Mohammad Wasim as Chief Selector for Pakistan - performance watch

[Thunderbolt14]

Did a popular job, I must say and I can see as well. The home fixture also allows him some space & it’s always easier to please fans if you are allowed to pick 20 men for two home Tests - 5-6 popular spots can be accommodated. And, he brought technology (MS excel & power point) in PAK’s selection process as well - impressive.

Overall, I am sure 9-10 of his starters for first Test would have been picked by any other CS as well because these are actually automatic picks for PAK. Few drops like Naseem, Shan & Haris were also expected after the NZ show. Hasan Ali was due to return - no cake for that either. Dropping 26 years old Gohar for 35 years old Nauman didn’t bring “critics” here because it doesn’t fit the agenda now and Gohar also was debuted to fail at Hagley, guy batted well though.

I think, Wasim did take a bold call to bring few domestic performers, but his 20 men cavalry keeps the field open for Babar (& Misbah) to pick & choose for playing XI - therefore I’m not sure how many of Butt, Saud, Nawaz, Sajid, Nauman, Tabish, Rauf, Aga, Abdullah or Ghulam will get a game - though I expect at least two new faces for 1st Test.

Also, I hope he has a chat with Babar & Azhar that the later will open, otherwise Saud is being forced out again - this time by Butt or Abdullah, none deserves it over Saud.

Depending on the track, I expect PAK to go with at least two proper spinners, if not 2.5 and his selection keeps those options open - he has picked every single player I would have picked for my match squad of 14 - I’ll give 8+ only for that; rest is on Babar, the recently empowered PAK captain, who can pick is 11 of match day now.

Expecting a slow turner at Karachi but the wicket is not likely to burn much in January, therefore ideally, this’ll be my playing XI:
Abid
Azhar
Saud
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Faheem
Yasir
Nauman
Hasan
Shaheen

If it’s really that dry a track, may be they can think of dropping Shaheen (yes, Shaheen - not the best with old ball and very little reversing capacity on dry surface) for Nawaz, Ghulam or even Sajid. Otherwise at least 9 players including Faheem selects select themselves.

That would have been my 14 as well, so kudos to Wasim.

I have roughly the same team - why Nauman over Sajid who spins it the other way?

 

[MMHS]

I have roughly the same team - why Nauman over Sajid who spins it the other way?

SAF are poor against SLAO and they’ll play at least 5-6 right handers in top 8. If Haris was there, may be he could have allowed Sajid over Nauman.

 

[Ahson8]

SAF are poor against SLAO and they’ll play at least 5-6 right handers in top 8. If Haris was there, may be he could have allowed Sajid over Nauman.

Saud can bowl some very decent left arm spin too. Fawad as well

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Saud can bowl some very decent left arm spin too. Fawad as well

Precisely, and they are very very decent.

1. Azhar Ali
2. Abid Ali
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Hassan Ali
9. Yasir Shah
10. Sajid Khan
11. Shaheen Afridi

In addition to Saud and Fawad, Azhar Ali’s legspin can also be used. And if the pitch is extra dry, Kamran Ghulam comes in for Faheem who provides a SLAO option as well.

I’d like an offie in there for variety. Btw [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] it’s not all righties, you have Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock there as well.

 

[MMHS]

Saud can bowl some very decent left arm spin too. Fawad as well

It won’t work when you make wickets for spinners. Part-time spinners work when you need them to manage over rate or bowl few tight overs and as [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] will tell, contribute with bat. On turners, you need 2-3 spinners to bowl at least 75% overs - that’s like 65-70 by two specialists and may be another 35 by the third spinner - that’s around 170 overs of spin out of 200-220, depending on the batting duration, it can be by even more.

Best combination is probably what India does - play two specialist pacers for short, but impactful spells; two master spinners for the heavy duty and a batsman who can bowl upto 12+23 overs of spin. Those runs by Ashwin & Jadeja makes India almost unbeatable at home - imagine two players with 23-25 bowling average and 35-38 batting average ... and they bowl around 130 overs/Test for 10-12 wickets. That’s like having two Imrans in playing XI.

Test cricket is specialists job - instead of these “all-rounder” fascination, I’ll always pick 6+4 combination unless the all-rounder is capable of making it as 5th batsman or 4th bowler. Here, I have picked Faheem because guy batted really well in NZ, and excluding Amir (& Abbas), he is the most intelligent PAK pacer right now!!!!!!

