[VIDS/PICS] Pakistan announce 20-man initial squad for 2-match Test series vs South Africa

[the Great Khan]

There is absolutely no logical explanation he can give for selecting Tabish Khan. There are other pacers who have done well in QeA Trophy like Waqas Maqsood who are not 36.

I think his explanation was fine. Its upto the management now to decide whether they keep him in the squad. He can do a job for the team in pak conditions. He was one of the "horses for courses" selections. Like Rauf. Also the reasoning for rauf is that we need to give these guys exposure as we dont really have any good pacers at the moment.

 

[Savak]

Selection of Harris Rauf is a surprise tho I don't expect him to make the final 16 or 11. Zafar Gohar should have been given a go in his home conditions, unfair to judge him on that NZ test alone. Abdullah Shafiques selection is a big surprise, I doubt he will make the final 11 or 16 but I guess Wasim is taking some mercy on him knowing he debuting on very tough pitches

 

[BunnyRabbit]

If domestic performances are to be given preference then why are Haris Rauf and Abdullah Shafiq selected.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Tabish is there to perform the 'Abbas role' considering his expertise on these wickets and his reputation for a consistent line and length. So it's like a temperament solution till Abbas finds his own solution to his problem or someone else stands up.

Ahan. And what happens if he does well? You select him for overseas tours? Where he will quite obviously get exposed. Also what is the long-term thinking behind selecting him? What are we eyeing here exactly? A 10 test career or a 5 test career where all the matches he plays are at home?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I think his explanation was fine. Its upto the management now to decide whether they keep him in the squad. He can do a job for the team in pak conditions. He was one of the "horses for courses" selections. Like Rauf. Also the reasoning for rauf is that we need to give these guys exposure as we dont really have any good pacers at the moment.

The explanation makes no sense. And it surprises me how people here are bending over backwards to justify the selection of a 36 year old trundler when the age brigade of PP is almost always on Fawad's case.

Selecting a 36 year old batsman or spinner is one thing. But a fast-bowler? Give me a break.

 

[Khan12]

Some good selections but some poor ones in the likes of Tabish, haris Rauf, Nawaz.

 

[Mr Crickekter]

Wow great squad and many choices in each department...

Abdullah Shafique
Azhar Ali
Saud Shakeel
Babar Azam
Kamran Ghulam
Mohd Rizwan
Agha Salman
Hasan Ali
Faheem Ashraf
Sajid Khan
Shaheen Afridi

 

[Thunderbolt14]

If domestic performances are to be given preference then why are Haris Rauf and Abdullah Shafiq selected.

Because there are no domestic performers who can fulfill their roles. Please name another opener or another 145+ bowler with bouncers and old ball skills.

Domestic performances are clearly prioritized unless there is an absolute need to look elsewhere.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Ahan. And what happens if he does well? You select him for overseas tours? Where he will quite obviously get exposed. Also what is the long-term thinking behind selecting him? What are we eyeing here exactly? A 10 test career or a 5 test career where all the matches he plays are at home?

I don’t expect Tabish to get a long rope. If he does well, he will be continued with as backup bowler at best.

The main goal behind his selection was to provide a line and length bowler who can fulfill the Abbas role - who else would you have picked instead for that role?

Our main bowlers in Asia are clearly still going to be Shaheen and Hassan, and outside Asia it’s going to be Shaheen, Hassan, and Faheem. Tabish is there for the third option and fourth option respectively. It’s Wasim’s way of sending a clear message - domestic performers will be picked.

 

[Nasty Naz]

A lot of players with good domestic track record have been picked and dead weights dropped.

Don't love the Rauf and Nawaz selection. I think Gohar is a better version of Nawaz and it's disappointing he gets dropped after he played on a wicket where its impossible for spinners. He batted really well too.

Glad to see Shan Masood dropped. He seems like a nice guy and a very hard worker but he is simply not talented enough. He has a mediocre FC average and doesn't really deserve a place on the Test squad.

All these changes better result in Azhar going back to opening. Every team have dominant 3-4 Test spots like Australia/India/NZ etc meanwhile we have Azhar at 3 who doesn't stop the bleeding when the openers predictably fall early. He needs to open and guys like Saud/Ghulam need to get those middle order spots to strengthen the middle order of this team. And frankly, they do not currently have good two opening options anyways.

Who knows if this will work but sticking with the same crappy squad losses after losses obviously wasn't working so I am excited to see the changes and hopefully they workout well and I really hope Shakeel and Ghulam get legitimate shots to show how good they can be.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I don't like criticism for the sake of it. I love the message that Wasim has sent that domestic cricket performances will be rewarded, as it will only serve to improve the stature of first-class cricket in Pakistan.

I don't expect results to improve in the short-term as the quality of cricketers is mediocre, but as long as first-class cricket continues to evolve, you will eventually see that translate to international cricket.

Nonetheless, there are certain selections which are mystifying (Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, and Tabish Khan), and I do feel Wasim has left himself justifiably open to a lot of flak.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Wow wow wow. That's great selection. I like it

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Because there are no domestic performers who can fulfill their roles. Please name another opener or another 145+ bowler with bouncers and old ball skills.

Domestic performances are clearly prioritized unless there is an absolute need to look elsewhere.

So does that mean any guy who can bowl 145kph should be selected? England play majority of their tests without a 145kph bowler. And if selecting a guy after a sole 1 FC match isn't weird then what is?

