There are some good observations and comments in this post, although some are downright pessimistic. There is no harm in being pessimistic, knowing how the system works in our country. Reading these comments I also get interested to give my 2 cents.
First, I want to give my opinion on Pak vs Eng encounter, and later on what lies ahead for the PCB and pak cricket.
1) Semi game vs England : Mission accomplished for PCB, that would have been the target in mind for people in charge might have set before coming into CT, knowing our current standing and the way we are playing cricket for some time. This would have also de-stressed the people who are actually bearing the brunt on the field, including players, coaches, and to some extent selectors. While no body is giving us a chance in semis (rightly so, considering how England has played so far), still this is a chance to give good run to our younger players in the game and who knows we might see a surprise. My team for semis would be
Azhar : Yes, I will persist with him , he is important to ensure no situation of 10/2 or 20/4, and Fakhar can play his natural game without thinking about wickets from other end. I still don't understand why he is over doing it. His role is to keep one end , give strike to other batsman. Instead, he is also trying to hit the ball, which he is not good at doing. He should be thinking his role as accumulator, getting 50/60 at 80-90 strike rate would be in his mind.
Fakhar : Good so far
Babar : Disppointed with his dismissals, may be Umar Akmal influence, but God knows
Hafeez : Should be dropped , Should go with Haris Sohail, at least Haris can not play worse than Hafeez
Malik : No choice, but should be there
Sarfaraz: Ok
Imad : Well, his case is curious. While his bowling ensures there are no freebies and he keeps run rate under check, his batting lacks lot to be desired. Still I think, he is a good batsman and should bat at no. 5/6. This guy takes some time to settle and then can up the tempo, as seen in last England tour where he averaged almost 80.00 in 4 ODI's. He should be given more responsibility.
Fahim : Good so far
Amir, Junaid and Hasan
I think this is the best line up we can play against England.
Many are shouting for Shadab Khan, I think playing him would be little tricky if we are not getting any turn from the wicket. I would be little conservative here, as if he has off day vs Englnd, it would be confidence-denting for him.
2) Way to go forward
I think its ok to back youngsters no matter what the result will be against England.
Also, for Mickey and Co. , they have achieved their target of at least reaching to semis (as nobody has given them a dime for pak team in this CT). and also credit must be given to Mickey to introduce new blood in the team, that was some courage.
Pakistan team in 80's and 90's were dangerous because they have given many chances to youngsters which we have not seen in last 5/6 years. Misbah's era if remebered for some stability in tests, has also seen the non-introduction of young players. Instead we have seen the same oldies returning again and again in the team. This could not be Misbah's fault as selectors of post spot fixing era has turned blind eye to the young players.
With his liking for youngsters, in my opinion Mickey has the right intent. At the same time it is also important to not on board players like Akmals, Hafeez, Khurram Manzoor,Shehzad,etc.etc again. We have seen enough of these guys, and they should be discarded forever.
We have been hearing of rebuilding phase in Pak cricket for over last decade, rebuilding can not happen if system does not bring young blood in the team. If this could be.. the right rebuilding phase has started for pakistan.
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