listening habit, could have been a fantastic player had he been groomed under a pro coach at early ages. It might be too late for him to be a world class player who can average of 40 in combined Internationals, but he is an invaluable player in this PAK line-up, should bowl more as well, and a more than decent fielder. If he is to play Test, it's now or never, because guy is already near 30.

Also, he is a far better player of spin - if he plays Test, I would like to slot him at 6 or 7, so that his openers' instinct can be handy against 2nd ball, while he can dominate spin. Besides, he is a blaster, can add vital runs in quick time with tail open at one end. If the mind set doesn't change, Ul Haq will pick Usman for ODI than Fakhar in Test - PAK's batting philosophy at every level had been occupation, rather than scoring, regardless of format - otherwise Multan would have picked Mukhtar instead of Masood for PSL :14:
 
Times have changed, teams have taken the longer format to a whole new level.
Teams prefer to play a stroke player at no. 6 or 7. Take example of Quinton DeKock, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Marsh, Grandhomme. I remember this idea was first brought into practise by invincible Australia, when they used to make limited overs opener, Gilchrist, bat lower down the order in test cricket.
Many of us might think bringing Zaman in test cricket is an unnecessary step, but why not do what other teams do.
 
I agree with @ MMHS he should be batting at number 6 at Test level. There is nothing wrong with trying that. His batting in OD will also improve, by playing test matches. His defense and temperament to play longer innings.
 
Why not, as other than Azhar we don;t have any solid opening batsman with perfect technique . If Fakhar could score runs in England and now in NZL, his technique is not too bad.
 
I think he should talk to Virender Sehwag and get a few pointers. Will do a lot of good for him. David Warner credits Sehwag for his success in tests.
 
I think he can. I wasn’t sure initially but after the New Zealand series, he’s convinced me that he just might be capable to succeed in tests.

He has the application and mental toughness to possibly achieve a reasonable level of success.
 
USofA said:
I think he should talk to Virender Sehwag and get a few pointers. Will do a lot of good for him. David Warner credits Sehwag for his success in tests.
Click to expand...

This! Don't over think about foot work and stuff and just dominate. At the end of the day, one needs to score runs and he can
 
If a proper work out is done against his technique. I think all the confidence he got from playing ruthlessly in t20s and ODis will be shaken and that will pressurize him in shorter format. David Warner is exception. He should work on his technique and play more first class cricket and after playing 100,150 tests, he can be deployed at test level but this is not the time to expose him.
 
babajee said:
He’s got the temperament and hunger to play long innings.
Click to expand...
I can agree with that, but my concern is that we all know his technique isn’t the best and he has his fair share of issues such as that against the short ball. Test cricket is a ruthless place. You have fast bowlers bowling at you where you don’t feel comfortable, constantly, and they can afford to keep the ball in one spot for an extended period of time; and there isn’t as much of an opportunity to simply try to run down the other end- due to the nature of the field placements in tests. We also have to take into consideration that the red ball does more, and Fakhar IMO hasn’t displayed the capability to be able to manage the ball moving around for 10-15 overs. Remember this isn’t ODI cricket where the ball stops moving after 3-4 overs.

If he were to fail at the test level it may bring unnecessary changes to his game both mentally and technically. As of now he’s good enough for our pathetic standards in terms of openers in LO cricket, career stats of around 35 at a SR of 90 aren’t bad in the modern era and he’s capable of maintain such stats
 
Last edited by a moderator:
babajee said:
NO.