 

[Thunderbolt14]

So does that mean any guy who can bowl 145kph should be selected? England play majority of their tests without a 145kph bowler. And if selecting a guy after a sole 1 FC match isn't weird then what is?

England play the majority of their Tests in conditions highly friendly to medium pacers like Woakes. Also, despite that, these days they play almost all of their Tests with Jofra Archer in the mix.

It is definitely weird but it’s not like Haris is about to get a debut. It’s just a clear indication of direction and Haris will be incentivized to work on his game in first class cricket this season and maybe debut next year.

The issue is we have a bare cupboard. I agree that Haris is one of the more questionable selections but I don’t have a genuinely good answer as to who else we have. Waqas Maqsood’s role is already covered as we have three new ball bowlers in Hassan, Shaheen, and Tabish. Who else?

Since I don’t have a good answer, I don’t think I am in a position to criticize. If you have a good answer, I’d like to know

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I don’t expect Tabish to get a long rope. If he does well, he will be continued with as backup bowler at best.

The main goal behind his selection was to provide a line and length bowler who can fulfill the Abbas role - who else would you have picked instead for that role?

Our main bowlers in Asia are clearly still going to be Shaheen and Hassan, and outside Asia it’s going to be Shaheen, Hassan, and Faheem. Tabish is there for the third option and fourth option respectively. It’s Wasim’s way of sending a clear message - domestic performers will be picked.

Despite the dip in form Abbas averages 22 in test cricket. It's unfair to drop him based on his performance against New Zealand, the number one side in the world. Especially when all the bowlers failed in this series, and him and Shaheen had very similar numbers. To single him out is very harsh. He should have been given a chance to prove himself on home pitches.

Tabish is an atrocious choice in every way. If we take your view, of him being a back-up bowler then it means they have essentially just swapped him in place of Sohail Khan, and as much as I detest Sohail being in the squad even he is better option than Tabish because of his pre-existing experience in test cricket and his limited hitting ability.

And if he is simply a back-up seamer then who exactly are the 3 front-line seamers? I only see two: Shaheen and Hasan. And sorry but this horses for courses argument just doesn't hold up for me. Its just poor foresight to make a selection like this.

Abbas shouldn't have been dropped in the first place. But if they were intent on dropping him then they should have selected Waqas Maqsood who has done well this season and also isn't 36 years old.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

People are crazy. Instead of criticising Wasim for selecting Tabish, shouldn't we raise questions on all the previous selectors not selecting a bowler who has taken 598 wickets in 137 matches ?

 

[Bilal_103]

hopefully Imam can take Abids spot in the future and Gohar comes back instead of Nawaz

 

[TeymurBlake]

Well there is a lot to like about this squad tbf. Picking Saud Shakeel has been a long time coming for me. Good to see Kamran Ghulam, Agha Ali Salman and Mohammad Nawaz form being rewarded with a call-up. As for Abdullah Shafique, he must be some prospect to be picked with limited games played in domestic. Rizwan and Sarfaraz Ahmed being retained was no brainer as Rohail Nazir still has a lot to learn and it would have been wise for him to continue playing domestic cricket.

To the bowlers and......

Hasan Ali being picked was inevitable with the form he has been showing. Him coming in at No.8 will be a boost for our bowling and batting. Shaheen Shah Afridi is a our premier fast bowler, but his workload should be managed better, nonetheless he's inclusion is no surprise. Faheem retention made sense considering his form at No.7 against the Black Caps. THAT'S IT.

Zafar Gohar being dropped made no sense specially since he was chucked into the deep end in the 2nd Test against New Zealand. He SHOULD have been retained but wasn't instead 38yrs old Nauman Ali picked for me a backward step. Yasir retained when it was probably time to try Zahid Mehmood was also a surprise. Sajid Khan picked on the back of good form is good but his bowling is suspicious to me and maybe could have been part of the squad but not at the expense of Zafar Gohar. Haris Rauf selection with very little domestic cricket played makes no sense especially for Test cricket, its a massive question mark whether he can bowl long spells on Pakistan pitches. As for Tabish Khan toiling away on Pakistan pitches for almost 2 decades has earned a place in the initial 20 squad, Ehsan Adil and Sameen Gul for me would have been better picks ahead of 36 Tabish who's time came and went for me.

I understand Mohammad Wasim wants to make an impact, give domestic cricketers a chance and take Pakistan in the right direction but some of the calls he's made make no sense and seem random to me unless Babar has put more greater input in selections. I also understand this is the initial 20 man squad and will be shortened to 16 but still these players will on the radar and will likely be kept around for future upcoming Pakistan tours.

Overall, its a decent squad but some calls are odd.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Despite the dip in form Abbas averages 22 in test cricket. It's unfair to drop him based on his performance against New Zealand, the number one side in the world. Especially when all the bowlers failed in this series, and him and Shaheen had very similar numbers. To single him out is very harsh. He should have been given a chance to prove himself on home pitches.

Tabish is an atrocious choice in every way. If we take your view, of him being a back-up bowler then it means they have essentially just swapped him in place of Sohail Khan, and as much as I detest Sohail being in the squad even he is better option than Tabish because of his pre-existing experience in test cricket and his limited hitting ability.

