"My records will always be there whether I get incentives or not" : Fawad Alam

[MenInG]

Fawad Alam speaking to the press at the end of 2nd Day's play

"Every batsman knows the match situation when he goes into bat; The ball wasn't coming on to the bat that well and they took the new ball much later, and as you saw we scored faster after the new ball was taken; In fact the bounce is getting lower as the day progresses and also the pitch is getting slower; We were trying to score runs faster so we must give credit to openers for playing so well an setting up a platform for us to use when we came to bat later in the order"

"My acting stint is a side show which I will do whenever I get a chance but my first priority is cricket because of which we are known to the world - no one would know who Fawad Alam is if I didn't play cricket; My only focus is on cricket and to perform for Pakistan whenever I am given a chance to do"

"The more runs we score, the better it will be for our bowlers as it will allow us to put more pressure on the opposition and also set attacking fields as well"

"It is the effort of all batsmen today that we are at this position where we have scored 374 runs; We had planned to score 300 runs or so in the day so we were short by about 25 runs which is a little short; After the quick fall of Azhar Ali and Babar Azam's wicket we came under pressure and had to see off that period and overall I feel we did well today; Ball was coming a little slowly on to the bat and so it was difficult to pick gaps so maybe that is why our run-rate is being talked about"

"There are 3 more days to go and its up to us to avail this opportunity for our benefit"

"Only if I score a hundred will the celebration matter; First its important to score the century then to think about the celebration and when that happens, we always thank the Almighty and only after that we celebrate"

"My first priority is get rid of these cramps that are bothering me now! Tomorrow when I come back on the crease, I will look to add more runs for the team and of course to my own total as well; I hope that your prayers of my scoring 200 runs are accepted and that I am able to avail this opportunity"

"I am happy with what I have; There are players who are desperate to play a Test match for Pakistan and have not been able to do that; This is why I don't think much about this because I was nowhere maybe six or seven months ago; To perform for Pakistan is the biggest incentive there is; My records will always be there whether I get an incentive or not; My focus is only on performance for my country"

 

[MenInG]

Pictures from today's innings

 

[Muhammad Saad]

He is a humble lad and an asset for Pak test team.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Stay humble like this and keep your head down. Well done today!

 

[Muhammad Kaleem]

Thoroughly enjoyed his inning. He should go for a double century.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Thoroughly enjoyed his inning. He should go for a double century.

My dua is he makes a double inshAllah, he was great today and the aggression in which he played just showed that M.Yousaf has had a positive impact on him.

 

[Caved12]

All the experts in Pakistan who were against him, should come out and apologize to him and admit that they don't understand how this game should be played. If someone is averaging 55 plus for 10 straight years, you don't question his technique. Just select him and give him a run of at least 6 to 10 matches.

 

[King-Misbah]

Shafiq robbed this guys career and PCB should be ashamed. Fawad should be on A* Contract and his earnings should then be doubled/tripled because he was wronged.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

All the experts in Pakistan and this forum who were against him, should come out and apologize to him and admit that they don't understand how this game should be played. If someone is averaging 55 plus for 10 straight years, you don't question his technique. Just select him and give him a run of at least 6 to 10 matches.

I think the thing people don't appreciate is that he doesn't settle for a low score when he gets himself in, when he gets to 50 he knows to convert to big figures.

All 3 occasions now that he's come out to bat has been under pressure. Fine we didn't cross the line or draw against NZ but we were real close. However, the knock against SA and today were under pressure when the team needed runs most.

I really want him to be a part of our test fixture for 7 years (subject to fitness levels). Some people excel with age and some deteriorate and he's shown no such deterioration.

This guy would've had 10,000 runs in my book had he been given the chance 10 years ago and so far i'm pleased with his knock and feel he's definitely gotten better.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Shafiq robbed this guys career and PCB should be ashamed. Fawad should be on A* Contract and his earnings should then be doubled/tripled because he was wronged.

I would blame Haroon Rashid for that and not Shafiq.

 

[MenInG]

Inzamam-ul-Haq speaking about Fawad Alam:

“If you look at Fawad Alam’s strike, it was around 70-80 which was around 30-35 runs more than the other batsmen. He kept the pressure on the opposition’s bowling through boundaries, single and doubles and also ensuring that he didn’t face many dot balls,"

“The good thing about Fawad Alam is that when gets set, he goes for three figures rather than throwing away his start. When he will come out to bat tomorrow, I’m sure he will be thinking about scoring a double century"

 

[hitthestump]

I would blame Haroon Rashid for that and not Shafiq.