 

[MMHS]

Precisely, and they are very very decent.

1. Azhar Ali
2. Abid Ali
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Hassan Ali
9. Yasir Shah
10. Sajid Khan
11. Shaheen Afridi

In addition to Saud and Fawad, Azhar Ali’s legspin can also be used. And if the pitch is extra dry, Kamran Ghulam comes in for Faheem who provides a SLAO option as well.

I’d like an offie in there for variety. Btw [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] it’s not all righties, you have Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock there as well.

Don’t you think I know Elgar & Kock bats left handed and one is MoS in last series, other one is WK-Captain!!!!!

That’s why 5-6 out of top 8 comes - Markram, Van D, Faf, B’ma & Moulder are almost certain to start, my hunch is the other one will be either Verryenne or Petresen, both right handed. In fact, Mahraj will bat at 8-9 and he is also right handed.

 

[Ahson8]

It won’t work when you make wickets for spinners. Part-time spinners work when you need them to manage over rate or bowl few tight overs and as [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] will tell, contribute with bat. On turners, you need 2-3 spinners to bowl at least 75% overs - that’s like 65-70 by two specialists and may be another 35 by the third spinner - that’s around 170 overs of spin out of 200-220, depending on the batting duration, it can be by even more.

Best combination is probably what India does - play two specialist pacers for short, but impactful spells; two master spinners for the heavy duty and a batsman who can bowl upto 12+23 overs of spin. Those runs by Ashwin & Jadeja makes India almost unbeatable at home - imagine two players with 23-25 bowling average and 35-38 batting average ... and they bowl around 130 overs/Test for 10-12 wickets. That’s like having two Imrans in playing XI.

Test cricket is specialists job - instead of these “all-rounder” fascination, I’ll always pick 6+4 combination unless the all-rounder is capable of making it as 5th batsman or 4th bowler. Here, I have picked Faheem because guy batted really well in NZ, and excluding Amir (& Abbas), he is the most intelligent PAK pacer right now!!!!!!

Fair enough, but I don't really have high expectations from Nauman. Most of his wickets came at NBP and UBL grounds, his record at National Stadium was terrible.

 

[b.lesner]

It was a badtameez first selection

 

[Thunderbolt14]

It won’t work when you make wickets for spinners. Part-time spinners work when you need them to manage over rate or bowl few tight overs and as [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] will tell, contribute with bat. On turners, you need 2-3 spinners to bowl at least 75% overs - that’s like 65-70 by two specialists and may be another 35 by the third spinner - that’s around 170 overs of spin out of 200-220, depending on the batting duration, it can be by even more.

Best combination is probably what India does - play two specialist pacers for short, but impactful spells; two master spinners for the heavy duty and a batsman who can bowl upto 12+23 overs of spin. Those runs by Ashwin & Jadeja makes India almost unbeatable at home - imagine two players with 23-25 bowling average and 35-38 batting average ... and they bowl around 130 overs/Test for 10-12 wickets. That’s like having two Imrans in playing XI.

Test cricket is specialists job - instead of these “all-rounder” fascination, I’ll always pick 6+4 combination unless the all-rounder is capable of making it as 5th batsman or 4th bowler. Here, I have picked Faheem because guy batted really well in NZ, and excluding Amir (& Abbas), he is the most intelligent PAK pacer right now!!!!!!

Who do you think Misbah and Babar will play? And what combination?

 

[shamaan]

Just selective biasness by people here.

Misbah made same selections when getting hasnain, Musa and Naseem in.

Anyways, lets see how the selections play out. If they perform they are good selections than.

He dropped mohammad Abbas, that was really really harsh. It makes no sense to drop a guy that avgs 22 with the ball. Only to be replaced by Harris Rauf, a guy who has played i think 2 first class games

Tabish is more of replacement with abbas like for like and a work horse

 

[shamaan]

What have you seen in Zafar that convinces you that he has a future at the higher level. From what I have seen of him he isnt a FC level bowler.

i personally would have felt disheartened if i got dropped after game wouldnt you? Wasim said hes in consideration for the shorter formats and needs abit of work done this states that hes not far off ?

 

[Suleiman]

Some of his selections are definitely a bit off, but I can only blame him so much with the talent level currently available...

At least he is using logic and reason for selection to an extent rather than which player gave him the stink eye at the high performance center hallway and which player’s Abba Jan gave him some goodies.

