PCB announce 16-member Test squad for Ireland and England tours

[UN talkz]

Pakistan squad for the Test tour of Ireland and England:

Sarfraz Ahmed (C)
Asad Shafiq
Azhar Ali
Haris Sohail
Mohammad Amir
Hasan Ali
Fakhar Zaman
Sami Aslam
Imam-ul-Haq
Babar Azam
Usman Sallahuddin
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Abbas
Rahat Ali
Saad Ali
Faheem Ashraf


No Fawad

 

[waleed88]

Ridiculous......

 

[waleed88]

Inzamam with literally the same statement he gave in 2016 'our eyes are on all players, we have kept them in mind for UAE as well' - this was exactly two years ago, and the no selection for Fawad even despite those statements he gave

 

[Red Devil]

Should've picked Fawad instead of Imam, good squad otherwise.

Nice to see Saad Ali in there.

 

[Langau]

Hopefully they will give chance to usman sallahuddin.

 

[Oligochaetes]

Inzamam's nephew is selected despite averaging 34 in List A, Must be a special talent.

 

[HuzaifaE]

I have no complaints, would have liked to see Zafar as the main spinner, but apart from that, very pleased. Props to Inzi. People can moan about the omission of their favorite hunchback llama all they want, I'm not particularly fussed on Fawad in English conditions whatsoever.

 

[saeed5646]

Decent squad fawad is 32 already and unforunatley he may not be impressed by mickey so backing saad ali and usman salhudin for middle order is way forward

 

[saeed5646]

So musa and shaheen may get their chance for odis against zim not a bad idea

 

[IAJ]

Inzamam's nephew is selected despite averaging 34 in List A, Must be a special talent.

Well this is a Test Squad so his FC stats should be the base of his selection. So what is his FC average? If that is also around 34 then it seems a dodgy selection.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Overall very decent squad

Surprised not to see Mir Hamza there, maybe Mickey wasn't impressed? Thought he would be a good bowler to have in those conditions.

 

[IAJ]

Azhar Ali and Asad needs to take the responsibility here alongside Sarfraz. Rest are still inexperienced in these conditions, will be good for their development.

 

[saeed5646]

Overall very decent squad

Surprised not to see Mir Hamza there, maybe Mickey wasn't impressed? Thought he would be a good bowler to have in those conditions.

Poor guy should have been picked ahead of rahat ali if he did not get a chance in england series he won.t get a chance any where else

 

[angrypathan]

Pretty good squad, would've liked Zafar Gohar instead of Shadab but wasn't exactly expecting that to happen with him not being in the training camp. Not at all fussed about Fawad's omission, his time has passed, and on top of that, Saad Ali comfortably outperformed him in the previous FC season

 

[saeed5646]

Sami alsam
Fakhar zaman(azhar should be at one down both him and sami are too slow)
Azhar ali
Asad shafiq
Haris sohail
Sarfraz ahmed
Saad ali/usman
Shadab khan
Fahim ashraf
M amir
Hasan ali

 

[cricketAXEpert]

It is obvious that Fawad Alam is blacklisted for some reason by PCB. Otherwise it makes no sense to keep ignoring him. This Pakistani Batting line up is weak as it is but exclusion of Fawad is baffling.

 

[saeed5646]

Good time would be to give a debut to fakhar ,fahim;saad ali against ireland if any one fails should be drop for extra bowler

 

[Arham_PakFan]

I would have liked Fawad in there,but otherwise this is a decent squad.

 

[Amirforpresident]

Sami alsam
Fakhar zaman(azhar should be at one down both him and sami are too slow)
Azhar ali
Asad shafiq
Haris sohail
Sarfraz ahmed
Saad ali/usman
Shadab khan
Fahim ashraf
M amir
Hasan ali

You would bat Saad Ali ie Usman at 7 and leave out Abbas who is probably going to be out best bowler in sha Allah?