And if he is simply a back-up seamer then who exactly are the 3 front-line seamers? I only see two: Shaheen and Hasan. And sorry but this horses for courses argument just doesn't hold up for me. Its just poor foresight to make a selection like this.

Abbas shouldn't have been dropped in the first place. But if they were intent on dropping him then they should have selected Waqas Maqsood who has done well this season and also isn't 36 years old.

Career stats are misleading. For example, at the time of retirement, Wasim Akram averaged 23.6 in Tests over his career. Does that mean we should have kept playing him for another 10 years until that average reached 30?

Distill Abbas’s stats into more useful criteria. For example, let’s take his form over the last two years which is a sufficiently long period of time. During this time period, Abbas averages 39.21.

On a technical level, let’s look at Abbas’s bowling. He has dipped in pace by 10kph, and is this no longer able to deceive the batsmen as much as he used to. This is directly attributed to his shoulder injury.

On a strategic level, let’s look at how batsmen are countering him. When batsmen stand out of the crease to Abbas, he averages 132 or so.

You are right in that Tabish has been selected in place of Sohail Khan. The difference is Tabish is a much more accurate bowler and can last long spells. I think that it’s a well deserved selection, mostly to provide that third or fourth bowling option as I explained earlier.

Regarding seeing only Shaheen and Hassan as the frontline picks, keep in mind that we’re probably going to prepare a dust bowl. We should be looking for 2 strike spinners, 2 pacers, and 2-3 part timers from the batsmen in Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam.

If we want to go with a third pacer, then for balance’s sake we will need to go with Faheem Ashraf and drop one of the batsmen (Kamran Ghulam or Saud Shakeel). Otherwise your tail is too long. Tabish doesn’t enter the picture unless we’re playing in Pindi.

Here’s my XIs:

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

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

Even in Pindi, Tabish only makes the team as 4th pacer, though it is entirely possible to go with 3 pacers (Shaheen, Hassan, Faheem) and 2 spinners (Yasir, Sajid).

The main reason Tabish has been picked is to send a crystal clear signal about what the selectors are looking for - consistent domestic performances will be rewarded.

 

[Barragan]

Overall, a very good squad.

Don't agree with the selection of Abdullah, Agha and Rauf.

Hopefully, Azhar is pushed to open.

1. Azhar
2. Abid (unfortunately)
3. Saud
4. Babar
5. Fawad
6. Rizwan
7. Faheem
8. Hassan
9. Yasir
10. Shaheen
11. Sajid

That actually is the strongest line up you could put out.

 

[El Generico]

Refreshing selections. I don't agree with every pick but at least he gave logic for every player he selected instead of just doing the same routine of recalling failures under the guise of "experience".

 

[JaDed]

Why are Sohail and Shadab dropped?

 

[Last Monetarist]

I agree with all those saying that if the alternative was Tabish Khan, then there was no real point in dropping Abbas.

 

[b.lesner]

I have been wavthing for the last 14 years or so. No one will select the likes of Israrullah bismillah khan etc they are awful to say the least. Both of them cant play anything over 120k and their techniques are awful. What has watching domestics cricket got to do with it? As awful as shan is hes still far better batsmen then these 2 which says something about them.

Tell me 1 better t20 batsman wicket keeper better than Bismillah?


Also if you remember that season when teams were getting out 120-150 Zain Abbas was highest run scorer.

 

[andy0204]

Harsh to drop Zafar based on one performance.
If they want to pick Haris Rauf then why don't they pick Hasnain who hits the deck hard and will be very useful for test matches.

 

[Line and Length]

I don’t want to complain too much cause they’ve finally made some changes. But Tabish Khan, Haris Rauf, and picking Sarfaraz instead of Rohail are pretty bizarre selections. Annoyed that Zafar was dropped after just the one game. But still, good to see Saud finally get a chance, was long overdue.

 

[Khan12]

Tell me 1 better t20 batsman wicket keeper better than Bismillah?


Also if you remember that season when teams were getting out 120-150 Zain Abbas was highest run scorer.

Rizwan
Kamran akmal
Azam Khan
Mohammed Haris
Rohail Nazir
Zeeshan Ashraf
Sarfraz

Thats quite a few the guy cant play anything over 120k. If you have seen him enough you will know to go with his awful technique.

As for zain he's is decent at best and will score runs in pakistan outside he is a walking wicket. Sami Aslam was far better then him. Shan also averages over 50+ in list a should we also pick him for odis?

 

[coy0607]

I agree with all those saying that if the alternative was Tabish Khan, then there was no real point in dropping Abbas.

I wonder how much of a role Fawad's century played into the selection of Tabish and Nauman. Players who've been performing for years but ignored for national selection. Seems like something to satisfy their fans, I can't imagine either Tabish or Nauman being in the long term plans

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Haris swings the ball, Tsbish is a domestic beast on the PK wickets.

But Irfanullah Shah is a better option for red ball cricket considering the way he has bowled. Also if they wanted an X factor bowler with pace , Hasnain would have been better than Haris Rauf. I dont think Rauf will ever be long format bowler.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I wonder how much of a role Fawad's century played into the selection of Tabish and Nauman. Players who've been performing for years but ignored for national selection. Seems like something to satisfy their fans, I can't imagine either Tabish or Nauman being in the long term plans

It certainly played a significant part. I don't mind the sentiment of rewarding domestic performers when the talent available (including the established players in the XI) is painfully average, but Tabish hasn't really performed in first-class cricket since the kookaburra was introduced.