 

[shamaan]

Overall very happy with selection ,

My onky beef is Hamad azam deserved a spot over Nawaz

And Abdullah Shafiq’s has not got the Performances in first class cricket to merit section

They already have a fahim so it would mske no sense having two all rounders thier espicallh in Pakistan

 

[shamaan]

Very happy with the selection of the 20 .baring haris rauf the selection was fair and all bases were covered but i get why rauf was picked.i expect haris,kamran ghullam,Nauman ali,abdullah and one of nawaz of agha or nawaz to miss out

 

[Bewal Express]

i personally would have felt disheartened if i got dropped after game wouldnt you? Wasim said hes in consideration for the shorter formats and needs abit of work done this states that hes not far off ?

It was terrible selection by Misbah and MW didn't see any point in picking him. What you don't do is to continue with a poor selection. As I said to your well before the tour, I don't rate him at all, I would go far as to say he is a barely a FC spinner.

 

[Bewal Express]

Precisely, and they are very very decent.

1. Azhar Ali
2. Abid Ali
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Babar Azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Hassan Ali
9. Yasir Shah
10. Sajid Khan
11. Shaheen Afridi

In addition to Saud and Fawad, Azhar Ali’s legspin can also be used. And if the pitch is extra dry, Kamran Ghulam comes in for Faheem who provides a SLAO option as well.

I’d like an offie in there for variety. Btw [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] it’s not all righties, you have Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock there as well.

Have you seen Sajid Khan bowl?

 

[Last Monetarist]

It was terrible selection by Misbah and MW didn't see any point in picking him. What you don't do is to continue with a poor selection. As I said to your well before the tour, I don't rate him at all, I would go far as to say he is a barely a FC spinner.

I don't recall Zafar being a part of the original touring squad, was he drafted in as a late replacement due to injury?

I agree that Wasim could not have persisted with a flawed selection and all these complaints for continuity are misguided.

 

[Bewal Express]

I don't recall Zafar being a part of the original touring squad, was he drafted in as a late replacement due to injury?

I agree that Wasim could not have persisted with a flawed selection and all these complaints for continuity are misguided.

Anybody that had seen him in the last year could foresee how this was going to work out. Its laughable that people can't see that he isnt very good.

 

[shaz619]

Am just glad he used MS PowerPoint, I guess not everyone is a monkey in the truck

 

[ask_analyse_act]

I think today they will finalise the last 16 if I’m right

 

[shoaibkhan83]

Well I made a video on the first team selected by Mohammad Wasim. Please have a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDAPrEWI1gM

 

[shamaan]

I think today they will finalise the last 16 if I’m right

They proberly waiting for the corna test to come back before finalising the 16

 

[ataullah]

4 dropped out of 20 are:

Abdullah shafiq
Agha Salman
Nouman Ali
Muhammad Nawaz

Source: Syed Yahya Hussaini--Geo

 

[Shoaibbtt]

4 dropped out of 20 are:

Abdullah shafiq
Agha Salman
Nouman Ali
Muhammad Nawaz

Source: Syed Yahya Hussaini--Geo

Seriously???? Has he confirmed on his YouTube Channel? Numan i wouldn't have dropped seeing as he'll be a great contributor on day 4/5.

 

[ataullah]

Seriously???? Has he confirmed on his YouTube Channel? Numan i wouldn't have dropped seeing as he'll be a great contributor on day 4/5.

Yes on score program. He mentioned this team:


PAKISTAN test squad for first test against SA.
1-Azhar Ali
2-Abid Ali
3-Saud Shakeel
4-Babar Azam (Captain)
5-Fawad Alam
6-Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7-Faheem Ashraf
8-Hasan Ali
9-Yasir Shah
10-Sajid Khan
11-Shaheen Shah Afridi
#PakvsSA

Nouman spins it same direction as yasir so i think sajid is better choice

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Yes on score program. He mentioned this team:


PAKISTAN test squad for first test against SA.
1-Azhar Ali
2-Abid Ali
3-Saud Shakeel
4-Babar Azam (Captain)
5-Fawad Alam
6-Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7-Faheem Ashraf
8-Hasan Ali
9-Yasir Shah
10-Sajid Khan
11-Shaheen Shah Afridi
#PakvsSA

Nouman spins it same direction as yasir so i think sajid is better choice

The guys on here have mentioned before that you shouldn't take his word as gospel so we'll see what happens but anyways, good news for us followers is that Pakistan is expected to start nets session tomorrow so we'll get to see some action.

