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[VIDEOS/PICTURES] Salman Ali Agha - Will he succeed at the international level?

Agha is a good cricketer. He's getting hate however it isn't his fault that 2 losers are opening.

He isn't a t20 cricketer but I don't hate Agha.

I like all cricketers who play for their nation and not themselves.

Babar and rizzu are more into tiktok and inatagram followers then actually playing for their respective countries.
 
mominsaigol said:
Agha is a good cricketer. He's getting hate however it isn't his fault that 2 losers are opening.

He isn't a t20 cricketer but I don't hate Agha.

I like all cricketers who play for their nation and not themselves.

Babar and rizzu are more into tiktok and inatagram followers then actually playing for their respective countries.
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He is a good ODI and Test player and management is just spoiling his career by making him play T20 cricket and that too as a finisher.
 
Barragan said:
In the 2024 PSL his stats were 31 average with SR of 140

He has already shown improvements!

Tell me any other better middle order batsman than him?

I'll wait....
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At no 3

There is no spot for him in top 3 considering Saim and Fakhar are way better than him.

He is an accumulator, he can not bat below 3 like Babar and Rizwan.
 
Rizwan will not play the 3rd T20I against Australia, in his absence, Salman Ali Agha will lead the side.
 
Agha has a lot of potential. He accelerates through smart placement rather than relying on just one area of the ground (mid wicket). He can rotate strike effectively, use his feet to attack spinners, and play shots like the sweep and reverse sweep. With plenty of domestic experience, he’s also fit and in good shape. He handles pace reasonably well and has all the fundamentals to develop further. The rest now depends on him and the management. As for captaincy, that feels like a gamble.
 
Ahmed216 said:
Why not? There is a long list of players who can perform well only as openers. Coming down the order they forget how to hold a bat
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The batting order is generally fixed in test cricket and may be top 4 slots in ODIs to provide stability. In modern day T20 cricket the players need to come out from their comfort zone and play at whatever position team requires. Opening in T20s is the best position to either start hitting from very first over to score big or to hide till 10-12 overs to increase your average
 
mominsaigol said:
I don't gate Agha as a cricketer tbh.

He's not a t20 player but he's a hard worker. I have no issues with those who try to represent their country
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He's an awful T20 selection in simple words. He can be honest and have all the best human traits but it won't be enough
 
shah_1 said:
Anyone who knows little about batting will know he is terrible against short pitch bowling. Horrible technique

He is also garbage against wrist spin(like ifti chachu) hence he does well in test cricket. He has no idea about wrong'un. I have watched his game very closely. He should be thankful he didn’t have to face Zampa in this series.
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Was all at sea when he faced Zampa
 
Need to work a lot on his T20 batting. Isn't suitable for this format right now.

Although he's an asset in Test Cricket for Pakistan
 
As I said him being a good player of spin is a myth. A decent test batsmen and an awful t20 batsmen. I also don't see him being any good at odi level. It's beyond me how he's the vc of the t20 team. He shouldn't even make our second 11.
 
khyberlion said:
As I said him being a good player of spin is a myth. A decent test batsmen and an awful t20 batsmen. I also don't see him being any good at odi level. It's beyond me how he's the vc of the t20 team. He shouldn't even make our second 11.
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I noticed his struggle against Afghanistan in the ODI series then against Kuldeep in Asia Cup

He is decent against spin when it is turning one way. Couldn’t pick Rehan’s googly in the 3rd test. He should be glad there are hardly any wrist spinners in test cricket.
 
shah_1 said:
I noticed his struggle against Afghanistan in the ODI series then against Kuldeep in Asia Cup

He is decent against spin when it is turning one way. Couldn’t pick Rehan’s googly in the 3rd test. He should be glad there are hardly any wrist spinners in test cricket.
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Agreed he's not great against pace either. Pakistan needs to build for the next WC and him being a tail ender pretty much against anything above waist high will be costly.
 
Salman Ali Agha, the vice captain dropped from the playing XI in the 1st T20I against South Africa, a good decision
 
Salman Ali Agha shines strong in his first outing in the SA tour, claimed four wickets already against South Africa in the first ODI 2024
 
Really happy for Salman. He’s a solid all round offie. Great with the ball today. There won’t be many occasions where batsmen play him off the back foot and make him look like Murali but we can all rejoice in his 4 wickets.
 
Salman Agha magnificent Half century has turned the tables for Pakistan.. hopefully he will finish the game for Pakistan.
 
I have always regarded Agha highly as an all rounder and believe he has an exceptional understanding of the game. He is the kind of player who will only improve with time. While he may not yet be a natural fit for T20 cricket, he has the potential to develop his skills in that format as well, especially if given opportunities to play as an all rounder.