 

[b.lesner]

Imam ul haq and Shadab khan don't deserve to be in squad otherwise reasonable squad , you alread have sami , fakhar and azhar as openers what is the use of imam he is just there because inzi is his uncle , there should have fawad in place of imam and any other good spinner in place of shadab

 

[MeanAndGreen]

To everyone crying about Fawad, the time has past - he received undoubtedly unfair treatment over the past decade but he can't be selected on that basis over Saad Ali, who's performances last season in domestic cricket stood out like an absolute anomaly. Plus, he's almost 10 years younger so makes sense.

We have 4 young middle order batters in Haris, Babar, Saad and Salahuddin - lets see which one of these guys comes to the party.

Imam over Fawad or Fawad over Imam doesn't make any difference; both are unlikely to start and play in different positions. Also backing the selections of Fakhar, Faheem and Shadab - time to make the jump from good LOI cricketers to tests now.

All in all, a very young and forward thinking squad that should be backed even after the tour to England, which will be a baptism of fire for some of these young guns. Gonna be an exciting couple of months thats for sure.

 

[ExpressPacer]

An excellent squad, to say the least. I'm very delighted to see both Imam and Sami Aslam there because they are the way forward as far as our opening woes are concerned. FZ being in the squad also gives us a very good attacking option right at the top and his ability and desire to play the longer innings further cements his credibility for the Test XI.

I've warranted for Fawad's inclusion in the team for about a decade now. He's an excellent player and he's really been hard done by by the selectors however, it is high time we accept that Fawad Alam is not the way forward. At 32 (possibly 34), he does not have a lot to offer. We have already resonated the culture of players continuing to play into their early 40's which is only harmful for the team. With all due respect to Fawad, his time is over. It is very unfortunate that he was dealt with in this manner but it is what it is.

The need to get rid of deadweights like Asad Shafiq still exists, hopefully one of Salahudddin and Harris can eliminate the need to pick him in the future.

Overall, an excellent squad. To my utmost delight, I am overjoyed to see such a young team. Shadab Khan is a gazillion times better than Zafar and has a lot more to offer. SLA bowlers are in the days of the past. Even India don't pick Jaddu anymore.

My playing XI:

1) Sami Aslam
2) Azhar Ali
3) Harris Sohail
4) Babar Azam
5) Usman Salahudddin
6) Shadab Khan
7) Sarfraz Ahmed
8) Faheem Ashraf
9) Mohammad Amir
10) Hasan Ali
11) Rahat Ali

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

I was expecting this...........how much does it cost to change domicile in Pakistan guys ???

Someone should do a Step by Step and send it to Fawad maybe!

 

[Ellipsism]

Mediocre squad.

Rahat makes his return based on the PSL.

Faheem has yet to play a meaningful knock in OD cricket and yet he’s somehow bagged himself a tests spot.

Shadab Khan isn’t a test match quality spinner, he lacks the overspin/revolutions and consistency to succeed at this level. I’m all for his selection when his batting becomes more refined,idk Pak is not the best like Hasan Ali pretty Terrible

 

[saeed5646]

You would bat Saad Ali ie Usman at 7 and leave out Abbas who is probably going to be out best bowler in sha Allah?

It is about combination what they make of fahim playing if they want to play 4 seamer than abbas will be part of it with shadab and fahim as alrrounder saad ali/usman/babar will miss out
Sami aslam
Fakhar zaman
Azhar ali
Asad shafiq
Haris sohail
Sarfraz ahmed
Shadab khan
Fahim ashraf
Hasan ali
M.abbas
Amir

 

[hur rizvi]

So sad for Fawad

 

[ExpressPacer]

To everyone crying about Fawad, the time has past - he received undoubtedly unfair treatment over the past decade but he can't be selected on that basis over Saad Ali, who's performances last season in domestic cricket stood out like an absolute anomaly. Plus, he's almost 10 years younger so makes sense.

We have 4 young middle order batters in Haris, Babar, Saad and Salahuddin - lets see which one of these guys comes to the party.

Imam over Fawad or Fawad over Imam doesn't make any difference; both are unlikely to start and play in different positions. Also backing the selections of Fakhar, Faheem and Shadab - time to make the jump from good LOI cricketers to tests now.