I am hoping against hope that the top 5 especially come great at NSK, cause they all have phenomenal records on that ground. Judging by the first innings score during the ongoing QeA trophy it's tough to work out whether to bat first or bowl first but one thing is for sure you don't wanna be batting a lot on day 4/5 as teams have gotten bundled out to spin.

I maintain though that Pakistan has probably been battered and bruised by the NZ bowlers that this bowling line up might be a breath of fresh air and plus this wicket should assist our batsmen.

 

[ataullah]

The guys on here have mentioned before that you shouldn't take his word as gospel so we'll see what happens but anyways, good news for us followers is that Pakistan is expected to start nets session tomorrow so we'll get to see some action.

I am hoping against hope that the top 5 especially come great at NSK, cause they all have phenomenal records on that ground. Judging by the first innings score during the ongoing QeA trophy it's tough to work out whether to bat first or bowl first but one thing is for sure you don't wanna be batting a lot on day 4/5 as teams have gotten bundled out to spin.

I maintain though that Pakistan has probably been battered and bruised by the NZ bowlers that this bowling line up might be a breath of fresh air and plus this wicket should assist our batsmen.

He said قوی امکانات ( strong possibility) i think it seems right but nouman ali would be hard done by...let's see anyway as its not confirmed yet

 

[azimiqbal]

What I do not understand is how are you going to play said shakil at number 3 when he does not bat there for his domestic side ?

 

[ataullah]

What I do not understand is how are you going to play said shakil at number 3 when he does not bat there for his domestic side ?

Let's wait and see. He could come at 4 and babar 3...let's wait and see

 

[Thunderbolt14]

He said قوی امکانات ( strong possibility) i think it seems right but nouman ali would be hard done by...let's see anyway as its not confirmed yet

It’s his own prediction. Yahya Hussaini doesn’t have many friends in the PCB, and especially not Mohammad Wasim. I’ve seen his “reports” over the years and it’s almost always a good guess, but wrong.

If he’s right, it’s because he guessed right, not because he knows insider info.

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

I think the 4 dropped will be

Haris
Abdullah
Nauman
Agha

 

[MenInG]

So did he do a good job with selecting Nauman Ali?

 

[Amjid Javed]

So did he do a good job with selecting Nauman Ali?

Good selection in terms of a good 2nd spin option. There will be certain Fake pakistan fans who will come on here and say that there is no long term thinking in selecting such an old player.

Facts pakistan need to select players according to conditions they are playing in. Pakistans team selection here has been good.

 

[Junaids]

Good selection in terms of a good 2nd spin option. There will be certain Fake pakistan fans who will come on here and say that there is no long term thinking in selecting such an old player.

Facts pakistan need to select players according to conditions they are playing in. Pakistans team selection here has been good.

Fair point, but how would Sajid Khan have done.

Nauman and Yasir both spin it in the same direction, whereas Sajid would have offered more variety.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Fair point, but how would Sajid Khan have done.

Nauman and Yasir both spin it in the same direction, whereas Sajid would have offered more variety.

Nauman got selected and job do, no point worrying about if player x,y,z were selected. Doesnt matter if both spinners turn it same way, naumans control allowed Yasir to go out on full attack so they bowled well as a pair.

If Sajid gets picked at some point good luck to him.

 

[Greenstorm]

On selection of Imran butt, Waseem said that he also took into account the fact that he is the best slip fielder in Pakistan.

Now Imran took 3 catches in this test. A good selector with the appropriate coaching staff can make a lot of difference even to talentless bunch like ours. I hope thaat Misbah-Waqar are replaced by professionals at the end of this series.

 

[Junaids]

Nauman got selected and job do, no point worrying about if player x,y,z were selected. Doesnt matter if both spinners turn it same way, naumans control allowed Yasir to go out on full attack so they bowled well as a pair.

If Sajid gets picked at some point good luck to him.

I do respect your point of view!

I guess for me the issue is this. Pakistan can’t reach the 2021 World Test Championship Final. So I think a home win against a weak South Africa is less important than giving experience to people like Sajid Khan who could get the team to the 2023 or 2025 Final.

I know Nauman Ali can do this job. I also know that Zafar Gohar cannot.

But I’d rather see whether Sajid Khan or Mohammad Asghar can do it.

 

[Bigboii]

I do respect your point of view!