His performance today was outstanding with both bat and ball, and his gesture of giving the Man of the Match award to Saim Ayub reflects his selflessness and leadership. Agha is truly a great team player and an emerging leader in his team.
 
Salman Agha in a post match press conference after the Ist ODI against South Africa:

Q: How does it feel after your performance?

"It's hard to put it into words, but it's an amazing feeling. I'm very glad and feel blessed. Hopefully, I'll be able to carry this kind of performance in the future."

Q: Was it the slowest wicket, similar to your home conditions?

"The wicket was slow, but it had a punchy bounce, which we don't typically get in Pakistan. However, to be honest, the ball came onto the bat nicely under the lights, and we made the most of it."

Q: How was the support from Saim Ayub?

"We were in a tricky position, and I think Saim played one of the best innings I've seen in a long time. He gave me great support, and we both wanted to take the game as deep as possible. We knew if we could drag it to around 40 to 47 overs, we'd definitely have a chance to win."

Q: How would you describe the development of Saim Ayub?

"He is so young and talented, and I’m amazed by how, at such a young age, he’s shown the ability to carry responsibility on his shoulders. He was calm and knew his job. At such a young age, players tend to make mistakes in pressure situations, but he remained composed and kept going. He is definitely the future of Pakistan cricket."

Q: What was your thinking when you were asked to bowl in the powerplay?

"There were two left-handers batting, so I came on to bowl to put pressure on them. I’m very happy that I delivered. I don’t take 4 wickets often in ODI cricket, but it was part of the plan that if left-handers came in during the powerplay, I would bowl against them."

Q: After conceding three consecutive boundaries, what did you and Mohammad Rizwan discuss that changed the course of the game?
"To be honest, we didn’t discuss much. We were just talking about other things while bowling quickly. Rizwan just wanted to break the momentum of the game, and we managed to do that."

Q: After a tough T20I series, how do you plan to carry the momentum forward?
"In the T20I series, we didn’t perform well as a team, and there were many things we needed to improve. But as an ODI unit, we’re very composed. We won the ODI series in Australia, then in Zimbabwe, and now we’re 1-0 up in this series. We’ll aim to carry this momentum into the remaining matches. The crowd here has been very supportive wherever we’ve played."
 
Agha can be very handy in T-20 Cricket as well and we was very vital for Islamabad United. His bowling is a massive bonus. He can fulfil the Hafeez void with the ball.
 
Looked like more than a handy bastman for Pakistan. Took Pakistan home from a tricky situation.
 
Here is my take on Salman Agha.
Salman Agha isn't a flashy player who dazzles with his batting or bowling, nor is he someone who intimidates the opposition. Because of this, people tend to write him off when he gets out cheaply, as he lacks that 'X-factor' or natural big hitting ability.

However, what sets him apart is his confidence and his ability to read the situation. While I'm not sure if he's the long-term solution, he's certainly the kind of player Pakistan's lineup currently needs. I hope he continues to improve; otherwise, he'll remain one of the most replaceable players if his performance takes a dip.
 
Saim Ayub struggled early on and had difficulty timing the ball due to the tricky pitch. However, what sets him apart is that, despite his slow start, he didn't lose his composure and became increasingly dangerous towards the end. He has the ability to shift gears and win games for Pakistan — something Rizwan and Babar often lack.

Imam, despite his good ODI average, isn't in the squad for a reason..he couldn’t finish or win games. He tends to play at the same pace from start to finish irrespective of the situation, padding his stats along the way. Ultimately, he didn't have the talent needed to help Pakistan secure victories. I'm glad he is an after thought.
 
What i like about Agha is his composure and temperament. He has a strong mind too unlike other Pakistani batsmen.
 
Savak said:
Agha can be very handy in T-20 Cricket as well and we was very vital for Islamabad United. His bowling is a massive bonus. He can fulfil the Hafeez void with the ball.
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Cant have babar,rizwan and Agha in the same xi in t20s.
 
A brilliant performance from Agha with both bat and bowl and deserved his MOM award.
 
Caved12 said:
I have always regarded Agha highly as an all rounder and believe he has an exceptional understanding of the game. He is the kind of player who will only improve with time. While he may not yet be a natural fit for T20 cricket, he has the potential to develop his skills in that format as well, especially if given opportunities to play as an all rounder.

His performance today was outstanding with both bat and ball, and his gesture of giving the Man of the Match award to Saim Ayub reflects his selflessness and leadership. Agha is truly a great team player and an emerging leader in his team.
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This mindset poses a significant danger for Agha Salman, risking mislabeling and misuse of his talent.

He’s often pigeonholed as an “allrounder,” but in reality, he built his reputation as a middle-order batter and was once among the most prolific run-scorers in first-class cricket alongside Saud Shakeel.

