POTW: b.lesner

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Well done to [MENTION=139012]b.lesner[/MENTION] for his very detailed and well-researched post on the opening options for Pakistan based upon domestic stats

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...-Pakistan-circuit-who-could-be-tried-in-Tests

1. Israrullah (Monzai born) - 6003 runs at an average of 36.38 and health strike rate of 64.49, 12 hundreds and 30 fifties in 98 matches (173 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.3 matches or 4 innings and scores hundred every 8 matches or 14 innings. His weakness is struggles against offspin. He has played for Pakistan A and his strength is he plays quicker than any other opener in domestic. He is highest run scoring opener in FC last seasons.

2. Zain Abbas (Kabirwala born) - 3521 runs at an average of 32.90 and strike rate of 54.98, 5 hundreds and 19 fifties in 66 matches (115 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.7 matches or 4.7 innings and scores hundred every 13 matches or 23 innings. His weakness is short ball but he is techniquily most equipped cricketer on grassy wickets as he was the only opener to score in that Duke ball and grassy undercover pitches year of domestic cricket that also got him call up for Pakistan A. He was 2nd higher run scoring opener last seasons.

3. Ali Zaryab Asif (Lahore Boy)- 928 runs at an average of 30.93 and strike rate of 42.49, 2 hundreds and 4 fifties in 18 matches (31 innings) means scores 50+ every 3 matches or 5 innings and scores hundred every 9 matches or 15 innings. Former Pakistan U-19 Vice-captain still early in his career needs atleast 3 more seasona especially for an opener.

4. Imran Butt - 4618 runs at an average of 34.98 and strike rate of 51.25, 10 hundreds and 24 fifties in 77 matches (140 innings) means scores 50+ every 3 matches or 4 innings and scores hundred every 7.7 matches or 14 innings. He has lots of technical flaws which needs to work in NHPC with Muhammad yousuf and play 2 more years domestic after that.


5. Imam ul haq - 2601 runs at an average of 35.04 and poor strike rate of 44.09 , 5 hundreds and 14 fifties in 49 matches (87 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.5 matches or 4.5 innings and scores hundred every 9.8 matches or 17.4 innings. So not a great record and also he isn't tecniquely sound for test cricket.

6. Abid Ali - 7935 runs at an average of 36.38 and strike rate of 48.07, 21 hundreds and 33 fifties in 121 matches (221 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.7 matches or 5 innings and scores hundred every 5.7 matches or 10 innings.

7. Sharjeel Khan - 5553 runs at an average of 38.29 and very health strike rate of 81.38 , 13 hundreds and 25 fifties in 85 matches (151 innings) means scores 50+ every 1.7 matches or 3 innings and scores hundred every 6.5matches or 11.6 innings. This record shows he has far better record than anyone on the list.

8. Omair bin Yousuf (Karachi born)- 1428 runs at an average of 38.59 and strike rate of 47.55, 5 hundreds and 3 fifties in 22 matches (39 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.7 matches or 4.8 innings and scores hundred every 4.4 matches or 7.8 innings. Very good conversion rate of 100s and probably future of opening in tests but needs more time.

9. Fakhar Zaman - 2919 runs at an average of 36.94 and health strike rate of 60.83, 6 hundreds and 17 fifties in 51 matches (83 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.2 matches or 3.6 innings and scores hundred every 8.5 matches or 13.8 innings. Currently not equipped to face top quality test match bowling.

10. Khurram Manzoor - 10923 runs at an average of 37.66 and strike rate of 44.71, 28 hundreds and 51 fifties in 177 matches (307 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.2 matches or 3.8 innings and scores hundred every 6.3 matches or 10.9 innings. He has scored most runs on flat track and struggles even if there is slight movement in pitch.

11. Shan Masood - 7440 runs at an average of 34.60 and strike rate of 46.80, 15 hundreds and 36 fifties in 132 matches (225 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.5 matches or 4.4 innings and scores hundred every 8.8matches or 15 innings. He isn't test match material.