Don’t need another Azhar clone.
Click to expand...
As of now Imam is the right option, he isn’t a Sami in the sense that he’s going to blunt the ball until he gets out and nor is he an Azhar in which his role is to bat the entire innings. Imam is more than capable of playing at a SR of 50-60 which is fine in test cricket. Our top six should look something like:
Imam
Azhar
Haris
Babar
Salahuddin
Shafiq (last chance)
 
Hiraeth said:
I can agree with that, but my concern is that we all know his technique isn’t the best and he has his fair share of issues such as that against the short ball. Test cricket is a ruthless place. You have fast bowlers bowling at you where you don’t feel comfortable constantly and they can afford to keep the ball in one spot for an age and there isn’t as much of an opportunity to simply try to run down the other end- due to the nature of the field placements in tests. We also have to take into consideration that the red ball does more, and Fakhar IMO hasn’t displayed the capability to be able to manage the ball moving around for 10-15 overs. Remember this isn’t ODI cricket where the ball stops moving after 3-4 overs.

If he were to fail at the test level it may bring unnecessary changes to his game both mentally and technically. As of now he’s good enough for our pathetic standards in terms of openers in LO cricket, career stats of around 35 at a SR of 90 aren’t bad in the modern era and he’s calsble of maintains such stats.
Click to expand...

Let’s see - I just have a feeling he will be a great success.

He will finish with 40/95 ODI stats inshallah.
 
In Asia yes in the lower middle order at 5 or 6 for now then perhaps work his way up outside SC. In ODIs he would be my second pick as an opener (after Dhawan) for an ICC tournament as we know Rohit is a choker and Indian feather track small ground specialist.
 
backfootpunch said:
In Asia yes in the lower middle order at 5 or 6 for now then perhaps work his way up outside SC. In ODIs he would be my second pick as an opener (after Dhawan) for an ICC tournament as we know Rohit is a choker and Indian feather track small ground specialist.
Click to expand...
The boy has just started his career, do not overrate him.
Pakistan has a history of overrating batsman and then seeing their demise.
Btw does australia also have small grounds.?
 
jeeteshssaxena said:
The boy has just started his career, do not overrate him.
Pakistan has a history of overrating batsman and then seeing their demise.
Btw does australia also have small grounds.?
Click to expand...

I'm not overrating him because he's probably the best player of spin in Pakistan so deserves a go batting in the lower middle order in tests.

As for Rohit I am aware what you are alluding too and acknowledge he had an excellent tri series in Aus prior to the 2015 WC but let's also not forget that not a single one of those knocks was match winning (like that 170) because he was unable to push from 2nd to final gear until he reached his ton. Remember that wicket was a batsman's dream to score on and back then it was only up to 4 fielders allowed outside the circle so was it enough? No!!!

Secondly even with this great form behind him in Australia he choked in the WC despite having the advantage (compared to teams like SA, SL, Pak and etc) who didn't have this golden opportunity to participate in the tri series and therefore didn't have the same time to acclimatise to the conditions.

Finally let me make it clear I said I would pick Fakhar over Rohit in an ICC tournament, so I'm not saying he's the better batsman but you can't expect me to pick a choker on the big stage over a one man army (as a batting unit) who still somehow managed to clutch in every game and secure the CT for his side.
 
Last edited:
60/40. He'll perform more than half the time, but his lows will be very low. But I guess the question is how this will compare to other players success rate. I think he'll be worth trying in tests, but don't think he's ready yet, perhaps after the WC in late 2019.
 
backfootpunch said:
I'm not overrating him because he's probably the best player of spin in Pakistan so deserves a go batting in the lower middle order in tests.

As for Rohit I am aware what you are alluding too and acknowledge he had an excellent tri series in Aus prior to the 2015 WC but let's also not forget that not a single one of those knocks was match winning (like that 170) because he was unable to push from 2nd to final gear until he reached his ton. Remember that wicket was a batsman's dream to score on and back then it was only up to 4 fielders allowed outside the circle so was it enough? No!!!

Secondly even with this great form behind him in Australia he choked in the WC despite having the advantage (compared to teams like SA, SL, Pak and etc) who didn't have this golden opportunity to participate in the tri series and therefore didn't have the same time to acclimatise to the conditions.

Finally let me make it clear I said I would pick Fakhar over Rohit in an ICC tournament, so I'm not saying he's the better batsman but you can't expect me to pick a choker on the big stage over a one man army (as a batting unit) who still somehow managed to clutch in every game and secure the CT for his side.
Click to expand...