His bowling is at best part-time, and he deserves to bat in the top five where his true strength lies. No6/7 is setting him up for failure.
 
Salman Ali Agha ends his bowling spell against South Africa in the 2nd ODI with final figures of 1/71 in 10 overs. Not as much vital as in the first ODI but some missed chances contributed for this expensive spell.
 
Farabi said:
This mindset poses a significant danger for Agha Salman, risking mislabeling and misuse of his talent.

He’s often pigeonholed as an “allrounder,” but in reality, he built his reputation as a middle-order batter and was once among the most prolific run-scorers in first-class cricket alongside Saud Shakeel.

His bowling is at best part-time, and he deserves to bat in the top five where his true strength lies. No6/7 is setting him up for failure.
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An all rounder in cricket can be categorized as either a batting all rounder or a bowling all rounder, and Agha is clearly more of a batting all rounder. Players like Agha, who have a strong understanding of the game and the ability to read batsmen and match situations quickly, often achieve more than others, even if their natural talent is limited.

When thinking about building a team or developing players, I always emphasize the mental side of the game. Cricket is a mental sport, and players who stay in a good mental space and trust their abilities tend to perform well consistently. Agha stands out as someone who understands the game exceptionally well. If he is used properly as an all rounder, his contributions with the bat will form the backbone of his performances, while his bowling can provide valuable support in key situations. This balance will help him grow into a more complete player and solidify his spot in the team.

As a captain, I would focus on creating opportunities that allow Agha to develop further and gain confidence. His bowling is not outstanding but is still useful, especially in shorter formats when used strategically. Nobody is asking him to bowl 10 overs in every game, but he can still make meaningful contributions with the ball when required.

Regarding his batting, I would not change his position in the lower middle order at 6 or 7, as it is working well for him and the team. However, if there is a need for him to bat higher due to a lack of other options in the top order, Agha has the skill to adapt and perform in a higher position. Additionally, his recent performances with the ball have been encouraging, showing that he can continue to improve and contribute when needed.

In summary, Agha is a skilled batsman and a decent bowler who brings valuable game awareness and mental toughness to the team. With the right guidance and opportunities, he can become a consistent and reliable player while continuing to grow as an all rounder.
 
Batting at number 6 or 7 is a role that very few players, at any level of cricket, enjoy or willingly embrace. Whether it’s school, club, district, league, or international cricket, most batters struggle to accept these positions. If you were to ask captains across various teams, many would confirm that specialized batters often find it difficult to adapt to these roles. The mindset issue is significant, they feel undervalued or underutilized, which can create challenges for both the captain and the team dynamic.

For captains, finding players who can own these positions and make them their own is a constant struggle. Many batters who are asked to bat at 6 or 7 complain and push for a promotion to number 5, especially if they are not playing as all-rounders. It’s one of the toughest tasks for a captain to manage players in these roles because they rarely see the value in these positions. Yet, these roles are crucial, often requiring a player who can handle pressure, finish games, and adapt to different match scenarios.

With Salman, however, we are fortunate that he has come to terms with batting at number 6 or 7 for Pakistan. It is a role he has finally accepted, and there is no need to disrupt his progress. The focus should now be on helping him improve his bowling so he can add even more value to the team as an all-rounder.
 
Salman was playing another blinder of an inning yesterday but got unlucky. I really like how he is shaping up in odis now after proving his worth in red ball format.

Good to see that we have a solid lower order batter unlike Iftikhar.
 
Caved12 said:
An all rounder in cricket can be categorized as either a batting all rounder or a bowling all rounder, and Agha is clearly more of a batting all rounder. Players like Agha, who have a strong understanding of the game and the ability to read batsmen and match situations quickly, often achieve more than others, even if their natural talent is limited.

When thinking about building a team or developing players, I always emphasize the mental side of the game. Cricket is a mental sport, and players who stay in a good mental space and trust their abilities tend to perform well consistently. Agha stands out as someone who understands the game exceptionally well. If he is used properly as an all rounder, his contributions with the bat will form the backbone of his performances, while his bowling can provide valuable support in key situations. This balance will help him grow into a more complete player and solidify his spot in the team.

As a captain, I would focus on creating opportunities that allow Agha to develop further and gain confidence. His bowling is not outstanding but is still useful, especially in shorter formats when used strategically. Nobody is asking him to bowl 10 overs in every game, but he can still make meaningful contributions with the ball when required.

Regarding his batting, I would not change his position in the lower middle order at 6 or 7, as it is working well for him and the team. However, if there is a need for him to bat higher due to a lack of other options in the top order, Agha has the skill to adapt and perform in a higher position. Additionally, his recent performances with the ball have been encouraging, showing that he can continue to improve and contribute when needed.