 

[amvbfm]

Overall a good start by Wasim. The best thing about his selections is that consistent domestic performers like Nauman and Salman and table toppers from this time like Saud, Kamran and Sajid have all been picked (although I doubt more than two of them will debut during the series). There are a few questionable selections and omissions:
- Abdullah Shafique was a pretty shocking selection. I have a feeling there might be a bit of personal liking in this one where Wasim sees something special in him. But don't think he will make the cut to the final 16.
- While Nawaz has done well domestically, I think it has been conclusively proven that he isn't good enough for the international stage, at least not for the longer format. Also with Yasir, Sajid, Nauman already there as specialist spinners and Fawad, Agha, Saud, Ghulam and Azhar as support Nawaz's selection makes very little sense. Could have done better by replacing him with Waqas Maqsood.
- Tabish is another questionable selection. But I guess this is a reward for his being so consistent for so long. Considering that there are only 4 pacers, he will most probably make it to the final 16. Again this is pretty harsh on Waqas Maqsood who has been really good for some time now and performed much better than Tabish in this edition.
- The most questionable selection imo is that of Haris. With very little FC experience and questionable fitness he certainly shouldn't have been there. If pace was the reason they should have gone with Hasnain instead who has shown far better control recently.
- The only omission that felt a bit harsh was that of Abbas. He certainly didn't deserve to be axed as he hasn't been as bad as the stats make him look.

 

[sharmaji]

I don't know many names in the squad that has been selected, but I trust the judgment of many posters here, so I feel optimistic about the prospects of PCT under this new chief selector.

I am excited for the SA series to start now.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Career stats are misleading. For example, at the time of retirement, Wasim Akram averaged 23.6 in Tests over his career. Does that mean we should have kept playing him for another 10 years until that average reached 30?

Distill Abbas’s stats into more useful criteria. For example, let’s take his form over the last two years which is a sufficiently long period of time. During this time period, Abbas averages 39.21.

On a technical level, let’s look at Abbas’s bowling. He has dipped in pace by 10kph, and is this no longer able to deceive the batsmen as much as he used to. This is directly attributed to his shoulder injury.

On a strategic level, let’s look at how batsmen are countering him. When batsmen stand out of the crease to Abbas, he averages 132 or so.

You are right in that Tabish has been selected in place of Sohail Khan. The difference is Tabish is a much more accurate bowler and can last long spells. I think that it’s a well deserved selection, mostly to provide that third or fourth bowling option as I explained earlier.

Regarding seeing only Shaheen and Hassan as the frontline picks, keep in mind that we’re probably going to prepare a dust bowl. We should be looking for 2 strike spinners, 2 pacers, and 2-3 part timers from the batsmen in Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam.

If we want to go with a third pacer, then for balance’s sake we will need to go with Faheem Ashraf and drop one of the batsmen (Kamran Ghulam or Saud Shakeel). Otherwise your tail is too long. Tabish doesn’t enter the picture unless we’re playing in Pindi.

Here’s my XIs:

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

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

Even in Pindi, Tabish only makes the team as 4th pacer, though it is entirely possible to go with 3 pacers (Shaheen, Hassan, Faheem) and 2 spinners (Yasir, Sajid).

The main reason Tabish has been picked is to send a crystal clear signal about what the selectors are looking for - consistent domestic performances will be rewarded.

I never said Abbas's form hasn't dipped. Nobody is denying that. All I'm saying is that he should have been given a chance to prove himself at home because he was far from the worst bowler on that tour.

If they are preparing a spin-friendly wicket then that's a different thing. Because that is not something you expect to see in Pakistan. And if that is the case then they should go with Nauman and Yasir. Nauman is a much more dynamic spinner than Sajid Khan and a more consistent performer in domestic aswell.

But that still does not justify the selection of Tabish Khan because it shows a keen sense of desperation, where we have come to a point of selecting players on a series to series basis. Any side that has this kind of tunnel vision and short-term thinking should not be expected to be taken seriously.

 

[Bewal Express]

But Irfanullah Shah is a better option for red ball cricket considering the way he has bowled. Also if they wanted an X factor bowler with pace , Hasnain would have been better than Haris Rauf. I dont think Rauf will ever be long format bowler.

I like Irfan but he will have the same problems as Abbas- a yard too slow. As you probably know already, for me Hasnain is the slowest 90mph bowler in the history of the game. I reckon Kumble threatened more people with his pace than Hasnain.
As far as Rauf is concerned, he isnt much better than the dross he has replaced but the slower pace of test cricket might suit him. For one thing his seam is better than our other pace bowlers and that should at least give him a chance, the downside to him is that the guy makes UA look like a Rhodes scholar.

 

[Bewal Express]

Why are Sohail and Shadab dropped?

Not good enough. Shadab has hard work ahead to get his leg spinner spinning again

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

People are crazy. Instead of criticising Wasim for selecting Tabish, shouldn't we raise questions on all the previous selectors not selecting a bowler who has taken 598 wickets in 137 matches ?

Why are you doing it now? When he is 36. And who is stopping you from going to Iqbal Qasim or Mohsin Khan and asking them these questions?

These questions are pointless unless you have a time-machine.