Harsh to blame one man! Nobody wanted to give Fawad a chance. And Shafiq didn't continually pick himself.

 

[PakHammer]

He has proved me wrong. Just looks like what we needed, a reliable middle order test batsman. Keep it up Fawad and don't let your standards drop.

 

[King-Misbah]

Inzamam-ul-Haq speaking about Fawad Alam:

“If you look at Fawad Alam’s strike, it was around 70-80 which was around 30-35 runs more than the other batsmen. He kept the pressure on the opposition’s bowling through boundaries, single and doubles and also ensuring that he didn’t face many dot balls,"

“The good thing about Fawad Alam is that when gets set, he goes for three figures rather than throwing away his start. When he will come out to bat tomorrow, I’m sure he will be thinking about scoring a double century"

Another culprit praising Fawad now! It is the same Fawad (Mr Inzi)

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

PCB should be ashamed of the way they treated Fawad Alam.

Fawad Alam's First Class record: 176 games; 13023 runs; at 56.13 average with 38 tons....

To put things in perspective, Alam averages more than 16 runs/innings in comparison to Asad Shafiq in FC cricket...

PCB in a nutshell.

 

[Firebat]

Travesty that all these years were wasted, but that's in the past. He's here now, he's supremely fit and he's playing beautifully. Hope he can keep in shape and serve us for a few more years to come. He looks utterly determined to do it, so I've no doubt he can.

 

[King-Misbah]

Can we sign a petition or something so that Fawad is put on a unique contract so his earnings are more? Just a suggestion because I feel for him and realise the grave injustice.

 

[Majid Khan]

PCB should be ashamed of the way they treated Fawad Alam.

Fawad Alam's First Class record: 176 games; 13023 runs; at 56.13 average with 38 tons....

To put things in perspective, Alam averages more than 16 runs/innings in comparison to Asad Shafiq in FC cricket...

PCB in a nutshell.

I would be curious to know if the rest of the batsmen who have played more tests than Fawad in last 10 years , even combined together have 38 centuries at first class cricket level.

Apart from Hafeez who is an undisputed batting legend for Pakistan and would be up there with Geoff Boycott and Zaheer Abbas with the most 100s and double centuries in first class cricket, I am unsure of the others.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Inzamam-ul-Haq speaking about Fawad Alam:

“If you look at Fawad Alam’s strike, it was around 70-80 which was around 30-35 runs more than the other batsmen. He kept the pressure on the opposition’s bowling through boundaries, single and doubles and also ensuring that he didn’t face many dot balls,"

“The good thing about Fawad Alam is that when gets set, he goes for three figures rather than throwing away his start. When he will come out to bat tomorrow, I’m sure he will be thinking about scoring a double century"

I wish Inzamam had this keen analytical eye when he was chief-selector, instead of now when he is a YouTuber. Would have actually benefitted Pakistan cricket instead of his views counter, and wouldn't have wasted the career of a hard-working and highly deserving cricketer.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Harsh to blame one man! Nobody wanted to give Fawad a chance. And Shafiq didn't continually pick himself.

Yes, that's fair but i'm gonna blame Haroon because he first picked Shafiq a guy averaging 40 in FC in comparison to others like Fawad averaging +50.

 

[Hasan123]

He clearly knows how to get 100s and still an excellent player of spin.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Can we sign a petition or something so that Fawad is put on a unique contract so his earnings are more? Just a suggestion because I feel for him and realise the grave injustice.

Yes because petitions have an incredible success rate...

Also, this is ridiculous. First off, our centrally contracted players are not paid in peanuts. Second, no matter who you are, playing for your country is a privilege. Its not about the money and it shouldn't be either. And I'm pretty sure Fawad feels the same way judging by his statements.

 

[Markhor]

But but he's a hockey player whose time has gone.

 

[Mamoon]

The celebration, the statements.

Does him and the other players realize they are effectively playing a club cricket match?

This Zimbabwean bowling attack cannot be considered Test level.

Our players are proper minnows.

 

[shaz619]

The celebration, the statements.

Does him and the other players realize they are effectively playing a club cricket match?

This Zimbabwean bowling attack cannot be considered Test level.

Our players are proper minnows.

He has a hundred against the no.1 test team in their backyard to though

 

[Mamoon]

He has a hundred against the no.1 test team in their backyard to though

Which didn’t help Pakistan win or draw the game because he bottled it in the last session. He also averaged 10 in England.