In summary, Agha is a skilled batsman and a decent bowler who brings valuable game awareness and mental toughness to the team. With the right guidance and opportunities, he can become a consistent and reliable player while continuing to grow as an all rounder.
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The reason no one wants to come in terms with playing at no7 is because that’s not where batters bat. Most games you will not not get a chance to bat and when you do, it may not be a proper chance. You will fail more often than not and then your place will be questioned and you will be forgotten soon. This guy will simply get dumped if he plays at no7. In any case, his strike rotation and range is better than Rizwan so he should be batting higher to have a bigger impact on the game. No7 is better suited for players who have a stronger bowling skill so they can contribute regardless
 
He was unlucky with the ball in the second Innings rizwan clearly missed a stumping opportunity.
 
He came in at 5. This is his ideal batting position in Odi’s. 6 in Tests. He is a solid player but I would say a batting all rounder. The biggest mistake the management will make is thinking that he can fulfil the role of a full time off spinner. His off spin is nowhere near as good as Sajid Khan. On spinning wickets there is a of course a role for both of them but at best Salman is good enough for 8-10 tidy overs for 2-3 wickets. He was very fortunate that South Africa underestimated and played him off the back foot in the first Odi. He was very unfortunate that he didn’t get another wicket in the 2nd Odi. These things will happen but we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that there have been very few spinning allrounders worthy of the name in Pak cricket in the last ten years. Now we have one he needs to be utilised properly. I’d like to see just a little more flight and drift.
 
I have become his big fan. Never thought he would be such a valuable player.

Convinced Rizwan to take 2 successful reviews in yesterday's game.
 
The best way to describe him is that he is just a really smart guy. He is not that naturally gifted and clearly has his limitations. But I've rarely seen him do something stupid and brainless. He knows how to play the situation. Also a very useful cricketer who can contribute in every area: batting, bowling and fielding.

I find him comparable to Glenn Phillips somewhat, who plays a similar role for New Zealand. Though Phillips is a much better striker of the ball and easily one of the best fielders in the world (if not the best).
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
The best way to describe him is that he is just a really smart guy. He is not that naturally gifted and clearly has his limitations. But I've rarely seen him do something stupid and brainless. He knows how to play the situation. Also a very useful cricketer who can contribute in every area: batting, bowling and fielding.

I find him comparable to Glenn Phillips somewhat, who plays a similar role for New Zealand. Though Phillips is a much better striker of the ball and easily one of the best fielders in the world (if not the best).
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Depends how you define natural talent. Glen Philips is a tremendous athlete. Salman Agha has a great eye and reflexes which you could see from the catches he good at slip in the Australia tour. In my view he he is very much gifted as well.
 
Farabi said:
The reason no one wants to come in terms with playing at no7 is because that’s not where batters bat. Most games you will not not get a chance to bat and when you do, it may not be a proper chance. You will fail more often than not and then your place will be questioned and you will be forgotten soon. This guy will simply get dumped if he plays at no7. In any case, his strike rotation and range is better than Rizwan so he should be batting higher to have a bigger impact on the game. No7 is better suited for players who have a stronger bowling skill so they can contribute regardless
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It really depends on the team combination, available resources, pitch conditions, and the opposition. So, it’s not accurate to say that the No. 7 position is exclusively for a strong bowler who can bat. My focus was specifically on positions 6 and 7, as they require flexibility. A player at No. 6, for example, should be capable of adapting to different situations and batting at 5, 6, or 7 depending on the team’s needs.

Take Salman Agha an example. In ODIs, he has often batted at either No. 5 or No. 6, and in Tests, he has effectively played at No. 6 and No. 7. The suggestion that Salman might fail in these positions ignores the fact that he has consistently performed well and contributed to Pakistan’s victories from these spots.

There’s no need to disrupt what’s already working. Salman’s current roles at these positions have proven successful, and changing his spot unnecessarily could upset the balance. If there’s an urgent situation that requires him to move up the order, that’s a different matter. But under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t compromise what’s already effective to address other issues, like fixing the top order.
 
Caved12 said:
It really depends on the team combination, available resources, pitch conditions, and the opposition. So, it’s not accurate to say that the No. 7 position is exclusively for a strong bowler who can bat. My focus was specifically on positions 6 and 7, as they require flexibility. A player at No. 6, for example, should be capable of adapting to different situations and batting at 5, 6, or 7 depending on the team’s needs.

Take Salman Agha an example. In ODIs, he has often batted at either No. 5 or No. 6, and in Tests, he has effectively played at No. 6 and No. 7. The suggestion that Salman might fail in these positions ignores the fact that he has consistently performed well and contributed to Pakistan’s victories from these spots.