All in all, a very young and forward thinking squad that should be backed even after the tour to England, which will be a baptism of fire for some of these young guns. Gonna be an exciting couple of months thats for sure.

Absolutely. To say Fawad Alam has unfairly treated is to say a fish can swim; it's obvious. However, his best times are behind him. We need cricketers trying to play for the team, instead of ones trying to cement their positions in the team.

It such a good, going squad. I'm devastated we're playing only 2 Tests in England. The hype that Pakistani matches in England receive, the fans really deserved a 5 match series, not a small blitz.

 

[hur rizvi]

It is about combination what they make of fahim playing if they want to play 4 seamer than abbas will be part of it with shadab and fahim as alrrounder saad ali/usman/babar will miss out
Sami aslam
Fakhar zaman
Azhar ali
Asad shafiq
Haris sohail
Sarfraz ahmed
Shadab khan
Fahim ashraf
Hasan ali
M.abbas
Amir

Agreed with XI, Babar has to sit out because

1) He has literally nothing to show in tests thus far
2) This makes a very balanced XI

 

[saeed5646]

Agreed with XI, Babar has to sit out because

1) He has literally nothing to show in tests thus far
2) This makes a very balanced XI

Yeah babar needs to score runs in test he desperatley needs otherwise he will be drop soon along with asad shafiq

 

[ExpressPacer]

Mediocre squad.

Rahat makes his return based on the PSL.

Faheem has yet to play a meaningful knock in OD cricket and yet he’s somehow bagged himself a tests spot.

Shadab Khan isn’t a test match quality spinner, he lacks the overspin/revolutions and consistency to succeed at this level. I’m all for his selection when his batting becomes more refined,idk Pak is not the best like Hasan Ali pretty Terrible

Rahat Ali looked excellent in the PSL. His pace is up, he swings it more than any bowler in Pakistan and is experienced. Yes, there are superior options available in Pakistan but is far better than the likes Abbas, Sohail and Mir Hamza.

Faheem has played only a handful of ODI matches where he rarely has had more than 5 overs to bat. And yet, he's made most of the opportunities he's received. Pakistan direly needs a fast-bowling all rounder and his is our safest bet, on potential and performances. Clearly an upgrade over the likes of Bhatti, Anwar and Co.

As far as Shadab is concerned, his selection is a forced one because of Yasir's injury. However, he is an excellent spinner who is improving by the day. He makes up for any loose deliveries with a gem and is electric in the field. And his batting is better than any spinning all rounder we have in Pakistan.

You were a good poster but to say the likes of Hasan Ali is "pretty terrible" just shows how clueless you are.

 

[ExpressPacer]

It is about combination what they make of fahim playing if they want to play 4 seamer than abbas will be part of it with shadab and fahim as alrrounder saad ali/usman/babar will miss out
Sami aslam
Fakhar zaman
Azhar ali
Asad shafiq
Haris sohail
Sarfraz ahmed
Shadab khan
Fahim ashraf
Hasan ali
M.abbas
Amir

Asad Shafiq is a deadweight and needs to dropped. However yes, realistically, I don't see that happening. Apparently Mickey rates him very highly too because of his "technique".

And I don't understand the hype Abbas gets. A very average bowler, I'd much rather play Rahat over him.

 

[Mueez]

Good squad.
Expecting this squad to do wonders against England.
Feeling a bit sorry for Fawad Alam.

 

[saeed5646]

Asad Shafiq is a deadweight and needs to dropped. However yes, realistically, I don't see that happening. Apparently Mickey rates him very highly too because of his "technique".

And I don't understand the hype Abbas gets. A very average bowler, I'd much rather play Rahat over him.

The problem is the series is in not uae due to which i don.t see too many new players will get a chance that is why asad shafiq might play all the three test

Naaa abbas is ideal for this time of session in england as he will swing the ball also he can bowl the longs spell which will be needed so he should play

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Sami/Fakhar
Azhar
Harry
Bobby
Usman/Saad
Sarfi
Shaddy
Faheem
Hasan
Amir
Abbas

best possible squad!