LOL at the delusion after just one innings. Rohit is an ODI beast and a test puppet. When someone performs for a few years and has comparable or better stats then make a point. This seems too similar to UA vs Kohli. Yes UA scored centuries when he started too. Calm down a bit jeez
 
And Now?? Please all PakPassioners lets stop trying to make our players "all-rounders", Let Fakhar focus on his batting, let Talat focus on his batting, let Hassan focus on his bowling.... What they have are gifts. Let them improve it, if they are successful in other departments then its an extra bonus!!
 
rhony said:
LOL at the delusion after just one innings. Rohit is an ODI beast and a test puppet. When someone performs for a few years and has comparable or better stats then make a point. This seems too similar to UA vs Kohli. Yes UA scored centuries when he started too. Calm down a bit jeez
Click to expand...

One innings?! This is the height of your delusion because he produced clutch knocks in every game of an ICC ODI tournament where every game he played was a knockout tie for Pakistan. I bet what you didn't know is that Agarker and Dravid on cricinfo rated him as the best batsman in the tournament, so this completely nullifies your argument when you say this comparison is analogous to the UA v Kohli because Umar Akmal hasn't done anything close to what Fakhar has done in ICC ODI events despite having played more of them.

Now from 2013 CT to 2015 WC and last year's CT can you name me one good knock from Rohit in any of these tournaments (except Bangladesh)? ODI beast LOOL:fz
 
backfootpunch said:
One innings?! This is the height of your delusion because he produced clutch knocks in every game of an ICC ODI tournament where every game he played was a knockout tie for Pakistan. I bet what you didn't know is that Agarker and Dravid on cricinfo rated him as the best batsman in the tournament, so this completely nullifies your argument when you say this comparison is analogous to the UA v Kohli because Umar Akmal hasn't done anything close to what Fakhar has done in ICC ODI events despite having played more of them.

Now from 2013 CT to 2015 WC and last year's CT can you name me one good knock from Rohit in any of these tournaments (except Bangladesh)? ODI beast LOOL:fz
Click to expand...

Let Fakhar score runs in AUS, SA and other countries for a period of time. One good knock and one good tournament is a good beginning. That's what it is , a good beginning. Unfortunately, u can't extrapolate in sport. UA had excellent innings in T20 world cups and even had a hundred in AUS. Not too long ago Jamshed scored hundreds for fun in India. Then there was Salman Butt who was supposed to be the next Anwar. So cool down, calm down and let Fakhar score runs consistently against all teams across the world for a few years like Rohit Sharma did. In a few years, once he succeeds in that we will all agree that Fakhar is a beast too.
 
Also, there is a honey moon period in international cricket for a year. They say, a batsman's toughest time is during his 2nd and 3rd years as there is enough footage to sort him out. So, let's wait and see
 
rhony said:
Let Fakhar score runs in AUS, SA and other countries for a period of time. One good knock and one good tournament is a good beginning. That's what it is , a good beginning. Unfortunately, u can't extrapolate in sport. UA had excellent innings in T20 world cups and even had a hundred in AUS. Not too long ago Jamshed scored hundreds for fun in India. Then there was Salman Butt who was supposed to be the next Anwar. So cool down, calm down and let Fakhar score runs consistently against all teams across the world for a few years like Rohit Sharma did. In a few years, once he succeeds in that we will all agree that Fakhar is a beast too.
Click to expand...

UA doesn't have a ton in Aus.

Look Fakhar may flop in the WC next year and beyond that but all I said was in my initial post on here is that I would rather pick him as an opener over Rohit in an ICC ODI event because one is a serial choker and the other has accomplished what no other Pak batsman has done for a whole tournament, so I don't see these comparisons with the likes of UA, Jamshed, Salman Butt and etc holding any relevance. He's a different animal to these guys since he doesn't crumble on the big stage or let fame get to his head - the latter has happened to many Pakistan players in the past; Umar Akmal being a notable example.
 
backfootpunch said:
UA doesn't have a ton in Aus.