 

[Shazzam]

Good selections he is already sounding better than Misbah the selector. We now need a new coaching staff. Once we get that we will be moving in the right direction.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

As everyone else posted, Zafar Gohar didn't do too bad for a debutant playing Test in Australia.

I hope MW has plans for him as a future prospect.

Glad to see Shan and Imam are chopped off.

Next step, get rid of Misbah and Waqar. The entire Pakistan has been saying this for the last the year and half, but PCB wants to learn it by the hardway.

 

[BakuGM]

some questionable selections including Rauf and Nawaz but I presume or infact I am sure they will not make the final 16 so not that big of a deal.

 

[nextover666666]

Wasim seems like the man for the job and you can see he planned this squad accordingly

I dont agree with playing haria rauf aside from that its really the best we can ask for

 

[b.lesner]

Rizwan
Kamran akmal
Azam Khan
Mohammed Haris
Rohail Nazir
Zeeshan Ashraf
Sarfraz

Thats quite a few the guy cant play anything over 120k. If you have seen him enough you will know to go with his awful technique.

As for zain he's is decent at best and will score runs in pakistan outside he is a walking wicket. Sami Aslam was far better then him. Shan also averages over 50+ in list a should we also pick him for odis?

Calculate number of sixes, runs and strike rate of each if you want i could show you.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

England play the majority of their Tests in conditions highly friendly to medium pacers like Woakes. Also, despite that, these days they play almost all of their Tests with Jofra Archer in the mix.

It is definitely weird but it’s not like Haris is about to get a debut. It’s just a clear indication of direction and Haris will be incentivized to work on his game in first class cricket this season and maybe debut next year.

The issue is we have a bare cupboard. I agree that Haris is one of the more questionable selections but I don’t have a genuinely good answer as to who else we have. Waqas Maqsood’s role is already covered as we have three new ball bowlers in Hassan, Shaheen, and Tabish. Who else?

Since I don’t have a good answer, I don’t think I am in a position to criticize. If you have a good answer, I’d like to know

I'm just saying picking Rauf without any performance isn't good and neither does it set a good standard when you are considering domestic performers.
Archer has very good FC stats and is a once in a generation bowler, so him getting preferential treatment makes some sense.(David Willey might disagree)
I don't get the role coverage for Haris. SL usually won in SL with only Lakmal and Pradeep(none of them is a 145kph bowler) with spin doing the most till recently.

There isn't really a hard and fast rule that one 145kph bowler is a must in Pakistan. That too when he has barely performed and played the longest format in domestics.
We used to win in PAK with Umar Gul, Asif, Razzaq too when Shoaib wasn't available. Wahab didn't feature in many of won tests in UAE.

Plus I would also consider Hassan Ali faster than our other bowlers. He can hit the speeds of 140+ regularly.

In comparison, Waqas Maqsood provides a left armer as well which in turn could also provide spinners the foot marks to exploit later on in Test.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

I'm just saying picking Rauf without any performance isn't good and neither does it set a good standard when you are considering domestic performers.
Archer has very good FC stats and is a once in a generation bowler, so him getting preferential treatment makes some sense.(David Willey might disagree)
I don't get the role coverage for Haris. SL usually won in SL with only Lakmal and Pradeep(none of them is a 145kph bowler) with spin doing the most till recently.

There isn't really a hard and fast rule that one 145kph bowler is a must in Pakistan. That too when he has barely performed and played the longest format in domestics.
We used to win in PAK with Umar Gul, Asif, Razzaq too when Shoaib wasn't available. Wahab didn't feature in many of won tests in UAE.

Plus I would also consider Hassan Ali faster than our other bowlers. He can hit the speeds of 140+ regularly.

In comparison, Waqas Maqsood provides a left armer as well which in turn could also provide spinners the foot marks to exploit later on in Test.

I think it’s just to show direction. Rauf won’t play and we’ll likely go with a lineup only consisting of Shaheen and Hassan and two spinners, with Faheem and Tabish as the next two pacers in line. Rauf isn’t anywhere close, it’s just to give him a signal that he’s being considered and should play first class cricket.

 

[Boycottisno2]

Age
Tabish Khan 36
Nauman Ali 34
Sajid Khan 27
Haris Rauf 27
Mohammed Nawaz 26
Saud Shakeel 25
Salman Ali Agha 27
Kamran Ghulam 25
Imran Butt 25
Abdullah Shafique 21

which country in the world gives debut to 34/36 year olds...... i ask everyone to tell me when have England Australia New zealand South Africa and India have given debut to a 34/36 year olds .... or is it a 34/36 year olds retire from the above named countries.....

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Age
Tabish Khan 36
Nauman Ali 34
Sajid Khan 27
Haris Rauf 27
Mohammed Nawaz 26
Saud Shakeel 25
Salman Ali Agha 27
Kamran Ghulam 25
Imran Butt 25
Abdullah Shafique 21

which country in the world gives debut to 34/36 year olds...... i ask everyone to tell me when have England Australia New zealand South Africa and India have given debut to a 34/36 year olds .... or is it a 34/36 year olds retire from the above named countries.....

Australia - Adam Voges

England - Shaun Udal

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Thoughts ? [MENTION=141557]Chief Destroyer[/MENTION] [MENTION=141390]Ellipsism[/MENTION] [MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION]

Villagers pretending to be selectors. They are and will remain ignorant.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

I think it’s just to show direction. Rauf won’t play and we’ll likely go with a lineup only consisting of Shaheen and Hassan and two spinners, with Faheem and Tabish as the next two pacers in line. Rauf isn’t anywhere close, it’s just to give him a signal that he’s being considered and should play first class cricket.