There’s no need to disrupt what’s already working. Salman’s current roles at these positions have proven successful, and changing his spot unnecessarily could upset the balance. If there’s an urgent situation that requires him to move up the order, that’s a different matter. But under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t compromise what’s already effective to address other issues, like fixing the top order.
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You’re not getting it. We’re coming at this from completely different angles. I think Agha, Babar, and Saud are Pakistan’s three best batters right now. For me, their success isn’t about survival at the crease—it’s about piling on centuries, double centuries, maybe even a triple here or there, from key positions like No. 4, 5, and 6 (aka batting engine room) .

Sure, Agha’s done well at No. 7, but let’s be real—that spot is a trap. Batting with the tail is way harder than with proper batters who can rotate strike and ease the pressure. And in Pakistan, one bad series at No. 7, and you’re out.

Agha’s more compact, fluent, and technically solid than Rizwan, so why isn’t he batting higher? He has the talent to score big, but at No. 7, it’s just wasted potential.
 
Farabi said:
You’re not getting it. We’re coming at this from completely different angles. I think Agha, Babar, and Saud are Pakistan’s three best batters right now. For me, their success isn’t about survival at the crease—it’s about piling on centuries, double centuries, maybe even a triple here or there, from key positions like No. 4, 5, and 6 (aka batting engine room) .

Sure, Agha’s done well at No. 7, but let’s be real—that spot is a trap. Batting with the tail is way harder than with proper batters who can rotate strike and ease the pressure. And in Pakistan, one bad series at No. 7, and you’re out.

Agha’s more compact, fluent, and technically solid than Rizwan, so why isn’t he batting higher? He has the talent to score big, but at No. 7, it’s just wasted potential.
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I know my cricket and am confident in my understanding of the game. This discussion started with you quoting me and commenting on why I shouldn’t label Salman as an all-rounder, emphasizing how dangerous that label could be. In response, I explained my perspective, providing detailed reasoning and covering the issue from every possible angle.

After that, you shifted the focus away from the No. 6 position and became fixated on No. 7, arguing how Salman could struggle if he continues to bat at No. 7. You emphasized that a strong bowler who can bat should ideally occupy that spot. Then you brought Rizwan into the equation, suggesting that Salman is a better player and therefore should bat ahead of Rizwan.
 
Caved12 said:
I know my cricket and am confident in my understanding of the game. This discussion started with you quoting me and commenting on why I shouldn’t label Salman as an all-rounder, emphasizing how dangerous that label could be. In response, I explained my perspective, providing detailed reasoning and covering the issue from every possible angle.

After that, you shifted the focus away from the No. 6 position and became fixated on No. 7, arguing how Salman could struggle if he continues to bat at No. 7. You emphasized that a strong bowler who can bat should ideally occupy that spot. Then you brought Rizwan into the equation, suggesting that Salman is a better player and therefore should bat ahead of Rizwan.
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Agha batting at No. 7 in Tests and No. 6 in ODIs seems more about team politics than objective cricketing logic. Let’s focus on Test cricket for now:

First, let’s drop the “allrounder” label—it doesn’t fit. Agha Salman is a proper batter who offers some handy part-time spin, nothing more. Using him as a fifth bowler in ODIs will backfire eventually. Remember when Gillespie called him the main spinner? That experiment crashed hard by the second Test against England, forcing the team to bring back genuine spinners like Nauman and Sajid.

Second, Agha is easily among the top three batters in the country right now. And that’s not just my casual take—Mohammad Yousuf had the same assessment even before Saud and Agha debuted.

Finally, in Tests, you don’t bury your best batters down the order. Agha has the potential to score double tons, but he needs to bat at No. 4 or 5 to make that happen. Putting him at No. 7, where he’s stuck batting with the tail, is a complete waste of his talent. Worse, it risks his career in a setup like Pakistan’s, where people have already started calling him an allrounder just because of his batting position.

The No. 7 spot in Tests should go to a proper allrounder who can contribute significantly with the ball, not someone like Agha.

At least in ODIs, the management seems to be waking up. They’ve moved him up to No. 6 and even No. 5 recently, realizing they’ve been underutilizing him. Better late than never!
 
The PCB often faces criticism for mishandling players, but it’s important to acknowledge that they don’t mishandle every player. In recent times, two players who have been well supported by the PCB and the Pakistan cricket team captains are Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub. Both have consistently received backing from the board and their teammates.