Look Fakhar may flop in the WC next year and beyond that but all I said was in my initial post on here is that I would rather pick him as an opener over Rohit in an ICC ODI event because one is a serial choker and the other has accomplished what no other Pak batsman has done for a whole tournament, so I don't see these comparisons with the likes of UA, Jamshed, Salman Butt and etc holding any relevance. He's a different animal to these guys since he doesn't crumble on the big stage or let fame get to his head - the latter has happened to many Pakistan players in the past; Umar Akmal being a notable example.
Click to expand...

Yes. My bad. He had a century in NZ initially in his career and not AUS. Too many batsman have come and flaked out in the Pakistani team. Fakhar has done something that nobody did and like I said it's a good beginning. For all we know he could be the man of the series in the WC 2019 or could be an utter flop. Same is the case with Rohit Sharma. Just dissing someone that proved himself over the years with beastly stats is not the way to go. Rohit averages 50 with SR of 90 in the last 3 to 4 years and BD is not the only team he plays. If he scores a 100 and if his team loses, you can't say he is a loser. It's Babar, Hafeez and co. that propelled the score to 340 in CT final too. So like I said, give the new batsman a chance to establish and prove himself for a few years.
 
Zaman did well in challenging conditions in NZ where many of our other batsmen failed.

With Sami Aslam's form going downhill, it may be worth considering Zaman as a Test opener with Azhar Ali, though he needs to work on playing the short ball.
 
Think in Tests, he will be more comfortable in subcontinent rather than in England, SA or NZ.
Short ball and temperament are his big enemies. Looks to try to hit out during stranglehold stages which can play into the opposition's favour.
 
Fakhar can absolutely make it in tests, will be better than Shan Masood and Ahmad shahzad and babar. I remember Sharjeel playing quite well in the 3rd test in Australia.
 
We need attacking batsmen, even in Test cricket. His FC record is not bad. He should replace Shan Masood. Fawad Alam should replace Ahmad Shahzad, the latter is even boring in Test cricket.
 
If Sehwag can, then so can Zaman. Both rely on hand eye coordination.

Sehwag was solid in defense. Zaman has decent technique.
 
troodon said:
If Sehwag can, then so can Zaman. Both rely on hand eye coordination.

Sehwag was solid in defense. Zaman has decent technique.
Click to expand...

Wrong Comparison

Sehwag played freely cause he knew if he fails then there is Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman to follow. F. Zaman doesnt have the luxury.
 
Don't think Fakhar has it in him to play Tests ... yet. He threw away almost every opportunity in the PSL when the team needed him the most.
 
DeadBall said:
Don't think Fakhar has it in him to play Tests ... yet. He threw away almost every opportunity in the PSL when the team needed him the most.
Click to expand...

You’re judging his temperament from T20 cricket......
 
DeadBall said:
Yes. He was in a position to help his team win but he threw it away due to various brain fades.
Click to expand...

Firstly T20 isn’t even his strongest format and secondly the mindset is completely different to ODI/Test.
 
FZ might not be successful in Test as opener. Even in his short career, I have seen him too many times getting caught in the arc (WK to point), and he is uncomfortable against short ball. It's not that he is scared of anything short, but it's out of his comfort zone and often I have seen him going crazy against short staff - Morne exploited that and in Test, as opener, teams can target him with new ball. But, he can be a good Test middle order, for his spin play and attacking instinct; preferably at 6.
 
MMHS said:
FZ might not be successful in Test as opener. Even in his short career, I have seen him too many times getting caught in the arc (WK to point), and he is uncomfortable against short ball. It's not that he is scared of anything short, but it's out of his comfort zone and often I have seen him going crazy against short staff - Morne exploited that and in Test, as opener, teams can target him with new ball. But, he can be a good Test middle order, for his spin play and attacking instinct; preferably at 6.
Click to expand...