12. Abdul Wahid Bangulzai (Quetta born) - Pakistan U-19 opener hasn't played FC yet just couple of List A and t20 but definitely one for the future with beautiful drives and cuts.

13. Nasir Nawaz - (South Waziristan boy) 450 runs at an average of 32.71 and healthy strike rate of 77.45, 3 fifties in only 7 matches (14 innings). My personal favorite he hits long sixes and technically well equipped just need to sort out short selection.

14. Sahibzada Farhan - 1701 runs at an average of 32.71 and health strike rate of 60.42 , 0 hundreds and 13 fifties in 30 matches (52 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.3 matches or 4 innings. He needs to score hundreds in 4 days but he is more suited to one days where he has lots of performance but he hasn't been given chance.

15. Zeeshan Malik (Chakwal born Former Pakistan U-19 captain) - 1098 runs at an average of 30.50 and health strike rate of 67.69, 1 hundred and 6 fifties in 19 matches (37 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.7 matches or 5.2 innings. He could be tried right now out the lot but needs 1 good season of 1000+ runs.

16. Zeeshan Ashraf (Okara born) - 1500 runs at an average of 28.30 and strike rate of 58.93, 4 hundreds and 5 fifties in 30 matches (53 innings) means scores 50+ every 3.3 matches or 5.8 innings and scores hundred every 7.5 matches or 13.2 innings.

17. Abdullah Shafiq - Just 1 FC match with 133 Runs at SR 63

18. Rizwan Hussain (Pir mahal born) - 1326 runs at an average of 30.83 and good strike rate of 62.28, 3 hundreds and 7 fifties in 24 matches (44 innings) means scores 50 every 2.4 matches or 4.4 innings and hundred in every 8 matches or 14.6 innings. He was taken by Islamabad united couple of seasons back because of his style which looks similar to Sharjeel Khan if you look in distant you will think Sharjeel is batting i hooe he improves because he is one for the future.

19. Tayyib Tahir - (Gujrat born) - 1247 runs at an average of 23.52 and strike rate of 50.96 , 0 hundreds and 8 fifties in 29 matches (56 innings) doesn't look much but this season is his break through season got prompted to first xi in List A and Scored in almost every match and became highest run scorer and List A average 44 , lets see what he does this seasonseason in FC.

20. Mukhtar Ahmed - 1449 runs at an average of 24.55 and strike rate of 59.45 , 3 hundreds and 5 fifties in 33 matches (61 innings) means scores 50 every 4 matches or 7.6 innings and hundred in every 11 matches or 20 innings. Not good technique to survive in 4 day but lets see what he does in furture.

21. Muhammad Akhlaq - (Gujranwala born) - 1047 runs at an average of 26.17 and strike rate of 53.01, 0 hundreds and 7 fifties in 23 matches (44 innings) means scores 50 every 3.2 matches or 6.2 innings. He is also part time wicket keeper but has been touted as one of best hard hitting opener in Pakistan domestic lets see how he does in upcoming seasons.

22. Nauman Anwar - 746 runs at an average of 28.69 and good strike rate of 64.14 , 1 hundreds and 2 fifties in 15 matches (26 innings). He needs to play more FC he is still young and has lots of potential just need to work in NHPC with Muhammad Yousuf.

23. Muhammad Imran Dogar - (Khushal born) - Just 4 FC matches but highest run getter in QAT 2nd xi tournament.

24. Syed Junaid Ali - (Lahore born) - 1033 runs at an average of 23.47 and strike rate of 45.62, 0 hundreds and 2 fifties in 26 matches (47 innings). He is 2nd highest run scorer in QAT 2nd xi and touted as most technically sound opener and he is also wicket keeper. Lets ee what he does.

25. Taimoor Sultan - (Sargodha born) - 242 runs at 20.16 with 1 hundred in 7 matches (13 innings) , not much cricket yet lets see what he does in future scored a century in List A this year.