I guess for me the issue is this. Pakistan can’t reach the 2021 World Test Championship Final. So I think a home win against a weak South Africa is less important than giving experience to people like Sajid Khan who could get the team to the 2023 or 2025 Final.

I know Nauman Ali can do this job. I also know that Zafar Gohar cannot.

But I’d rather see whether Sajid Khan or Mohammad Asghar can do it.

Sajid ok
but Asghar is just not good enough for int cricket and never will be
Especially for test cricket

I'll honestly be surprised if he was playing in first 11 fc cricket
That's how bad he is in red bowl!

 

[Titan24]

On selection of Imran butt, Waseem said that he also took into account the fact that he is the best slip fielder in Pakistan.

Thats pretty good for a team like Pak which can drop quite a few on the bad days and its also not like Pak had luxury of many top quality openers competing for the spot. I would rather have a decent player who can provide something extra like batsman who can bowl a bit or field well or bowler who can score some runs lower down the order than to pick players almost similar in terms of capability but, without providing anything other than their core skill.

Unless someone is a world class talent, which I dont think we have many currently then that little bit of extra skillset becomes really important as it can add something to the overall team performance. That also lifts the morale which is very important for team like Pak which can get bogged down when things dont go their way.

 

[shamaan]

I do respect your point of view!

I guess for me the issue is this. Pakistan can’t reach the 2021 World Test Championship Final. So I think a home win against a weak South Africa is less important than giving experience to people like Sajid Khan who could get the team to the 2023 or 2025 Final.

I know Nauman Ali can do this job. I also know that Zafar Gohar cannot.

But I’d rather see whether Sajid Khan or Mohammad Asghar can do it.

To be honest nuaman is a spinner he can play for alot longer.as for Sajid he will get his opportunity but he must take it when he gets it

 

[zacattakk]

I do respect your point of view!

I guess for me the issue is this. Pakistan can’t reach the 2021 World Test Championship Final. So I think a home win against a weak South Africa is less important than giving experience to people like Sajid Khan who could get the team to the 2023 or 2025 Final.

I know Nauman Ali can do this job. I also know that Zafar Gohar cannot.

But I’d rather see whether Sajid Khan or Mohammad Asghar can do it.

Asghar!?! He wasnt even good enough in the domestic first class season. It would have been criminal to select him for the national team.

 

[javedhashmi]

Asghar!?! He wasnt even good enough in the domestic first class season. It would have been criminal to select him for the national team.

Over all Mohammad Wasim has done a excellent job while selecting pakistan squad . Only I have two submissions on his selection. !. He has ignored a youngster with lot of talent and potential. i am tallking about Hussain talat ,He Is such a player who can serve pakistan in all three formats for the next ten years.In recent Quaid azam trophy He played 3 matches due to shaheens tour and got average of 88.in pakistan cup 2021 he played 6 matches and got 232 runs at average of 65. He was top scorer for Shaheens on a tour of new zealand averaging over 50.He current form is excellent and he has tremendously improved his hitting power. 2, no doubt Tabish khan is outstanding on domestic circuit, But keep in mind his current age is 36. I think in his place some emerging young fast bowler should have been selected. We can made media happy in selecting tabish but if

 

[MenInG]

The T2O squad will be announced tomorrow - lets see if domestic performers also figure in this?

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

The T2O squad will be announced tomorrow - lets see if domestic performers also figure in this?

Will be interesting to see if he considers Sharjeel Khan and Azam Khan.

These are Sindh's better T20 players.

 

[Omer2002]

Will be interesting to see if he considers Sharjeel Khan and Azam Khan.

These are Sindh's better T20 players.

I doubt they will be as they have gine to abu dhabi...i did.notice Fakhar wasnt playing in semis for KPK today i hope he isnt selected as doesnt warrant it

 

[Sheraz]

Salam all. Really impressed with rizwan hussain in pakistan cup. Wouldnt mind him opening for us with sharjeel in t20’s. Thoughts?

 

[moghul]

Waseem is new , I will give him more time to make a firm opinion about him . But, by bringing in Pindi boys Haris and Nawaz in test squad and playing Abid Ali and not giving debut to Saud , he looks like another of the long line of insecure Pakistani selectors who stamp their name on the squad selected by "higher authorities ".

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

I doubt they will be as they have gine to abu dhabi...i did.notice Fakhar wasnt playing in semis for KPK today i hope he isnt selected as doesnt warrant it

If Hafeez is going to make it then it shouldn't be an issue for other T10 participants as well.

