History shows that Imran Khan was finished as a bowler at Sohail Khan's age

[Junaids]

This week I have heard Imran Khan (the PM) head up as an example of why Sohail Khan's selection for the tour of England is justified even though he will be 36 years 5 months old.

Let's just consider the facts here:

1. Imran Khan's Test record before the age of 36 years 5 months:
341 Test wickets in 75 Tests at an average of 22.04. Strike Rate 52.07.

2. Imran Khan's Test record after the age of 36 years 5 months
21 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 35.28. Strike Rate 81.00.

3. Sohail Khan's Test record before the age of 33 years, let alone 36!
27 Test wickets at an average of 41.66. Strike Rate 67.7.

The great Imran Khan was faster and fitter and better in every respect than Sohail Khan.

Yet even he was finished as a bowler by the time he was the age that Sohail Khan is now. He limped on for 2 more years as a Test cricketer who was basically a batsman and captain who bowled a little bit to give Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis a rest.

But the warning signs that Sohail Khan was finished were blindingly obvious even four years ago. He could get people out in the first innings: he had the skill and was just about quick enough (then).

But in the second innings he was always down on pace and just hopeless: here is the comparison of his bowling stats in the opposition's first and second innings:

Sohail Khan First Innings bowling record:
24 wickets in 201 overs at an average of 31.50. (Strike rate 50.4)

Sohail Khan Second Innings bowling record:
3 wickets in 103 overs at an average of 123.00. (Strike rate 206.0)

What on earth got this man a recall? Is he supposed to be better than Imran Khan at this advanced age?

Or does Pakistan simply have a coach incapable of processing how most players decline with advancing age?

 

[TeamPak95]

At the very least, him and Imran Khan sr selections I question the most.

 

[Junaids]

At the very least, him and Imran Khan sr selections I question the most.

They show that Misbah is massively incompetent as Chief Selector.

There are only two options: incompetence or misconduct (selecting his friends).

 

[pratiktc]

Let us hope he is there as an experienced net bowler.
As a serious player selection makes no sense

 

[Mir jibran]

Let us hope he is there as an experienced net bowler.
As a serious player selection makes no sense

I also think that he along with imran Khan has been selected to help the main team practice
He should not play at all

 

[Junaids]

I also think that he along with imran Khan has been selected to help the main team practice
He should not play at all

Will practising against 118K “fast” bowlers prepare them to face Jofra Archer and Mark Wood?

 

[Mir jibran]

Will practising against 118K “fast” bowlers prepare them to face Jofra Archer and Mark Wood?

I dont know whats the logic behind picking these out dated bowlers
But i think these are the first choice top 5 picks for the test series
Abbas
Shaheen
Naseem
Wahab (since misbah said he is ready to play test)
Shinwari

 

[shamaan]

Will practising against 118K “fast” bowlers prepare them to face Jofra Archer and Mark Wood?

That's why wahab is in the squad
Sohail similar to woakes and Anderson obvs not in the same league thou

 

[shamaan]

I dont know whats the logic behind picking these out dated bowlers
But i think these are the first choice top 5 picks for the test series
Abbas
Shaheen
Naseem
Wahab (since misbah said he is ready to play test)
Shinwari

Archer wood wahab similar pace
Woakes Anderson sohail imran

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Sohail khan has a 50 against Australia which not many of our batters have

Let's compare him to Faheem ashraf who can't bat to save his life

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Sohail Khan and Imran Khan are going to England.

Misbah will probably send Hasnain and some other youngster home to recall M Irfan midway through the series.