26. Anas Mustafa - (21 year old) 385 runs at an average of 35 and SR 56 in 6 matches (12 innings)

27. Muhammad Arif - (Abottabad born) - former Pakistan U-19 player known for hitting sixes as a dashing opener.

28. Muhammad Mohsin - (Swat born) - 351 runs at an average of 31 and SR 57 with 1 hundred and 1 fifty and a Legspin allrounder and opener played for Pakistan emerging last year.

29. Azeem Ghuman - (Hyderabad born former Pakistan U-19 captain) 5199 runs at an average of 30.22 and strike rate of 48.54 with 10 hundreds and 22 fifties in 99 matches (177 innings) means scores 50+ every 3 matches or 5.5 innings amd scores hundred every 9.9 matches or 17.7 innings. He has failed to imoress selectors uptill now since his U-19 days lets see how he goes.

30. Ahson Ali - 1114 runs at an average of 27.85 amd very healthy strike rate of 78.23 with 3 hundreds and 1 fifty in 23 matches (40 innings ) is good conversion rate, means he scores 50+ in every 5.7 matches (10 innnings) and hundred 7.6 or 13.3 innings. He is very classy batsman with amazing drives but needs to score more in FC to be considered in tests.

31. Muhammad Huraira - (Sialkot born) he is very young needs to play 3 seasons of FC as he is very poor against Short pitch deliveries.

32. Saim Ayoub - (Karachi born) he looks good technically just needs 3 FC seaons.


No opener averages 40 so now lets look at
Middle order batsman who can be opener:-

1. Usman Salahuddin - 8363 runs at an average of 47.78 and strike rate of 44.23, 24 hundreds and 50 fifties in 128 matches (208 innings) means scores 50+ every 1.7 matches or 2.8 innings and scores hundred every 5.3matches or 8.6 innings. Which is very fantastic record means he scores in almost every other match amd is technically most solid among current player apart from Babar azam. He can be the best opener Pakistan can have for long term right now there in no other readily available options.

2. Muhammad Saad - (Gujrawala born) 5374 runs at an average of 32.56 and strike rate of 42.77, 10 hundreds and 28 fifties in 104 matches (182 innings) means scores 50+ every 3.2 matches or 5.6 innings and scores hundred every 10.4 matches or 18.2 innings. He has also played for Pakistan A in last 2 years lots of matches and scored lots of runs but was never considered especially in Inzamam era, the reason he was selected for Pakistan A was given he is best backfoot player in Pakistan right now and he scored good amount of runs this season too he and Usman Salahuddin were backbone of Central Punjab so lets see how he does.

3. Shoaib Ahmed Manhas - (Rawalpindi born) - 2860 runs at an average of 30.75 and strike rate of 56.73 , 6 hundreds and 9 fifties in 58 matches (102 innings) means scores 50+ every 3.8 matches or 6.8 innings and hundred in every 6.4 matches or 11.3 innings. Thats a great record considered he played almost all matches in KRL ground where 150 odd is average score on those green mambas he definitely is one to watch out for.

4. Umar Amin - 9110 runs at an average of 39.43 and strike rate of 55.67, 22 hundreds and 45 fifties in 142 matches (246 innings) means scores 50+ every 1.8 matches or 3.1 innings and hundred in every 6.4 matches or 11.1 innings.

5. Ali Sarfraz - (Rawalpindi born) - 3977 runs at an average of 31.81 and good strike rate of 61.73, 5 hundreds and 27 fifties in 78 matches (134 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.4 matches or 4.1 innings and hundred in every 15.6 matches or 26.8 innings. He has very strong cut and pull shorts.

6. Sarmad Bhatti - (Khairpur born former Pakistan U-19 Vice-captain) - 2810 runs at an average of 35.12 and strike rate of 42.14 , 4 hundreds and 9 fifties in 54 matches (95 innings) means scores 50+ every 4.1 matches or 7.3 innings and hundred in every 13.5 matches or 23.7 innings.