 

[Shahzad1985]

Rumours are still that the fitness levels set by Misbah, Younis Khan and Waqar are not by Azam And Sharjeel, I just cannot see Misbah agreeing to them being in the team even unless his completely over riden by M Wasim and enforces the players on him. Misbah has also banged on about fitness constantly in the last year or so while he was selector. My best team for the T20s however would be;

Sharjeel
Babar
Haider
Hafeez
Hussain Talat
Azam Khan
Khushdil or Iftikhar
Imad
Hasan
Shaheen
Haris

I’m not sure what Hafeez bowling situation is and why he does not bowl anymore but if he did this would be a pretty decent team and can get a couple of overs out of Hussain Talat too.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Waseem is new , I will give him more time to make a firm opinion about him . But, by bringing in Pindi boys Haris and Nawaz in test squad and playing Abid Ali and not giving debut to Saud , he looks like another of the long line of insecure Pakistani selectors who stamp their name on the squad selected by "higher authorities ".

You do realise that the team gets picked by captain and coach, so Abid being in the team has zero to do with Mohammad Wasim. He picked Nawaz as he could be a spin bowling all rounder (as opposed to a pace bowling all-rounder in Faheem). Nawaz also did very well in the QeA trophy this year, so his pick was merited.

Haris was included to give the captain an out and out 90 mph enforcer, as there's non other in domestic cricket. Mohammad Wasim clearly stated in his presser that where there aren't performance based options in domestic cricket, players will get picked on potential. Given that Haris is the only 90mph bowler in Pakistan who can play the enforcer role, his pick, whilst head line making, does make sense.

So no, if you'd bothered to see his press conference where he actually explained his picks, you'd see that he's potentially a very good selector InshAllah.

 

[Square Drive]

The T2O squad will be announced tomorrow - lets see if domestic performers also figure in this?

What time will it be announced?

 

[Ahson8]

what time will it be announced?

2:15 pm pst

 

[Rellu_Katta]

should rest Shaheen Shah Afridi ... maybe play hassan ali

1) Sharjeel
2) Babar
3) Haider
4) Shadab
5) Rizwan
6)Imad
7)Faheem
9) Aamir Yamin
10) Hassan Ali
11) Usman Qadir

Batting till no 10 who can strike big
6 bowling options
3 seamers... 3 spinning options....
Rotate Usman with Zahid and maybe Rizwan with Azam khan

 

[shah_1]

Waseem is new , I will give him more time to make a firm opinion about him . But, by bringing in Pindi boys Haris and Nawaz in test squad and playing Abid Ali and not giving debut to Saud , he looks like another of the long line of insecure Pakistani selectors who stamp their name on the squad selected by "higher authorities ".

Wasim has no say in the playing 11

 

[silent ischemia]

Muhammad Wasim has to make a big decision today. It's regarding the selections of Azam and Sharjeel. They may be the best strikers of the ball in the country but there fitness is way off the mark to deserve a place in the national team. If he selects them, then nothing is changed and we have another yes man in the office

 

[Shoaibbtt]

The T2O squad will be announced tomorrow - lets see if domestic performers also figure in this?

InshAllah they deserve a chance

 

[Yk313]

What are the original batting positions of Usman S, Kamran G, Saud S for their respective domestic sides?

Is none of these batsmen a normal No.3? If not, PAK will need to force Azhar up at some point in all likelihood.

Might be a controversial take but it may be worth keeping all three of the above in the squad looking at over FTP for 2021/22. Azhar and Fawad might just bow out at the same time creating a similar situation to earlier. Abid may be out sooner.

Despite the lack of runs in the latest season, Usman appeared to be more circumspect than a lot of other batsmen in domestics based on some outings. Has the historic runs under his belt too going from comments here.

If his fitness is reasonable then his being c. 30 years of age should not be the deal breaker.

 

[Last Monetarist]

What are the original batting positions of Usman S, Kamran G, Saud S for their respective domestic sides?

Is none of these batsmen a normal No.3? If not, PAK will need to force Azhar up at some point in all likelihood.

Might be a controversial take but it may be worth keeping all three of the above in the squad looking at over FTP for 2021/22. Azhar and Fawad might just bow out at the same time creating a similar situation to earlier. Abid may be out sooner.

Despite the lack of runs in the latest season, Usman appeared to be more circumspect than a lot of other batsmen in domestics based on some outings. Has the historic runs under his belt too going from comments here.