Would you not even try him as opener?
 
MMHS said:
FZ might not be successful in Test as opener. Even in his short career, I have seen him too many times getting caught in the arc (WK to point), and he is uncomfortable against short ball. It's not that he is scared of anything short, but it's out of his comfort zone and often I have seen him going crazy against short staff - Morne exploited that and in Test, as opener, teams can target him with new ball. But, he can be a good Test middle order, for his spin play and attacking instinct; preferably at 6.
Click to expand...

No. 6 is typically for second new ball no?
 
babajee said:
Would you not even try him as opener?
Click to expand...

No - a player should be backed for his strength, not to fit in the team, because a slot is open. Couple of failures will crash his confidence and end result will be disaster in every format.

PCB has destroyed several young batsmen by either playing them at wrong format or at wrong spot - FZ shouldn't be in that cursed list. Before him, among many Taufique was forced to open in ODI and end result was premature end of a career, which could have broken Javed's Test total before YK. Then, YK was played as ODI No. 3, which ended in bigger disaster. And, after 10 years, finally a Pro has decided not to be politically correct - to say that Amin & Haris doesn't belong to T20 cricket (though both were called in NZ in T20 by high profile CS - must be after consultation with team management)............... PCB & it's CS might have called back Asad for T20, if he had a decent PSL, they have kept a 19/85 PSL opener to feast on "WINDIES".

Azhar is one of the Test openers and hopefully he remains there for next 4/5 years as a 40+ average player (not, career end average - he is at 46-47 now, next 4/5 years, even close to 35 average should keep it over 40 on overall career; I am talking about a minimum of next 35-38 Tests for 2300-2500 runs @ around 40-41 average). And, hopefully he retires for PAK LO team to manage that.

For the other opener's spot they should look from U23 openers, if possible U19 - Sami, Imam, even Saud (he batted at 3, opening shouldn't be a big issue) or may be a new kid. In a 6+1+4 combination, I'll open with Azhar and one lefti opener, Babar at 3 (he has to succeed at 3, or get dropped - if he doesn't succeed at 3, chances are less that he'll do that from 5/6), Haris at 4 and Asad at 6.

There is an open slot at 5 (which should have been Asad, but he is comfortable at 6, should be left there) - Fakhar, Talat can be an option, but my choice was Saad. Sarfraz is Captain, so PCT has to carry him (& he has to carry his body), I would have picked Umair Masood right now in squad and in XI after UK tour. Uamir played U19 cricket 2+ years back, which is enough time - he'll forget more than what he'll learn from QeA style, if he isn't brought under Arthur soon.

+ 4 bowlers - 3 pacers & Yasir outside Asia (& Hari/Saud supporting with SLAO), 2+2 in Asia.

However, no new player should be debuted in next 2 Tests - rather I would say call back MoHa, Fawad, Shan & Ahmed. After that ZIM & UAE - otherwise situation will be in favor of Ul Haq to keep average age of the team 30+.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

mominsaigol
[VIDEO] Fakhar Zaman: A Career ruined by Nepotism, Greed and Corruption
Replies
51
Views
2K
Ball Blazer
Ball Blazer
FearlessRoar
  • Poll Poll
[PICTURES] Imam-ul-Haq named as replacement after Fakhar Zaman ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 [Post Updated #59]
2 3
Replies
202
Views
8K
FearlessRoar
FearlessRoar
Ball Blazer
[REPORT] New PCB Central Contracts set to include Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf
Replies
27
Views
1K
mominsaigol
mominsaigol
mominsaigol
Saim Ayub vs Pakistan's big 3 (Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan)
Replies
53
Views
3K
ufcfan
U
The Bald Eagle
[VIDEO] Eid with the stars! Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman & Naseem Shah join host Wahab Riaz for a special interaction
Replies
63
Views
3K
mominsaigol
mominsaigol
Back
Top