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Why can't Azhar Ali open?

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Xoib

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He is the best guy in the side to blunt the new ball most of our openers are already useless and it opens up a space for one of the dynamic middle order players like Haris, Umer or Sohaib. So what is the issue?
 
Because thinking outside the box requires a brain which our think tank don't poses. They wasted Hafeez at top again. Nothing learnt from past. Azhar is an ideal opener.
 
Most of us have been crying for this for a while now. With Hafeez opening Azhar Ali comes in quite early so it is better to open with Azhar, no doubt.
 
There has been a thread running on this for years now, I think the now departed Khan_Ji started it. It's an obvious solution and since he effectively opens anyway as soon as Hafeez is out early then he can clearly do the job.
 
Because sense never prevails in Pakistan Cricket. Azhar should open, Hafeez should be #5 or 6. Shafiq should be #3
 
also he is a poor starter vs spin getting him to open will mean he is settled when the spinner comes in.
 
Yeah Azhar should open and Haris should come at 3. Hafeez could be handy in this series, but in the long-term he's a liability in the test side.

Shehzad
Azhar
Haris
Younis
Misbah
Shafiq
Sarfraz
Bowlers.

After YK & Misbah retire, UA & Fawad can take their places
 
There is a reason why most of us here on PP have been crying for Azhar to open since 3/4 years now.

He is a low quality and a limited batsman, but few are better than him in the country when it comes to blunting the new ball. Ideally, he should be nowhere near the team but it isn't an ideal situation in Pakistan these days. Never is actually.

He is not dynamic enough and just a little predictable for a number 3.
 
Mamoon said:
There is a reason why most of us here on PP have been crying for Azhar to open since 3/4 years now.

He is a low quality and a limited batsman, but few are better than him in the country when it comes to blunting the new ball. Ideally, he should be nowhere near the team but it isn't an ideal situation in Pakistan these days. Never is actually.

He is not dynamic enough and just a little predictable for a number 3.
Click to expand...
Finals! Finals!!..:yk
 
Mamoon said:
There is a reason why most of us here on PP have been crying for Azhar to open since 3/4 years now.

He is a low quality and a limited batsman, but few are better than him in the country when it comes to blunting the new ball. Ideally, he should be nowhere near the team but it isn't an ideal situation in Pakistan these days. Never is actually.

He is not dynamic enough and just a little predictable for a number 3.
Click to expand...

and who will bat at no.3? Asad will struggle at no.3 against new ball imo he is better suited to batting at no.4 or no.5.
 
Shafiq is ready for number 3 in my opinion. The best player of pace in the team and he has sorted out his technical problems which made him struggle against the 2nd new ball.
 
Mamoon said:
Haris should bat where Shafiq is batting now.
Click to expand...

I think we shouldn't fix anything that ain't broken. Shafiq is doing well in the middle-order. At the most he should bat at 5. Haris is a top-order batsman (No. 3 or 4) so he should play at the top.
 
After Misbah / YK retire:

Shehzad
Azhar
Haris
U. Akmal
Shafiq (c)
Fawad
Sarfraz
Bowlers.

Sami or Babar could open if Shehzad fails to develop into a good test opener.

Babar could also bat at 4, if UA doesn't do well.
 
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Ahson Afzal said:
I think we shouldn't fix anything that ain't broken. Shafiq is doing well in the middle-order. At the most he should bat at 5. Haris is a top-order batsman (No. 3 or 4) so he should play at the top.
Click to expand...

agree i think its better for him to bat at either number 4 or 5.
 
Ahson Afzal said:
I think we shouldn't fix anything that ain't broken. Shafiq is doing well in the middle-order. At the most he should bat at 5. Haris is a top-order batsman (No. 3 or 4) so he should play at the top.
Click to expand...

Haris looks better suited for the middle order and your best players of pace should occupy the top order.
 
Misbah's strike rate coming down and down and down after that four.
 
He practically does anyway, absolue stupidity why we dont push him up and open a place for another mid order bat
 
i thought he´s already opening? always batting in the very first over....
 
srh said:
May be Azhar Ali himself does not like the idea ?
Click to expand...

That's why we have selectors, coaches and captains. They are the ones who can decide where he should bat, otherwise I'm sure every Batsman would like to come in at no 4.
 
Ahson Afzal said:
I think we shouldn't fix anything that ain't broken. Shafiq is doing well in the middle-order. At the most he should bat at 5. Haris is a top-order batsman (No. 3 or 4) so he should play at the top.
Click to expand...

lol shafiq is has a very vey average record.
 
Because hafeez has to play.
A team that plays a loser like hafeez as an opener in a test match cant be taken serious.
This is seiously poo from misbah and waqar.

Hafeez is a besharam and will never drop down.
In a normal world you could made azhar open have give haris a chance !

if you still feel the need to play hafeez then atleast make him bat at no 6 , 7.
 
Mohammad Hafeez will remain in the team and haunt us as PCB think tank wants him Vice Captain of the team
 
........ Because it is spineless Pakistan management that has inflated the ego of hafeez beyond repair.
 
India fans asked the same question of Dravid for numerous years (until the Sehwag/Gambhir partnership came along).

I mean if teams are losing their opener(s) early - as Pakistan do now and India did in the 90s and early noughties - then what difference does it make if a batsman plays number 3 or plays as an opener.

It seems to matter a lot in the mind of the player though - a decision like this can't be forced up the player so as mentioned above perhaps Ali himself doesn't fancy it?
 