 

[ExpressPacer]

The problem is the series is in not uae due to which i don.t see too many new players will get a chance that is why asad shafiq might play all the three test

Naaa abbas is ideal for this time of session in england as he will swing the ball also he can bowl the longs spell which will be needed so he should play

Agreed. Also, apparently Abbas' ability to play fast bowlers is considerably better.

As for Abbas, he doesn't swing it more than Rahat and bowls at a slower pace as well. His competition is Rahat because he can't make the team over Hasan and Amir.

 

[DRsohail]

good squad,

 

[saeed5646]

Agreed. Also, apparently Abbas' ability to play fast bowlers is considerably better.

As for Abbas, he doesn't swing it more than Rahat and bowls at a slower pace as well. His competition is Rahat because he can't make the team over Hasan and Amir.

Rahat is hit and miss looks improve bowler now but lets see if get a chance

 

[AFM]

Not a bad squad. Interesting that Inzy mentioned Fakhar with the middle order batsmen and not the openers. Great to see Saad Ali in the squad. Don't think he will get a game, but the experience of being with the squad will be invaluable, and he may debut in the UAE series in Autumn.

Sami Aslam
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Haris Sohail
Asad Shafiq
Sarfraz Ahmad
Shadab Khan
Faheem Ashraf
Mohammad Aamir
Hassan Ali
Mohammad Abbas

It will be either this, or they will play an extra batsman in the middle and play only one of Shadab and Faheem. Might play Shadab in Lords and Faheem in Leeds.

 

[UN talkz]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Probably the most inexperienced Pakistan squad to ever tour England:<br>5 players yet to make their Test debut.<br>9 players who have played 5 or less Test matches.<br>Only 4 players who have played more than 20 Tests<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EngvPak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EngvPak</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/985431583321722880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Brilliance]

Should have included one more fast bowler instead of 4 openers.

 

[UN talkz]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Number of Tests played by the 16 member squad:<br><br>Sarfraz Ahmed 38<br>A Shafiq 58<br>Azhar Ali 62<br>Haris Sohail 2<br>M Amir 30<br>Hasan Ali 2<br>F Zaman 0<br>S Aslam 13<br>Imam-ul-Haq 0<br>Babar Azam 11<br>U Sallahuddin 0<br>Shadab Khan 1<br>M Abbas 5<br>Rahat Ali 20<br>Saad Ali 0<br>F Ashraf 0<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EngvPak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EngvPak</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/985430182583554048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Mueez]

I am sensing that Fakhar Zaman may play at 5/6...

 

[Markhor]

Disappointing that Fawad didn't make it to the final squad as we need experience in our middle order but this time at least he got a fair hearing and a proper look at by the coaches.

I think batsmen from 1-5 can be predicted (Azhar, Aslam, Babar, Haris and Shafiq) but the big question for me is whether we'll play six specialist batsmen or five specialists plus two ARs.

In early season, swing-friendly English conditions, I'm inclined to stack the batting which means a battle between Saad Ali, Usman Salahuddin and Fakhar Zaman for the #6 position.

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar
Imam
Harris
Babar
Asad
Sarfraz
Faheem
Shadab
Amir
Abbas
Hasan

 

[Junaids]

It is obvious that Fawad Alam is blacklisted for some reason by PCB. Otherwise it makes no sense to keep ignoring him. This Pakistani Batting line up is weak as it is but exclusion of Fawad is baffling.

So sad for Fawad

Fawad Alam has scored 5 First Class centuries in the last 4 seasons.

That is pretty much “Unselectable” territory for a prospective Test batsman.

 

[Markhor]

Absolutely. To say Fawad Alam has unfairly treated is to say a fish can swim; it's obvious. However, his best times are behind him. We need cricketers trying to play for the team, instead of ones trying to cement their positions in the team.