Salman, in particular, has been given clear roles in the team. In ODIs, he is trusted at number 5 or 6, while in Tests, he usually bats at 6 or 7. As he continues to grow and earns more respect through consistent performances, there’s every chance he’ll be promoted if other batters fail to deliver or lack consistency. However, if the current setup is working, I wouldn’t make drastic changes to Salman’s batting order. I would keep him at 5 in ODIs and 6 in Tests but emphasize the importance of flexibility, asking him to adapt to a position either up or down if needed. These roles are integral to the game, and someone must excel in those positions, so there’s no point in changing what’s already working. At this stage of his career, there’s no need to move Salman into the top 4.

Pakistan cricket clearly values Salman, as demonstrated when they entrusted him with the captaincy during the Zimbabwe T20 series. In cricket, nothing is handed to you on a silver platter. You have to earn your place and the respect of your teammates through hard work and performances before making significant strides. Salman’s journey is a testament to that.
 
Caved12 said:
The PCB often faces criticism for mishandling players, but it’s important to acknowledge that they don’t mishandle every player. In recent times, two players who have been well supported by the PCB and the Pakistan cricket team captains are Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub. Both have consistently received backing from the board and their teammates.

Salman, in particular, has been given clear roles in the team. In ODIs, he is trusted at number 5 or 6, while in Tests, he usually bats at 6 or 7. As he continues to grow and earns more respect through consistent performances, there’s every chance he’ll be promoted if other batters fail to deliver or lack consistency. However, if the current setup is working, I wouldn’t make drastic changes to Salman’s batting order. I would keep him at 5 in ODIs and 6 in Tests but emphasize the importance of flexibility, asking him to adapt to a position either up or down if needed. These roles are integral to the game, and someone must excel in those positions, so there’s no point in changing what’s already working. At this stage of his career, there’s no need to move Salman into the top 4.

Pakistan cricket clearly values Salman, as demonstrated when they entrusted him with the captaincy during the Zimbabwe T20 series. In cricket, nothing is handed to you on a silver platter. You have to earn your place and the respect of your teammates through hard work and performances before making significant strides. Salman’s journey is a testament to that.
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I think Salman Ali Agha is finally starting to get the recognition and attention he deserves, which is great to see.

However, just to clarify—he’s still batting at No. 7 in Test cricket not no6 like you said your last message. Mark my words: this approach will backfire, especially in away conditions where tailenders won’t be able to stick around and support him. When that happens, his place in the team will come under scrutiny, and his bowling will also be questioned.

There’s a reason why the best batter in any Test team bats at No. 4, with the second and third best around him. It’s about maximizing opportunities to build big totals, and keeping someone like Agha at No. 7 is a waste of his talent and a risk to his career. If you can find me any top team that plays a specialist batter at no7, I will never post on this forum again. There’s a reason why this doesn’t happen and only in Pakistan do we make such stupid calls.
 
Farabi said:
I think Salman Ali Agha is finally starting to get the recognition and attention he deserves, which is great to see.

However, just to clarify—he’s still batting at No. 7 in Test cricket not no6 like you said your last message. Mark my words: this approach will backfire, especially in away conditions where tailenders won’t be able to stick around and support him. When that happens, his place in the team will come under scrutiny, and his bowling will also be questioned.

There’s a reason why the best batter in any Test team bats at No. 4, with the second and third best around him. It’s about maximizing opportunities to build big totals, and keeping someone like Agha at No. 7 is a waste of his talent and a risk to his career. If you can find me any top team that plays a specialist batter at no7, I will never post on this forum again. There’s a reason why this doesn’t happen and only in Pakistan do we make such stupid calls.
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It’s no coincidence that the best batter in any Test team usually bats at No. 4. That position offers the perfect balance—protected from the new ball but not so low that they’re left carrying the tail. Tailenders can’t rotate strike or put pressure back on the opposition, so batting with them often limits scoring opportunities.

No. 4 is widely regarded as the easiest and most productive place to bat in Test cricket, which is why it’s reserved for the best batter in the country. The goal is simple: maximize their chances of scoring big and help the team post massive totals.
 
Farabi said:
I think Salman Ali Agha is finally starting to get the recognition and attention he deserves, which is great to see.

However, just to clarify—he’s still batting at No. 7 in Test cricket not no6 like you said your last message. Mark my words: this approach will backfire, especially in away conditions where tailenders won’t be able to stick around and support him. When that happens, his place in the team will come under scrutiny, and his bowling will also be questioned.

There’s a reason why the best batter in any Test team bats at No. 4, with the second and third best around him. It’s about maximizing opportunities to build big totals, and keeping someone like Agha at No. 7 is a waste of his talent and a risk to his career. If you can find me any top team that plays a specialist batter at no7, I will never post on this forum again. There’s a reason why this doesn’t happen and only in Pakistan do we make such stupid calls.
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I never stated that Salman’s permanent position is No. 6 in Test matches. As far as I know, we both agree that throughout his career, he has batted at both No. 6 and No. 7, with a significant portion of his career spent in both positions. This has been discussed with him, and he himself has confirmed that he’s now fully on board with the idea of being flexible in adapting to these roles. In fact, he, the captain, and the coaches talk about this regularly.