You cant play two spinners @ Pindi. Spinners usually do poorly there.

 

[Mamoon]

Do you think Tabish will get opportunity vs South Africa? I felt Pak missed the trick vs Zim. They could have played him in 1 ODI match and given him farewell. It would have been best for everyone.

I don’t think so. Shaheen and Hassan will be the two pacers. We will also play two spinners and Faheem.

 

[hur rizvi]

I don’t think so. Shaheen and Hassan will be the two pacers. We will also play two spinners and Faheem.

That's right. Selecting Tabish Wasim has played for the gallery...

Even if Tabish makes final 16, I just dont see him making debut unless there are injuries.

Bowling attack would most likely be:

Hasan
Shaheen
Faheem
Yasir
Nawaz/Salman Agha
Kamran/Saud if they play can be useful part-timers (One of them might debut if Azhar plays as opener)

 

[Khan12]

Calculate number of sixes, runs and strike rate of each if you want i could show you.

I have my eyes too and have seen enough of him to know hes not international material at all.

 

[hur rizvi]

You cant play two spinners @ Pindi. Spinners usually do poorly there.

2 spinners can work if 3 fast bowlers are playing.

I am sure Hasan, Shaheen and Faheem will start in both tests barring injuries

Yasir is a given and Nawaz or Salman agha can take second spinner role. No need to play Nauman or Sajid unless it's a dust bowl

 

[Hasan123]

Fantastic news that Sky Sports UK have bought Pakistan cricket home rights or at least this tour.

Where have you seen this?

 

[Mamoon]

You cant play two spinners @ Pindi. Spinners usually do poorly there.

Two spinners are a must in every Pakistani venue. Our fast bowling attack is not good enough to be trusted. Even the Pindi pitch will assist spin on day 4 and day 5.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

I like Irfan but he will have the same problems as Abbas- a yard too slow. As you probably know already, for me Hasnain is the slowest 90mph bowler in the history of the game. I reckon Kumble threatened more people with his pace than Hasnain.
As far as Rauf is concerned, he isnt much better than the dross he has replaced but the slower pace of test cricket might suit him. For one thing his seam is better than our other pace bowlers and that should at least give him a chance, the downside to him is that the guy makes UA look like a Rhodes scholar.

With all due respect, but dont you ever look for anything aside from a bowler's seam position?

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

Villagers pretending to be selectors. They are and will remain ignorant.

Tbf, it is a good squad Chacha.
Why do you think otherwise?

 

[UzmanBeast]

A lot of players with good domestic track record have been picked and dead weights dropped.

Don't love the Rauf and Nawaz selection. I think Gohar is a better version of Nawaz and it's disappointing he gets dropped after he played on a wicket where its impossible for spinners. He batted really well too.

Glad to see Shan Masood dropped. He seems like a nice guy and a very hard worker but he is simply not talented enough. He has a mediocre FC average and doesn't really deserve a place on the Test squad.

All these changes better result in Azhar going back to opening. Every team have dominant 3-4 Test spots like Australia/India/NZ etc meanwhile we have Azhar at 3 who doesn't stop the bleeding when the openers predictably fall early. He needs to open and guys like Saud/Ghulam need to get those middle order spots to strengthen the middle order of this team. And frankly, they do not currently have good two opening options anyways.

Who knows if this will work but sticking with the same crappy squad losses after losses obviously wasn't working so I am excited to see the changes and hopefully they workout well and I really hope Shakeel and Ghulam get legitimate shots to show how good they can be.

I was actually hoping that Azhar Ali gets to open in this series. Negotiating the new ball in these conditions isn't that difficult, at max it will swing for about 5 or 6 overs before going dead. Just need to stay composed and make sure that you aren't chasing deliveries that should be left alone.

If Azhar opens, he brings a lot of flexibility into the team:

Karachi Test -

Azhar Ali
Abid Ali/Imran Butt
Kamran Ghulam/Saud Shakeel
Babar Azam (c)
Fawad Alam
Mohammad Rizwan (vc)(wk)
Hasan Ali
Sajid Khan
Yasir Shah
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Tabish Khan/Haris Rauf

Rawalpindi Test -

Azhar Ali
Abid Ali/Imran Butt
Kamran Ghulam
Babar Azam (c)
Fawad Alam
Saud Shakeel
Mohammad Rizwan (vc)(wk)
Faheem Ashraf
Hasan Ali
Yasir Shah/Sajid Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Tabish Khan/Haris Rauf

It surely brings a lot more options available to us in the middle order.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Two spinners are a must in every Pakistani venue. Our fast bowling attack is not good enough to be trusted. Even the Pindi pitch will assist spin on day 4 and day 5.

One genuine spinner (Yasir or Sajid) and one spin-bowling all-rounder, like Nawaz or Salman Agha.

That should be good enough for Pindi.

 

[Shaka81]

It looks to be a great first squad to announce. It automatically makes a statement that domestic performers will be rewarded but also subtly encouraging someone like Haris Rauf to take first class cricket seriously. A call up for Abdullah Shafique might feel premature but there really isn't that much competition for the opening slot. Which is why Shan Masood was there in the first place. The only real alternative medicine was Imam-ul Haq but he's not back from injury yet.
Really happy to see the back off Haris Sohail... he might not even start taking fitness seriously after this.
Definitely a good squad overall.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Villagers pretending to be selectors. They are and will remain ignorant.