It such a good, going squad. I'm devastated we're playing only 2 Tests in England. The hype that Pakistani matches in England receive, the fans really deserved a 5 match series, not a small blitz.

We're playing again in England in two years time for a 3 Test series so we are playing lots of cricket here. Hopefully by then our Test team will be more settled.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Is yasir shah injured?

 

[Kashmiri_Pak_fan]

Can anyone post video of inziman press conference

 

[JibranAnsari]

Mohammad amir could be very handy in the early summer , hope he remembers how to pitch the ball up.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Would have liked to see Talat instead of Imam. Fine squad otherwise.

 

[Markhor]

Mediocre squad.

Rahat makes his return based on the PSL.

Faheem has yet to play a meaningful knock in OD cricket and yet he’s somehow bagged himself a tests spot.

Shadab Khan isn’t a test match quality spinner, he lacks the overspin/revolutions and consistency to succeed at this level. I’m all for his selection when his batting becomes more refined,idk Pak is not the best like Hasan Ali pretty Terrible

I share some of your concerns - it seems we're giving Test caps on the basis of one day performances. Shadab Khan has only seven FC matches to his name and struggled on debut last year in spin-friendly Caribbean conditions whilst Fahim Ashraf has a FC avg of 30 yet is being heralded as a Pakistani Ben Stokes.

Yasir's role is very difficult in that he's expected to hold up an end whilst being an attacking wickettaking threat. Shadab is still raw and hasn't yet developed the accuracy and control needed to bowl long spells in red ball cricket.

I'd like to be optimistic but there's so many unproven players, and even the "seniors" like Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq have been in mediocre Test form lately. Its frustrating that our Test lineup is so unsettled when England are very vulnerable right now.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Shadab was the go to spinner as Irfan and Gohar were not part of the training camp.

 

[AFM]

Is yasir shah injured?

Yes he is.

 

[AFM]

When will the team fly out to England? Need as much prep time there as possible.

 

[barah_admi]

Pretty good squad (not sure about only including one very inexperienced spinner but it is what it is). Actually, the more I think about it, the more problematic it might be. England's weakness is not playing the likes of Hasan and Rahat, their weakness is spin. Amir might have a few bright spots in the tour but he isn't the most consistent test bowler around. Is Shadab even ready for this? Is the hope Haris will be able to get in a few overs? The guy doesn't even bowl much in domestics...odd.

The team I'd pick for the first test against Ireland -

1. Aslam
2. Zaman (might as well go with some fire power)
3. Ali
4. Salahuddin
5. Shafiq
6. Sarfraz c/wk
7. Khan
8. Ashraf
9. Amir
10. H. Ali
11. Abbas

The team I think will be chosen will include Haris Sohail and Babar Azam, with Azhar Ali opening with Sami Aslam and Salahuddin probably unlucky to miss out.

 

[Kazim_Pak86]

Ok squad Arthur had made clear he is looking towards under 28 players who would play longer and over 32 players are out of contention. Saad Ali and Usman should be given a chance though not sure how they'll play as Faheem is likely to debut. Amir again has been entrusted to spearhead new bowl only to underbowl again Mir Hamza and Junaid shouldve been picked. Request Pcb to stop harassing Fawad Alam by remaining ambiguous on his selection and inviting him to camps just to appease media. Nepotistic selection again of imam for being a nephew of chief selector gross injustice.

 

[Shafi]

Too many softies and useless players in this squad. Deserve to be thrash by left, right and centre by England. Asad Shafiq, Sami Aslam (Nightwatchman verse of a opener), Fakhar (Not suitable for test), Imam-ul-Haq & Babar Azam (another 2 useless players), Sadab (No future in test).
Can't expect better from Inzi.

 

[NauV]

I think by and large, it is a good squad but . . .

I am wondering about the words of Inzi . . As he said,
"We've borne in mind that the World Cup next year is in England. So we've decided to call up several young players to give them exposure to those conditions. This is a great opportunity for us, particularly our batsmen to gain experience in this conditions"

The only 2 people that I see selected because they "want to give exposure before the world cup" are Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf. Who else?? Babar would have been in the squad anyway, same with Harris, Hasan, Amir, Sarfaraz . . Shadab is there cuz Yasir got injured . . Sami Aslam, Abbas, Shadiq, Azhar, Rahat, Usman are test specialists (or so I hope). .