Personally, I would prefer him to bat at No. 6, but I have no issue with him batting at No. 7 as well. The key is for him to stay mentally strong, open-minded, and enthusiastic about performing in whichever position he’s asked to bat.

I’ve said what I needed to say on this topic, and I don’t have anything more to add at this stage. Thanks.
 
Farabi said:
It’s no coincidence that the best batter in any Test team usually bats at No. 4. That position offers the perfect balance—protected from the new ball but not so low that they’re left carrying the tail. Tailenders can’t rotate strike or put pressure back on the opposition, so batting with them often limits scoring opportunities.

No. 4 is widely regarded as the easiest and most productive place to bat in Test cricket, which is why it’s reserved for the best batter in the country. The goal is simple: maximize their chances of scoring big and help the team post massive totals.
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4 and 5 yes
 
Caved12 said:
I never stated that Salman’s permanent position is No. 6 in Test matches. As far as I know, we both agree that throughout his career, he has batted at both No. 6 and No. 7, with a significant portion of his career spent in both positions. This has been discussed with him, and he himself has confirmed that he’s now fully on board with the idea of being flexible in adapting to these roles. In fact, he, the captain, and the coaches talk about this regularly.

Personally, I would prefer him to bat at No. 6, but I have no issue with him batting at No. 7 as well. The key is for him to stay mentally strong, open-minded, and enthusiastic about performing in whichever position he’s asked to bat.

I’ve said what I needed to say on this topic, and I don’t have anything more to add at this stage. Thanks.
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First off, he’s played 3 matches at No. 6, 14 at No. 7, and 8 at No. 8 (ouch!).

Second, in that interview, he basically said, “I used to complain about batting so low in the order, but now I’ve accepted it and am trying to make the most of it.” Translation: he’s not happy with it—and why should he be? He knows he’s being set up to fail. In SENA conditions, Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali likely aren’t sticking around batting against pace/seam, so how’s he supposed to rack up runs with the tail?

You might not have an issue with him batting at No. 7, but it’s a trap. If he doesn’t move up, he’s going to burn out before the team figures it out. Save this message.
 
Agha has proven his worth in ODIs and Tests. He is just not made for T20s so he should just stay away from that format and focus where he can be great.
 
Farabi said:
First off, he’s played 3 matches at No. 6, 14 at No. 7, and 8 at No. 8 (ouch!).

Second, in that interview, he basically said, “I used to complain about batting so low in the order, but now I’ve accepted it and am trying to make the most of it.” Translation: he’s not happy with it—and why should he be? He knows he’s being set up to fail. In SENA conditions, Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali likely aren’t sticking around batting against pace/seam, so how’s he supposed to rack up runs with the tail?

You might not have an issue with him batting at No. 7, but it’s a trap. If he doesn’t move up, he’s going to burn out before the team figures it out. Save this message.
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First off, in Post #767, you mentioned that batting at No. 6 or 7 is setting him up for failure. So, I assumed you remembered that he started his Test career batting at No. 6, which is why I kept including both positions in my replies.

As for your numbers, he’s only played 17 Test matches, so it’s not possible that he batted at No. 8 in 8 matches. Your calculation is already off. Moreover, you seem to have missed the context of his interview. Right after the part you referred to, he clearly explained how runs scored from lower-order positions often turn out to be winning or crucial runs. He also highlighted how the team emphasizes performing well from those positions. This isn’t the only interview where he’s elaborated on this topic, he’s discussed it multiple times.

At this point, you’re repeating the same arguments and going in circles, so I think it’s time to move on. As I’ve said before, I’ve covered all angles and have nothing further to add. To clarify, I have no issue with him being promoted to bat in the top 5 if needed. However, I’ve also shared my perspective on what I believe is best for the Pakistan cricket team.

Thanks.
 
Caved12 said:
First off, in Post #767, you mentioned that batting at No. 6 or 7 is setting him up for failure. So, I assumed you remembered that he started his Test career batting at No. 6, which is why I kept including both positions in my replies.

As for your numbers, he’s only played 17 Test matches, so it’s not possible that he batted at No. 8 in 8 matches. Your calculation is already off. Moreover, you seem to have missed the context of his interview. Right after the part you referred to, he clearly explained how runs scored from lower-order positions often turn out to be winning or crucial runs. He also highlighted how the team emphasizes performing well from those positions. This isn’t the only interview where he’s elaborated on this topic, he’s discussed it multiple times.