If his fitness is reasonable then his being c. 30 years of age should not be the deal breaker.

Salahuddin bats at number 3. Shakeel and Ghulam typically bat at 4, but Shakeel also has a bit of experience batting at 3.

 

[Yk313]

Salahuddin bats at number 3. Shakeel and Ghulam typically bat at 4, but Shakeel also has a bit of experience batting at 3.

If that’s Usman’s regular position then it could be worth trying him as an opener if Azhar is to not relinquish No.3.

Most strong No.3s are capable of opening the batting. On top of that it’s been very rare in the last two decades to have the No.3 come out to bat after the first 10-15 overs.

On most occasions he will be facing the new ball so it may make sense to have him in the contention for the opening slot anyway.

 

[Last Monetarist]

If that’s Usman’s regular position then it could be worth trying him as an opener if Azhar is to not relinquish No.3.

Most strong No.3s are capable of opening the batting. On top of that it’s been very rare in the last two decades to have the No.3 come out to bat after the first 10-15 overs.

On most occasions he will be facing the new ball so it may make sense to have him in the contention for the opening slot anyway.

Yes, that's my view too. Salahuddin has been used to facing the new ball because the openers at Central Punjab are about as useless as the ones in the Pakistan test team. He has a compact technique, which is much tighter than that of any opener Pakistan has tried over the last 15 years or so. I think he'll be able to cope if he is asked to open.

 

[observer1]

The selections seem to have come good.

Abid Ali and Imran Butt not firing at opening is nothing new for Pakistan unfortunately. It's been rare for a long time that Pakistan had a consistently strong opening set up.

 

[Yk313]

Yes, that's my view too. Salahuddin has been used to facing the new ball because the openers at Central Punjab are about as useless as the ones in the Pakistan test team. He has a compact technique, which is much tighter than that of any opener Pakistan has tried over the last 15 years or so. I think he'll be able to cope if he is asked to open.

Let’s hope if it happens he pulls it off. Given our standards if he can average 35 and bat out 20-25 overs, it will be a tolerable start.

Think he’s only played one Test in ENG in 2018.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Off to a flyer of a start. Saffers whitewashed

 

[burger_uno]

TINA and the case of pakistani selection mystery

solved: the case of pak selection mystery

the issue has vexed supporters for many a year. its almost a holmesian mystery.

brain-trust is very smart which is why they are survivors. their is a method to the madness. some of their selections are patsies who are almost guaranteed to fail. others remain with the team because they make seniors look good. so asad shafique plays 60 odis with b.a. of 23 while iftikhar stays with international setup for nearly five years while may be playing 3 innings of note. their failure is guaranteed and so is the dhol for return of seniors some whom are pushing 40s. since cupboard is bare so here comes TINA - There Is No Alternative. those who make it by merit are given short shift and down the rabit-hole they go on couple of failures. those who succeed play the game in return. every era creates new dawn but then lather, rinse and repeat. we can only hope.

 

[Mr Crickekter]

He should select squad of only 15 players...
Because all his selection is ruined by coach, captain and team management...
e.g
If he will select a squad of 20 players, it means some low average players will also be in that squad... And we all know that our coach will play only these low grade players..

 

[shamaan]

decent start for the cheif selector id say about 7/10

 

[MenInG]

So Wasim's first overseas tour selection - how will he do?

 

[MenInG]

So Wasim's first overseas tour selection - how will he do?

So is he doing OK?

My view is that he isnt doing any worse than others but should Pakistan come back successful from this tour, he will probably be crowned as our best CS!

 

[Shoaibbtt]

So is he doing OK?

My view is that he isnt doing any worse than others but should Pakistan come back successful from this tour, he will probably be crowned as our best CS!

He's already justified his role i feel with his selection of the South Africa series which in my view was a big series.

I don't mind the odd experiments but the persistence of Abid i feel is not right (nothing against him just feel his form is bad) other than that the other selections have been ok in my view.

 

[shamaan]

He's already justified his role i feel with his selection of the South Africa series which in my view was a big series.

I don't mind the odd experiments but the persistence of Abid i feel is not right (nothing against him just feel his form is bad) other than that the other selections have been ok in my view.

Defonitely the only selection i wasnt happy about was abid ali hes had enough opportunities but then again i think they went with abid becouse they proberly dont want to induct abdullah in the test team yet.

Also think they should have picked an extra batter in the t20 instead of a pacer.