So the only people that are left are Saad Ali, Imam Ul Haq . . Are they thinking of taking Saad Ali to Engalnd for the world cup?! Its surely too late for that . . we hardly have ODIs left before the world cup . . someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think we only have about 15 ODIs before the world cup . .

In the 5 matches against NZ, Azhar Ali opened in 3, Faheem Ashraf in 1 and Umar Amin in the other . . I think till Mickey is around, Azhar's ODI career is over . . so does that mean Imam is in the squad cuz he is a potential opener in England next year? I would have rather had Umar Amin in that case . .

Nevertheless, it's an interesting statement by Inzi that the team has been selected knowing that next year's world cup is in England!

 

[Ellipsism]

Rahat Ali looked excellent in the PSL. His pace is up, he swings it more than any bowler in Pakistan and is experienced. Yes, there are superior options available in Pakistan but is far better than the likes Abbas, Sohail and Mir Hamza.

Faheem has played only a handful of ODI matches where he rarely has had more than 5 overs to bat. And yet, he's made most of the opportunities he's received. Pakistan direly needs a fast-bowling all rounder and his is our safest bet, on potential and performances. Clearly an upgrade over the likes of Bhatti, Anwar and Co.

As far as Shadab is concerned, his selection is a forced one because of Yasir's injury. However, he is an excellent spinner who is improving by the day. He makes up for any loose deliveries with a gem and is electric in the field. And his batting is better than any spinning all rounder we have in Pakistan.

You were a good poster but to say the likes of Hasan Ali is "pretty terrible" just shows how clueless you are.

Rahat has proven on a consistent basis that he simply lacks the consistency and the spine to succeed at test level. Bowling four decent overs is not indicative of any semblance of improvement in this regard. On the issue of pace it’s always been decent, he’s an overall talented lad but his consistency is Sami-esque.

Test cricket isn’t the platform to induct players solely in potential, it’s an arena which demands the refinement of potential. He’s yet to do anything except slog a couple of sixes which seems to get every other guys pants wet. In the long term I do believe he will play a significant role in our test team but as now his batting needs a lot of work, more so in building an innings rather than any glaring technical issues but again test cricket isn’t the arena to learn.

Shadab will never be a test class spinner, in the long run I do believe he is someone that can be that fifth bowler that our test team so very needs, but the first spin bowling option? I don’t think so. These gems you speak of are usually wrong’uns, his over reliance on the wrong’un is something he can get away with in LO crickey due to the attacking nature of the game but test cricket is a completely different ball game.

Again that last line was not posted by me, I’m one of Hasan’s biggest fans.

 

[Shafi]

How come Babar keep getting chances in test. He does not have any future. He will end up worse than Shafiq. Another wrong investment

 

[Ellipsism]

Would have liked to see Talat instead of Imam. Fine squad otherwise.

Talat has some glaring technical issues. He does not get his head over the ball which makes him extremely vulnerable to any sort of lateral movement. Also explains why his FC record is substandard, to say the least.

 

[Ellipsism]

I share some of your concerns - it seems we're giving Test caps on the basis of one day performances. Shadab Khan has only seven FC matches to his name and struggled on debut last year in spin-friendly Caribbean conditions whilst Fahim Ashraf has a FC avg of 30 yet is being heralded as a Pakistani Ben Stokes.

Yasir's role is very difficult in that he's expected to hold up an end whilst being an attacking wickettaking threat. Shadab is still raw and hasn't yet developed the accuracy and control needed to bowl long spells in red ball cricket.

I'd like to be optimistic but there's so many unproven players, and even the "seniors" like Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq have been in mediocre Test form lately. Its frustrating that our Test lineup is so unsettled when England are very vulnerable right now.

Agree.