Surprised that you would say that. I thought it's a better squad than any squad Misbah selected. What changes would you make to this?

 

[Mamoon]

One genuine spinner (Yasir or Sajid) and one spin-bowling all-rounder, like Nawaz or Salman Agha.

That should be good enough for Pindi.

Yes, the second spinner must be capable with the bat.

One of the major reasons why India is unbeatable at home is because it has two world class spinners who are also so competent with the bat. It is a tremendous luxury.

Both Ashwin and Jadeja would in the team even if they were tail-lenders. Their batting is a completely luxury for India.

 

[Mamoon]

I actually like Nawaz and I think he is criminally underrated on this forum. He is no Jadeja but he is not as bad as people think.

He has been treated like a complete second class citizen compared to Imad and Shadab, but I actually think he is a better cricketer than Shadab.

He cannot be a worse bowler and he has better ability with the bat. He certainly falls short when it comes to doing theatrics in the field though.

I hope he can make it to the 16 man squad. Would like to see him play as the second spinner in this series.

It is understandable that he has been sidelined in LOIs because Imad is our best all-rounder and two SLAs can be counterproductive, but he needs more opportunities in Test cricket.

 

[Bigboii]

Didn't look at the thread so don't know the popular opinion going of my instincts

Mo Nawaz- Zafar is a better bowler than him and a decent bat- didn't deserve the axe if you are going to put Mo Nawaz in his place
Tabish- garbage stats in these last two new seasons should have gone with some other pacer (even Waqas Maqsood could have been a temporary choice)
Abdullah Shafiq- good potential but need to excel in first class before getting into a PCT TEST squad!
Haris Rauf-barely played first class (Naseem Shah experience 2.0)
To some extent the Faizan guy- just not sold on that guy

These are bad selections

Nauman- excellent choice, a spinner in his 30s is like an old wine
Axe for Haris, Masood, Naseem, Abbas all good choices imo
HA-sefl explanatory
Saud Shaqeel- good choice like that guy
Ghulam-jury is still out but he performed in domestics
Decent squad but feel like he went for the popular squad than quality squad

 

[BigShak]

Agha Salman has been in beast mode with the bat this season. No brainer for him to be selected as spin bowling all rounder ahead of Nawaz.

 

[Bigboii]

Didn't look at the thread so don't know the popular opinion going of my instincts

Mo Nawaz- Zafar is a better bowler than him and a decent bat- didn't deserve the axe if you are going to put Mo Nawaz in his place
Tabish- garbage stats in these last two new seasons should have gone with some other pacer (even Waqas Maqsood could have been a temporary choice)
Abdullah Shafiq- good potential but need to excel in first class before getting into a PCT TEST squad!
Haris Rauf-barely played first class (Naseem Shah experience 2.0)
To some extent the Faizan guy- just not sold on that guy

These are bad selections

Nauman- excellent choice, a spinner in his 30s is like an old wine
Axe for Haris, Masood, Naseem, Abbas all good choices imo
HA-sefl explanatory
Saud Shaqeel- good choice like that guy
Ghulam-jury is still out but he performed in domestics
Decent squad but feel like he went for the popular squad than quality squad

*Agha for Faizan
For some reason I just feel finicky with his selection
No genuine reason tbh

 

[Bigboii]

I actually like Nawaz and I think he is criminally underrated on this forum. He is no Jadeja but he is not as bad as people think.

He has been treated like a complete second class citizen compared to Imad and Shadab, but I actually think he is a better cricketer than Shadab.

He cannot be a worse bowler and he has better ability with the bat. He certainly falls short when it comes to doing theatrics in the field though.

I hope he can make it to the 16 man squad. Would like to see him play as the second spinner in this series.

It is understandable that he has been sidelined in LOIs because Imad is our best all-rounder and two SLAs can be counterproductive, but he needs more opportunities in Test cricket.

Zafar or Nawaz?
I like Zafar more cause I think he is a better bowler
What do you think?

 

[Shoaibbtt]

It looks to be a great first squad to announce. It automatically makes a statement that domestic performers will be rewarded but also subtly encouraging someone like Haris Rauf to take first class cricket seriously. A call up for Abdullah Shafique might feel premature but there really isn't that much competition for the opening slot. Which is why Shan Masood was there in the first place. The only real alternative medicine was Imam-ul Haq but he's not back from injury yet.
Really happy to see the back off Haris Sohail... he might not even start taking fitness seriously after this.
Definitely a good squad overall.

Yep i have to agree a lot of people are a little miffed or angry about this selection but i for one am happy. I have seen after a long time that Tanveer Ahmed who is a big advocate for Tabish is real happy as well. I think this squad is the best i've seen in a while, and it's got the right amount of experimentation.

FYI bud i'm from Scotland as well.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I actually like Nawaz and I think he is criminally underrated on this forum. He is no Jadeja but he is not as bad as people think.

He has been treated like a complete second class citizen compared to Imad and Shadab, but I actually think he is a better cricketer than Shadab.

He cannot be a worse bowler and he has better ability with the bat. He certainly falls short when it comes to doing theatrics in the field though.