Other than that thier was some good inclusion for example dahani,arshad iqbal and sharjeel

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Defonitely the only selection i wasnt happy about was abid ali hes had enough opportunities but then again i think they went with abid becouse they proberly dont want to induct abdullah in the test team yet.

Also think they should have picked an extra batter in the t20 instead of a pacer.

Other than that thier was some good inclusion for example dahani,arshad iqbal and sharjeel

I mean no point moaning or whining about a few experiments, overall on paper the test squad is fine. Media people are never happy as well, they keep saying that Asad is being harshly done with which i don't think he has comparing his stats this season to Hammad Azam, Saud Shakeel, Usman Salhuddin, Agha Salman etc all middle order he's been nowhere near compared to them plus not to mention Azhar, Fawad and Babar are performing so where exactly does he fit in???? Nothing against Asad i wish him the best but no way is he being done harshly.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Pretty good, other than Abid Ali being selected, 9/10.

 

[Titan24]

I like the way he is trying to transition youngsters in the national setup based upon their strong areas as well as recent form.

Saud Shakeel - Test and ODIs
Haider Ali - ODIs an T20s
Abdullah Shafique - Test and ODIs
Shahnawaz Dahani - Test
Arshad Iqbal - T20s
Mohammad Wasim Jr - ODIs and T20s
Usman Qadir - After decent start to T20s has been transitioned to ODI setup

Obviously performances depend upon number of things but, I personally like this process of transitioning the youngsters in the national setup. Yes the argument of transitioning youngsters to the national team a it early still remains but at the same time quality of last gen players have created a gap which every selector tries to fill. Atleast these guys performed in the domestic formats they are selected in and carried the form even in some other formats except Abdullah Shafique in ODIs who is probably selected upon potential for longer formats.

 

[Canistani Hero]

Fantastic work again Mo Wasim. Credit is due where credit is due

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Overall, I am quite happy with Wasim's work. I have some major reservations on his picks and have expressed them. But hey, you can't make everyone happy.

He is a breath of fresh air after Misbah wasted his powers picking Irfan, Musa, Shafiq, Naseem etc.

Let the seniors sweat a bit. I hope he stays for 3 years.

 

[Shafi]

Wasim is far better than Inzamam for sure except here and there some wrong selections like Sarfraz in all formats, Abid in test...
Mickey would have performed better had Wasim was the selector.

 

[Saj]

A few concerns:

Sarfaraz Ahmed in all 3 formats
Abid Ali and Imran Butt as Test openers
Lack of communication with players as the Yasir Shah episode has confirmed
Abdullah Shafique's selection having only played 1 List A and 1 First-class match
Haris Sohail's dropping from ODIs
Usman Salahuddin not being picked in the Test squad
Imad Wasim's dropping
The treatment of Kamran Ghulam

Apart from the above, great.

 

[Zaz]

A few concerns:

Sarfaraz Ahmed in all 3 formats
Abid Ali and Imran Butt as Test openers
Lack of communication with players as the Yasir Shah episode has confirmed
Abdullah Shafique's selection having only played 1 List A and 1 First-class match
Haris Sohail's dropping from ODIs
Usman Salahuddin not being picked in the Test squad
Imad Wasim's dropping
The treatment of Kamran Ghulam

Apart from the above, great.

The above is more than a little concerning

These should set alarm bells ringing as they are glaring and obvious errors and something you expect better from a chief selector who said domestic performers and those deserving would be selected and transparency and communication would be of the highest order

 

[Ahson8]

The above is more than a little concerning

These should set alarm bells ringing as they are glaring and obvious errors and something you expect better from a chief selector who said domestic performers and those deserving would be selected and transparency and communication would be of the highest order

Is Haris & Imad's dropping for Saud and Nawaz really that bad a decision ? I mean I understand both are good players, but esp in the Haris case, I don't feel its the worst decision to go for a youngster than a guy who doesn't have the best fitness / is injury prone and may not make it to WC 23

 

[Zaz]

Is Haris & Imad's dropping for Saud and Nawaz really that bad a decision ? I mean I understand both are good players, but esp in the Haris case, I don't feel its the worst decision to go for a youngster than a guy who doesn't have the best fitness / is injury prone and may not make it to WC 23

Its a 50-50 decision on harris I agree his fitness is awful n hes not doing himself any favours

Imad has been avging 50 with the bat in odis over the last 2-3 years and hes a very good finisher for pakistan You cant justify that or the several other deicisons saj has highlighted