The selection of four openers in the squad is also questionable. AFAIK it’s only a three match tour; would have much rather had a middle order bat instead of one of Aslam, Imam or Fakhar.

 

[Asif321]

dont see pakistan winning any test vs england

 

[Fahdi]

Fawad has been mistreated throughout his career but I don't think he deserved to be selected at this point. He hasn't been the same beast in FC as he was a while back. We have wasted Fawad's best years and now sadly it's too late.

No specialist spinner is quite a surprise. It seems we are counting on Haris and Shadab to do the job. Should have had someone like Zafar in the squad at least.

The plan seems to be

Azhar
Sami
Haris
Babar
Shafiq
Sarfraz
Faheem
Shadab
Amir
Hassan
Abbas

Seems to me the Captain/Coach plan to bat deep. May not be the worst strategy but it remains to be seen whether a proper batsman would be worth more than a couple of allrounders.

We can drop Faheem for Saad or Usman but we lose the 4th fast bowling option which I believe Mickey is very keen on having.

Should mention here that it's better not to expect too much from this team and be ready to forgive failure. This is one of the most inexperienced squads ever and this is only the 2nd series after losing two batting mainstays. Our bowling attack in tests consists of a bunch of rookies and is not settled at all. Add to that a long break from Test cricket and we have the recipe of an epic phainty. The fans need to be ready to show patience.

I will be pleasantly surprised if we win a match against England. Sarfraz getting a good score early in the series might be the key. If he puts up a fight I believe the others will raise their game but even then a win won't come easy.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

I am really surprised to not see Usman Khan Shinwari.

Is he injured? He is the genuine swing bowler made for those tracks.

 

[Theo_14]

Gutted for Shinwari, Mir Hamza & Fawad Alam.

 

[Fahdi]

Agree.

The selection of four openers in the squad is also questionable. AFAIK it’s only a three match tour; would have much rather had a middle order bat instead of one of Aslam, Imam or Fakhar.

I think Fakhar is a candidate for the lower middle order rather than an opener. Plus we have Usman and Saad.

Not selecting a specialist spinner may come back to bite us I feel. Hopefully Shadab and Haris can do a decent enough job.

 

[Bewal Express]

I hope that Sami Aslam goes back to a good balance between defence and attack. He had the right balance on the last tour but since then he has gone too defensive and he crouches too much.

 

[babajee]

I wouldn’t play Shadab. Need to strengthen the batting lineup and he won’t be much of a wicket taking threat imo. Seems like Fakhar will play in the middle order so:

Azhar
Sami
Haris
Babar
Shafiq
Fakhar
Sarfaraz
Faheem
Amir
Hasan
Abbas

Usman and Saad are unlucky to miss out but England is a difficult place to debut.

I’d make Fakhar work really hard on his bowling from now till the tour so he can provide some tight overs along with Haris.

 

[Kazim_Pak86]

[MENTION=133920]Fahdi[/MENTION]

Rofl, The XI that you have put esp. the top 4 ,which has the tenacity to collapse in 50 or less runs will never be played by Arthur he knows them too well. Arthur would rather put Fakhar or even push Faheem to come early. Please don't call Azhar, Sami, Babar, Haris, Shafiq as inexperienced.

These failed units have been with the Pakistan team for last couple of years.

Rahat Ali will be in the XI also.

Usman Salahuddin and Saad Ali both bat 2 down, implies they're alternatives to Shafiq and HArris, means they'll warm the benches for the full tour. Any collapse or pathetic game wby the top 3 which can be expected in Ireland would result in a panic button press and either of these 2 being pushed into top 3 to debut and perform at the same time. So hoping Pakistan does'nt get a swing bowler heaven in Malahide or we're toast.

 

[ShahidDar08]

Pretty good squad selected, feel like one spinner should have been selected instead of Imam or Fakhar, may be Asgar.

 

[ExpressPacer]

We're playing again in England in two years time for a 3 Test series so we are playing lots of cricket here. Hopefully by then our Test team will be more settled.