At this point, you’re repeating the same arguments and going in circles, so I think it’s time to move on. As I’ve said before, I’ve covered all angles and have nothing further to add. To clarify, I have no issue with him being promoted to bat in the top 5 if needed. However, I’ve also shared my perspective on what I believe is best for the Pakistan cricket team.

Thanks.
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17 test matches has 34 innings. I thought you said you know your cricket. 😂
As for his own statement, what do you expect him to say as an active cricketer? You expect him to rebel in the media?
What he said was enough for those of us who are intelligent enough to know what’s going on.
Here is the exact statement:

“Since I arrived in the team I have been batting at seven. I initially used to complain, but now I have come to accept this as my role and I have to do well," he said.
 
Farabi said:
17 test matches has 34 innings. I thought you said you know your cricket. 😂
As for his own statement, what do you expect him to say as an active cricketer? You expect him to rebel in the media?
What he said was enough for those of us who are intelligent enough to know what’s going on.
Here is the exact statement:

“Since I arrived in the team I have been batting at seven. I initially used to complain, but now I have come to accept this as my role and I have to do well," he said.
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Lmao, you’re just digging yourself deeper. I’m not sure why you’re doing this. Let’s take it slow. here’s what you wrote:

“First off, he’s played 3 matches at No. 6, 14 at No. 7, and 8 at No. 8 (ouch!)”


How big of an ‘ouch’ should I do now? 😉

Salman has batted in 32 innings across 17 Test matches so far. Even if we replace your word ‘matches’ with ‘innings,’ the numbers still don’t add up.
 
I think it’s really quite simple. He doesn’t deserve to bat at 7 in tests. He’s too good for that. But he’s only just now proving his worth. 7 is a good position for an all rounder or wicket keeper. 5 or 6 is his ideal position. Where he has batted previously is immaterial now he clearly belongs in the place where he can bat to solidify the innings.

One thing is concerning which is his spin. No way should he be considered a replacement for a full time spinner like Sajid khan. Pakistan make this mistake again and again where they think a part time spinner should bowl more than a few overs and be a replacement for a full time spinner because of batting ability. Shohaib’s malik v saqlain and Hafeez v ajmal being the case in point. All 4 were fantastic at any given moment but these changes in lineup play’s havoc with the team balance where bowlers are promoted too high up too soon. Hafeez started off as a middle order bat and Shohaib malik at one point opened the batting.
 
Abid Z said:
I think it’s really quite simple. He doesn’t deserve to bat at 7 in tests. He’s too good for that. But he’s only just now proving his worth. 7 is a good position for an all rounder or wicket keeper. 5 or 6 is his ideal position. Where he has batted previously is immaterial now he clearly belongs in the place where he can bat to solidify the innings.

One thing is concerning which is his spin. No way should he be considered a replacement for a full time spinner like Sajid khan. Pakistan make this mistake again and again where they think a part time spinner should bowl more than a few overs and be a replacement for a full time spinner because of batting ability. Shohaib’s malik v saqlain and Hafeez v ajmal being the case in point. All 4 were fantastic at any given moment but these changes in lineup play’s havoc with the team balance where bowlers are promoted too high up too soon. Hafeez started off as a middle order bat and Shohaib malik at one point opened the batting.
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Exactly! Agha Salman has always been a pure batter who can chip in with the ball when needed.

I don’t know how or when he suddenly became labeled as an allrounder—and for a brief period, even the main spinner! This kind of mislabeling only creates confusion and could ultimately derail his career.

Now, batting at No. 7, everyone assumes he’s an allrounder. That leads to unrealistic expectations for his bowling and fewer opportunities for him to score big centuries because he’s stuck batting with the tail.

It’s a perfect setup for failure. No team in the world bats specialist batters at No. 7 because they want their best players to succeed in roles that maximize their potential.

Only in Pakistan are such pointless experiments made to accommodate everyone and manage team politics.
 
Scoring 48 runs from 33 balls today at number 6, a batting position in cricket that often sets batters up for failure, Salman is somehow making it work ;)
 
Salman Ali Agha had earlier taken a good, calm catch of Kyle Verreynne at slip, but this time he missed the catch of Corbin Bosch on Day 2 of the First Test between South Africa and Pakistan.

nWkU94K.jpg
 
FearlessRoar said:
Salman Ali Agha had earlier taken a good, calm catch of Kyle Verreynne at slip, but this time he missed the catch of Corbin Bosch on Day 2 of the First Test between South Africa and Pakistan.

nWkU94K.jpg
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A good effort this time, but not enough.

And in the commentary, Ramiz Raja says, "From butter chicken to butter fingers."

yEEMpj4.jpg
 
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