 

[shaz619]

Which didn’t help Pakistan win or draw the game because he bottled it in the last session. He also averaged 10 in England.

That was his first tour after a long time I think ? bit harsh when up against Jimmy. I think he would do better on a return tour now after some games behind his belt. Pak are too weak as a team overall, but a hundred against NZ in NZ counters the argument that he’s a minnow basher like an Abid Ali, Fawad regardless is punching above his weight after losing his prime years

 

[gazza619]

The celebration, the statements.

Does him and the other players realize they are effectively playing a club cricket match?

This Zimbabwean bowling attack cannot be considered Test level.

Our players are proper minnows.

Fawad scores 100s against quality attacks of NZ and SA and you call them baby hundreds. He scores against Zim you say it is a club attack.

Do you ever have anything positive to say?

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Currently our best player of spin in Tests. Playing spin was a hole that the retirement of Misbah and Younis created. Azhar Ali is probably our second best now with Babar still developing.

 

[Saj]

Nice response to a question that could have landed him in trouble.

Country first, monetary awards later.

But when you are also an aspiring actor, you don't need to worry about rupees from cricket

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Nice response to a question that could have landed him in trouble.

Country first, monetary awards later.

But when you are also an aspiring actor, you don't need to worry about rupees from cricket

In my eyes he's never been greedy and this is the mind set we want. He's a guy who will break his back for the team.

 

[Saj]

In my eyes he's never been greedy and this is the mind set we want. He's a guy who will break his back for the team.

Had the pleasure of meeting him many times over the years and he has never whined, complained or said anything bad about any team-mate, selector or PCB official to me. Even away from interviews when sat chatting, he has never said anything derogatory about anyone.

Instead he has always said that whatever was in his fate happened and there was no use crying over spilled milk and wondering what could have been.

 

[Amjad007]

Hi guys , this is my first post.

The only constant that has been present that has constantly excluded Fawad Alam year after year is misbah. First as captain then as coach. Hope Fawad becomes captain and the first thing he does is sack misbah .

Anyway looking forward to Fawad scoring a double hundred tomorrow.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Had the pleasure of meeting him many times over the years and he has never whined, complained or said anything bad about any team-mate, selector or PCB official to me. Even away from interviews when sat chatting, he has never said anything derogatory about anyone.

Instead he has always said that whatever was in his fate happened and there was no use crying over spilled milk and wondering what could have been.

Love it, I would've wanted to chat to the guy myself to at least give him congrats and then leave him alone.

Today's knock mattered with the circumstances in my view, however i want to see big things from him in WI as that will be testing conditions.

Be like Khabib i say head down and focused on securing a legacy.

 

[Zaz]

Had the pleasure of meeting him many times over the years and he has never whined, complained or said anything bad about any team-mate, selector or PCB official to me. Even away from interviews when sat chatting, he has never said anything derogatory about anyone.

Instead he has always said that whatever was in his fate happened and there was no use crying over spilled milk and wondering what could have been.

Seems like a great guy Wish him all the success in the world

Pakistan cricket needs more cricketers like him both on and off the pitch

 

[Ami]

What a waste of talent...utter waste.
Of course, he could have played for the best part of last 10 years with or without Asad Shafiq.

We've always struggled with opening batters ...like forever...so asking Azhar to open with any Tom, Dick and Harry would have meant his inclusion in the middle order, pre Babar days, would have made the middle order even stronger.

Imagine...

Azhar
a bat?
Fawad
Younis
Misbah
Asad

 

[Mainul]

Had the pleasure of meeting him many times over the years and he has never whined, complained or said anything bad about any team-mate, selector or PCB official to me. Even away from interviews when sat chatting, he has never said anything derogatory about anyone.

Instead he has always said that whatever was in his fate happened and there was no use crying over spilled milk and wondering what could have been.

I find this quality as really amazing, very very rare now a days. Every human being should possess this quality.

 

[gazza619]

Fawad Alam should be brought back to ODIs.

 

[PakPremi]

Pakistan team are lucky to have two classy and skillful individuals playing for them, Rizwan and Fawad.

 

[PakPremi]

Fawad Alam should be brought back to ODIs.

I see no reason why he would not succeed in ODIs.

 

[gazza619]

I see no reason why he would not succeed in ODIs.

Yep he would defo do better than Danish Aziz, Asif Ali and Iftikhar.