I hope he can make it to the 16 man squad. Would like to see him play as the second spinner in this series.

It is understandable that he has been sidelined in LOIs because Imad is our best all-rounder and two SLAs can be counterproductive, but he needs more opportunities in Test cricket.

As a spinner i don't rate Nawaz but i'm a fan of his batting for sure.

 

[Bewal Express]

With all due respect, but dont you ever look for anything aside from a bowler's seam position?

Thats because without a good seam they are useless.Take the worst Ind bowlers and you will see their seams are excellent. Without a good seam you can't move the ball because these guys don't bowl cutters like Lillee etc

 

[Mamoon]

Zafar or Nawaz?
I like Zafar more cause I think he is a better bowler
What do you think?

I also prefer Zafar between the two. He has more potential with the ball and is no slouch with the bat either.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Abid, Azhar, Kamran, Babar, Fawad, Saud, Rizwan, Sajid, Hasan, Yasir, Shaheen.

Now that batting lineup looks pretty strong for home conditions and bats till 10. Spin attack is decent as well.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

You cant play two spinners @ Pindi. Spinners usually do poorly there.

Was talking about Karachi. In Pindi it’s Shaheen, Faheem, Hassan and if we want a fourth person then Tabish.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

I actually like Nawaz and I think he is criminally underrated on this forum. He is no Jadeja but he is not as bad as people think.

He has been treated like a complete second class citizen compared to Imad and Shadab, but I actually think he is a better cricketer than Shadab.

He cannot be a worse bowler and he has better ability with the bat. He certainly falls short when it comes to doing theatrics in the field though.

I hope he can make it to the 16 man squad. Would like to see him play as the second spinner in this series.

It is understandable that he has been sidelined in LOIs because Imad is our best all-rounder and two SLAs can be counterproductive, but he needs more opportunities in Test cricket.

Here comes the hype brigade, I hope Nawaz fails so deluded fans like you realize your preferences are the reason for the demise of Pakistan cricket!

 

[Bigboii]

Why are Sohail and Shadab dropped?

Shahdab is attrotious in tests (we have way better options than him dare I say even in odi's...)
Sohail is really good in first innings on green wickets

In Pak no green wickets and you need great fitness (his fitness is bad)

 

[Shaka81]

Yep i have to agree a lot of people are a little miffed or angry about this selection but i for one am happy. I have seen after a long time that Tanveer Ahmed who is a big advocate for Tabish is real happy as well. I think this squad is the best i've seen in a while, and it's got the right amount of experimentation.

FYI bud i'm from Scotland as well.

I don't really comment on here a lot due to work commitments but I occasionally read comments and have realised there are a lot of people who will be unhappy regardless of whatever squad was announced. It seems to be the default reaction. Hopefully Mohammed Wasim continues with the stats, performance and needs based selection process he's started and doesn't revert to the previous method of picking the flavour of the month or recycling the same rubbish.

BTW It's good to have a fellow Scot on here.

 

[Third Man]

Shahdab is attrotious in tests (we have way better options than him dare I say even in odi's...)
Sohail is really good in first innings on green wickets

In Pak no green wickets and you need great fitness (his fitness is bad)

He's probably asking about Haris Sohail.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I don't really comment on here a lot due to work commitments but I occasionally read comments and have realised there are a lot of people who will be unhappy regardless of whatever squad was announced. It seems to be the default reaction. Hopefully Mohammed Wasim continues with the stats, performance and needs based selection process he's started and doesn't revert to the previous method of picking the flavour of the month or recycling the same rubbish.

BTW It's good to have a fellow Scot on here.

I'm working from home lad, so i dip in and out if it's quiet. It's an interesting forum, some guys i agree with some i don't. I felt that the presentation given today was of high standard and actually had some class unlike previously were it was all just reading from a piece of paper. This is exactly what i'd expect from someone and how they should present themselves.

I'm from Glasgow lad, love my Pak cricket and hoping a couple of my favs do well in these conditions inshAllah.

 

[cricket4all]

On their website list of live games, though I went through sky sports app then cricket and live on sky section

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Based on what Mohammad Wasim was saying about all of the new players in the conference, I predict the final 16-man squad will be;

1. Babar Azam (c)
2. Mohammad Rizwan (vc)
3. Abid Ali
4. Azhar Ali
5. Fawad Alam
6. Sarfaraz Ahmed
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Yasir Shah
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Saud Shakeel
11. Kamran Ghulam
12. Nauman Ali
13. Haris Rauf/ Tabish Khan facepalm
14. Hassan Ali
15. Sajid Khan
16. Imran Butt

 

[shujaatraza]

If Hussain Talat had played the whole domestic season then he would have ended up in top 3 run scorers. He went to New Zealand for 45 days to play 3-4 t-20 against New Zealand kids.. really feel he should have been selected too..

 

[Thunderbolt14]

If Hussain Talat had played the whole domestic season then he would have ended up in top 3 run scorers. He went to New Zealand for 45 days to play 3-4 t-20 against New Zealand kids.. really feel he should have been selected too..

[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] I’m wondering if you can forward the recommendation to the PCB that A tours should be arranged as much as possible, but never at the expense of first class cricket? It seems like a fairly obvious thing but it’s completely roadblocked Hussain Talat, Imran Butt, Abdullah Shafique, and Zeeshan Malik from developing their techniques in real cricket.