7. Rohail Nazir - (Islamabad born Pakistan A and Pakistan U-19 Captain) - 741 runs at an average of 39 and strike rate of 54.16 , 2 hundreds and 4 fifties in 11 matches (19 innings) means scores 50+ every 1.8 matches or 3.1 innings and hundred in every 5.5 matches or 9.5 innings. He is only young batsman thats scored 100 in side match in New Zealand on those difficult tracks where all Pakistan test players failed in same match that means he is technically sound and can be tried as opener as also he bats number for Pakistan A and in domestic. He is future captain of Pakistan and needs to be played right now at least against weaker teams because playing Sarfraz as backup aginst them isn't going to do any good.

8. Syed Saad Ali - 4747 runs at an average of 44.36 and good strike rate of 51.56, 11 hundreds and 25 fifties in 74 matches (120 innings) means scores 50+ every 2 matches or 3.3 innings and hundred in every 6.7 matches or 10.9 innings.He was highest run scorer in the dukes ball seasons where teams were getting all out in 120-130 he scored 900 odd runs so he can open for Pakistan in difficult conditions and is experienced enough to do so also as he is number 3 bat.

9. Umair Masood ( Rawalpindi born Former Pakistan U-19 wicket keeper) he has just 19 FC games haven't batted alot just scored a Century last year in a match and showed his potential but was dropped after that surprisingly by Northern. He showed his Talent, Technique and temperament in that Game against West indies quarter final 2016 wc which West indies won he was lone warrier on that deadly seaming track.

10. Ramiz aziz - (Karachi born former Pakistan U-19 player) 4823 runs at an average of 33.26 and good strike rate of 46.78 , 5 hundreds and 31 fifties in 93 matches (159 innings) means scores 50+ every 2.5 matches or 4.4 innings and hundred in every 18.6 matches or 31.8 innings.

 

[sweep_shot]

Congratulations. Well done.

 

[mastimasti]

A very good post, personally enjoyed the insight in that particular thread!

 

[gazza619]

Eye opener!

This shows the one of the possible options for test openers are Usman Salahuddin, Umar Amin & Saad Ali.

 

[OMB]

Excellent analysis and some real effort put in this post. Congratulations

 

[PakLFC]

A lot of time and and research has been invested in the OP. Deserves some sort of award at least a chocolate bar

 

[shujaatraza]

This should be the post of the year simply because of The amount of time and research spent on it.

 

[CricketingMinds]

Can someone share this with Ramiz Raja?

 

[wrongun]

Great research.

 

[KyoOne]

Can someone share this with Ramiz Raja?

Lols, Rambo doesn't even care to read about those players who are in playing x1 despite being a commentator

 

[KyoOne]

Three of Usman Sallauhuddin, Saad Ali, Rohail and Sharjeel should be in the squads.

All three currently loved by Misbah should be sent back to domestics to improve/gain experience (Abdullah)

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Well done OP. Numbers take out most biases.

I think it was Ian Bishop who said during the West Indies series that Pakistan has never had an opener who has scored 4000+ runs - which in itself is a very low bar. It compares unfavorably to every other test nation.

 

[Zaz]

Well done OP. Numbers take out most biases.

I think it was Ian Bishop who said during the West Indies series that Pakistan has never had an opener who has scored 4000+ runs - which in itself is a very low bar. It compares unfavorably to every other test nation.

Yes i think saeed anwar has over 4000 test runs in total but just misses out on 4000 runs as opener as he batted down the order a couple of times

Highlights the point there is a huge issue there which isnt being looked at as to why pakistan hasnt in its long history produce many decent long term test openers What is it in the coaching, player mentality or system that prevents this?

 

[shaz619]

Congrats nice overview. Has Usman ever opened in domestic cricket ? if so, what’s his record like against the new ball

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Good post. Haider Ali has red ball potential but I don't think he will ever achieve it now considering that he has been pencilled in as a white ball player and that too a T20 player.

Usman Salahuddin, Saud Shakeel, & Kamran Ghulam are the only batsmen who look good and competent in varying conditions. After following the last domestic cricket season, it's pretty much obvious that we don't have any quality replacement available.