 

[Wajih145]

Top knock today mashallah, fawad proving all doubters wrong

 

[Zeshan547]

I think the thing people don't appreciate is that he doesn't settle for a low score when he gets himself in, when he gets to 50 he knows to convert to big figures.

All 3 occasions now that he's come out to bat has been under pressure. Fine we didn't cross the line or draw against NZ but we were real close. However, the knock against SA and today were under pressure when the team needed runs most.

I really want him to be a part of our test fixture for 7 years (subject to fitness levels). Some people excel with age and some deteriorate and he's shown no such deterioration.

This guy would've had 10,000 runs in my book had he been given the chance 10 years ago and so far i'm pleased with his knock and feel he's definitely gotten better.

Even in NZ if other remaining batsman and all rounders showed half his heart we must have secured the draw, so it was't due to him.

 

[Zeshan547]

Yep he would defo do better than Danish Aziz, Asif Ali and Iftikhar.

He is million time batter but at this age and with his limited short range he has his limitation and isn't the answer for no.5 or 6 slot. Unless he bat at 3 or 4 and rizwan at 5 in ODIs. In t20s he is not of any use anywhere. We fans think he is doing great in one format lets put him in another for sake of it. And his bad performance their can wreck his confidence even in tests.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Had the pleasure of meeting him many times over the years and he has never whined, complained or said anything bad about any team-mate, selector or PCB official to me. Even away from interviews when sat chatting, he has never said anything derogatory about anyone.

Instead he has always said that whatever was in his fate happened and there was no use crying over spilled milk and wondering what could have been.

What an awesome outlook ....he seems to be a humble and dignified guy
Very rare nowadays, a lot of current guys are more concerned about imagery and posturing.
Very much like Mike Hussey, he is now living his dream and is finally in the team, hard work and sincerity paid off.
so much similarities-a true inspiration for us, be humble, work hard and you will get there.
huge respect from an Indian fan, Go Fawad!

 

[MenInG]

 

[TheNightWatchman]

View attachment 108940

Those are some ancient players his name is amongst

 

[Saj]

Strange numbers for Fawad since his comeback:

12 innings totalling 460 runs
3 scores total 351 runs
other 9 scores total 109 runs

 

[NoBallZombie]

Strange numbers for Fawad since his comeback:

12 innings totalling 460 runs
3 scores total 351 runs
other 9 scores total 109 runs

Strange indeed. Hopefully he can be more consistent with his runs over the coming days/years

 

[Smbhayi]

Nice response to a question that could have landed him in trouble.

Country first, monetary awards later.

But when you are also an aspiring actor, you don't need to worry about rupees from cricket

Is he an actor? Or are you mentioning his celebrating style?

 

[Zaz]

Is he an actor? Or are you mentioning his celebrating style?

Hes also a part timer actor in tv serial dramas

 

[Firebat]

Strange numbers for Fawad since his comeback:

12 innings totalling 460 runs
3 scores total 351 runs
other 9 scores total 109 runs

So essentially so far he either fails or scores big, nothing in between.

More consistency would of course be ideal, but he's still been fantastic and the only one in the team who stays in and makes his starts count. The consistency will come with more games I'm sure.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

So essentially so far he either fails or scores big, nothing in between.

More consistency would of course be ideal, but he's still been fantastic and the only one in the team who stays in and makes his starts count. The consistency will come with more games I'm sure.

Yep, slowly I’d want to see the odd 30 plus or 40 plus score from him and add to the bargain a 100 then he’s invaluable as a player. Couldn’t have been better today almost felt that the MoM award should’ve been shared but can understand why Hassan gets it, hats off to Hassan.

 

[shamaan]

Well done fawad I hope he continues performing for the next couple years.

 

[fawad_wellwisher]

Yes, that's fair but i'm gonna blame Haroon because he first picked Shafiq a guy averaging 40 in FC in comparison to others like Fawad averaging +50.

Wasn't it M Ilyas, father in law of Imran Farhat that kept him out of the team as a quid pro quo for Farhat getting dropped from the team?

 

[Saj]

Is he an actor? Or are you mentioning his celebrating style?

He's starred recently in a drama series in Pakistan.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Wasn't it M Ilyas, father in law of Imran Farhat that kept him out of the team as a quid pro quo for Farhat getting dropped from the team?

To be honest lots are to blame and someone who robs someone of a decent living I have no respect for period. It’s Ramadan Bhai and all I want is Fawad to keep up this level of consistency and when he scores make sure to back up a 100 with the odd 30-40 score. Keep it up and don’t let the haters get to you.