I wish PCB could get hold of a 5 match series, that would be far more satisfying. Nonetheless, unfortunately, England is not really the team to beat anymore. In the day and age of home dominance, England have rather struggled so I wouldn't put it past us to beat them.

 

[Ayub]

Fawad's playing style is so pathetic and ugly. Not worth selection or watching. Don't play province card for Fawad.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Rahat has proven on a consistent basis that he simply lacks the consistency and the spine to succeed at test level. Bowling four decent overs is not indicative of any semblance of improvement in this regard. On the issue of pace it’s always been decent, he’s an overall talented lad but his consistency is Sami-esque.

Of course. I do agree that he's a bit of a 'hit or miss' kind of bowler, however, he has experience of playing in England and while I would've much rather had someone like Usman Khan, Rahat is better than the likes of Riaz, Irfan, Gul, Sohail, Tanvir, Abbas and Mir Hamza.

Rahat has the height, the swing and now it seems as though he's gained some pace.

Test cricket isn’t the platform to induct players solely in potential, it’s an arena which demands the refinement of potential. He’s yet to do anything except slog a couple of sixes which seems to get every other guys pants wet. In the long term I do believe he will play a significant role in our test team but as now his batting needs a lot of work, more so in building an innings rather than any glaring technical issues but again test cricket isn’t the arena to learn.

I disagree. I think he deserves a go solely on potential. We need a seam bowling all-rounder for a place like the UK and the likes of Hammad Azam/Anwar Ali/Bhatti are not even half as good.

Shadab will never be a test class spinner, in the long run I do believe he is someone that can be that fifth bowler that our test team so very needs, but the first spin bowling option? I don’t think so. These gems you speak of are usually wrong’uns, his over reliance on the wrong’un is something he can get away with in LO crickey due to the attacking nature of the game but test cricket is a completely different ball game.

Again that last line was not posted by me, I’m one of Hasan’s biggest fans.

I think he's the safest bet as of now. He needs to be nurtured and while I do agree that a Test tour to the UK is not the apt time to do so, the earlier, the better. Yasir Shah, as is evident, does not keep fit and will be done and dusted within the next 5 years. We need to make a replacement out of Shadab Khan because his attitude is the one of a champion.

Why do you think he will never be a Test class spinner? He's only 19 right now and has a lot of years ahead of him. Working with Mushy and Saqi will be key to his development.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Gutted for Shinwari, Mir Hamza & Fawad Alam.

Mir Hamza is bang on average. Fawad Alam is past his best.

Shinwari however should've been there in place of Abbas.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Maybe Shinwari is not fit enough for tests according to Mickey? And he did not want to make the 'Sohail Khan' mistake again?

I do not see any other reason to exclude a genuine swing bowler. If there is a place he could have done well in tests then that would be the UK!

 

[MMHS]

WK: Sarfraz (C)
Batsman: Asad, Azhar, Haris, Fakhar, Sami, Imam, Babar, Usman, Saad
Pacer: Amir, Hasan, Abbas, Rahat, Faheem
Spinner: Shadab


I think it's a bit batting heavy squad with 9 specialist bat in a squad of 16, and no back up WK for 3 Tests in 2 countries. I would have taken Wahab or Hamza or may be even Md. Asif. Probably that spot went to Imam, who is like 4th opener. Shadab is probably Arthur's pick - he likes spinners who can add few runs with bat.

I would have made 3 changes - one extra pacer for Imam, one more WK for Usman/Fahim and Gohar for Shadab, but Gohar might not be fit because he isn't in PAK Cup squad either.

Very good selection over all.

 

[rhony]

Expected squad with a tinge of subcontinental nepotism albeit harmless. Imam will not get a game anyway. Pak will beat Ireland and Eng will win the series 1-0 which isn't a bad result for this young squad.

 

[Majid Khan]

Excited to see Rahat Ali back, I reckon he might end up breaking the Pakistan test record for most 1-fers and 2-fers — well I suppose 5-fers are out of fashion these days in any case.

 

[Syed1]

A squad which doesn't have my nephew..... not on my watch