Generally feel that Azhar Ali should play as an opener or not play because his game isn't suited to be a number 3. He plays so many dot balls and then gets out for a paltry score meaning we are never actually in a dominating position when he's playing.

He can open with Salahuddin or Imran whereas one of Saud or Kamran should be played as a number three. The added bonus of both Kamran and Saud is that they are handy left-arm spinners and have the ability to take wickets. Yousuf should work with Imran Butt as I feel that he adds a much-needed dimension to our team and if he can become a 30+ averaging batsman, the net gain for the team will be immense. I can count about 4 to 5 catches that he took in the slips that no other Pakistani fielder would have taken and that's a major bonus for the team.

Tayyab Tahir is also an interesting character, he can't bat but man he's such a good fielder and it's a shame that his primary skill is so average that he'll never make it to the team if he doesn't improve.

 

[b.lesner]

Good post. Haider Ali has red ball potential but I don't think he will ever achieve it now considering that he has been pencilled in as a white ball player and that too a T20 player.

Usman Salahuddin, Saud Shakeel, & Kamran Ghulam are the only batsmen who look good and competent in varying conditions. After following the last domestic cricket season, it's pretty much obvious that we don't have any quality replacement available.

Generally feel that Azhar Ali should play as an opener or not play because his game isn't suited to be a number 3. He plays so many dot balls and then gets out for a paltry score meaning we are never actually in a dominating position when he's playing.

He can open with Salahuddin or Imran whereas one of Saud or Kamran should be played as a number three. The added bonus of both Kamran and Saud is that they are handy left-arm spinners and have the ability to take wickets. Yousuf should work with Imran Butt as I feel that he adds a much-needed dimension to our team and if he can become a 30+ averaging batsman, the net gain for the team will be immense. I can count about 4 to 5 catches that he took in the slips that no other Pakistani fielder would have taken and that's a major bonus for the team.

Tayyab Tahir is also an interesting character, he can't bat but man he's such a good fielder and it's a shame that his primary skill is so average that he'll never make it to the team if he doesn't improve.

Tayyab is highest run getter of Pakistan cup this year 6-7 50+ scores you can't right him off. I saw him 2-3 years ago he was all over the place but now he looks completely different player of course still needs improvement

 

[b.lesner]

Congrats nice overview. Has Usman ever opened in domestic cricket ? if so, what’s his record like against the new ball

You can say he has because he was number 3 batsman and Central Punjab were 0-1 almost every match

 

[Caved12]

Wow, great post! Congrats!

 

[The_KING]

Great post. Congrats!

Pretty bleak read tbh. No opener averaging over 40. Our standards are truly in the mud.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Tayyab is highest run getter of Pakistan cup this year 6-7 50+ scores you can't right him off. I saw him 2-3 years ago he was all over the place but now he looks completely different player of course still needs improvement

I was talking red ball only plus this year the LOI tournaments were very high scoring and on grounds on which the dimensions weren't ideal. The stats of the last ODI cup for me are to be taken with a pinch of salt.

 

[b.lesner]

Great post. Congrats!

Pretty bleak read tbh. No opener averaging over 40. Our standards are truly in the mud.

Sami Aslam was a guy who could average 40 in test cricket but Inzamam did extreme injustice with him to accommodate Imam it was injustice of the decade.

Haider Ali does average in 40s but he doesn't open anymore

 

[shaz619]

You can say he has because he was number 3 batsman and Central Punjab were 0-1 almost every match

How old is Usman ? also if you were to round it up a bit considering the age fudging, I know he is good but he has also been around for a while I believe

 

[The_KING]

Sami Aslam was a guy who could average 40 in test cricket but Inzamam did extreme injustice with him to accommodate Imam it was injustice of the decade.

Haider Ali does average in 40s but he doesn't open anymore

Sami Aslam was harshly treated, I agree.

 

[gazza619]

You can say he has because he was number 3 batsman and Central Punjab were 0-1 almost every match

It would be interesting to know how our domestic opening batsmen compare to other international teams. I mean how many 40+ average opening batsmen exist in the domestic circuit of Australia, England, India, SA & NZ.