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good to see the pakistan think tank learning from their mistakes via experiencegood to see the pakistan think tank learning from their mistakes via experience... meanwhile thinking about post #34.. Is hafeez' injury forced a change..
 
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Hafeez getting his ankle twisted was a blessing in disguise, if he is able to bat lower down the order. He is likely to do well batting lower down & Shehzad and Azhar are pretty much the best opening options that we have got currently.

pakistani pride said:
lol shafiq is has a very vey average record.
Click to expand...

He will probably end up with a good record inshaAllah; he has lots of potential, especially in test cricket.
 
Gabbar Singh said:
India fans asked the same question of Dravid for numerous years (until the Sehwag/Gambhir partnership came along).

I mean if teams are losing their opener(s) early - as Pakistan do now and India did in the 90s and early noughties - then what difference does it make if a batsman plays number 3 or plays as an opener.

It seems to matter a lot in the mind of the player though - a decision like this can't be forced up the player so as mentioned above perhaps Ali himself doesn't fancy it?
Click to expand...

Azhar Ali was originally an opener but the team management asked him to bat down the order, he gave his consent because he just wanted to play for Pakistan and was willing to do whatever it took.

Said this himself in an interview.
 
Azhar has basicaly been opening of late and clearly prefers the pacers over the spinners so i don't understand the issue. Hopefully this change becomes permanent.
 
Development of Azhar

As I said else where, when you play in Asia, you don't need three guys to see off the shine, two are good enough. Right now Azhar is the best guy to take shine of the leather, he should or I say must open... I like changes in Azhar's technique (his back lift has reduced, that gives him more time. Against spin he is some what less predictable, using his feet better, creating more options and increasing his range). He has a long way to go, but his temperament is also source of limitation for him, like Misbah he is a naturally not aggressive or expressive. His game (like Misbah) does not expand as the time passes (stay on the wicket), which is a major contrast from guys like YK, whose game (foot work, balance, confidence, range of shorts etc) improves tremendously as he stays longer. Learning how to build and capitalize innings is very important aspect of top order batsman. Some thing both Misbah and Azhar lacks, they are happy with their comfort zone, don't try to increase the range of their game, that's why I don't see them be moving up the batting ladder.

Development of Shafiq

You need more dynamic and well rounded batsmen in the middle to score consistently in Asia. Guys who can play spin better (able to use crease, have enough feet movement, plus more range of shots against fast bowlers). I think Shafiq has improved a lot, he has worked on few important things (like bat coming down straight, rather than angle, that helps him with edges and LBWs. His balance has improved, that has raised his confidence and also range of shorts)... He should bat at 3/4, that's what should be the aim once Budhas are gone...

Importance of Deep Middle Order in Asia

In Asia shinny leather does little damage. Spending more on new ball skills does not pay off very well (that's probably the reason we never had good new ball players). Depth in middle order is key to success. Pakistan had well rounded batsmen like Harris Sohail, who have better range of game(can play spin, as well as fast, has temperament to play long innings, plus he is a lefty, a rare bread in Pakistan). Other big problem in Pakistan is other than YK, nobody can play big innings (both Azhar and Misbah as I mentioned above, can play lot of deliveries for 50-60, but are not good enough to convert those to 100s), you want to invest in players who can play long innings and increase their game with time. Again Misbah and Azhar has not shown increase of range, looks like PCB and fans are short sighted and are happy with limited success and capabilities of players.

Than we have Hafeez, who is good for nothing. Its good that Sarfraz has purple patch that is allowing us to be competitive at test level. Strategically we are making wrong moves. Guys like Harris or Azam have to sweet a lot to get into the team, where as Hafeez has no contest for 5-6 years and he occupies vital position.

Lack of investment in Youth

Pakistan is also killing youth, but forcing them back to domestic. Misbah is a typical Pakistani manager you will not look at you unless you have experience. Excitement of youth does not excite him, his selection criteria, at least 10 years of domestic experience (late 20s), this just ruins the youth. After 8-10 years in domestic the players are already moulded, they cannot improve after that, early expose to international cricket is important to make most of the talented guys. Imagine Wasim, Amir, Waqar spending 8-10 years in domestic before international break, they would have being like Rabat or Sakindar bukth.
Harris Sohail has being waiting for 4 years to break into the team, we have epic failures, top order, lower order. We are not going any where with this senior mentality. Even Auses try top talent early, like Ponting and Clark... Investment in Youth is critical part of team development.
 
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Azhar Ali has to open in Test cricket

He once again proves why he is our most reliable Test batsman. He plays the new ball better than any batsman in the country. The way he plays he is more suited to opening in stead batting at 3 where we can have someone a bit more dynamic. He comes to bat in the first 3 overs of the match any way and him opening will solve a lot of problems for us. We will now only need to find one person to partner him and Sami is looking good even though I admit I thought he wouldnt do this well. We have many more quality middle order batsmen than openers. If Azhar opens then after Misbah and Younis retire we can bring in 3 quality batsmen in the middle order in Haris, Babar and Saud in stead of just 2.
 
Sami and Azhar have to open and we can slot Babar at 4. In between YK and Misbah. Will give him an excellent opportunity to play himself into international test cricket.
 
I don't think its a case of Azhar being reluctant to move up, he's said it outright that he's happy to bat anywhere. More todo with the management and how they're afraid of change. I don't see it happening until Misbah leaves as he's very comfortable having Azhar at 3.
 
Misbah will not drop Hafeez, but Mickey can do it.

I would prefer drop Hafeez in next game, bring Rizwan, open with Aizi and Sami.
 
Lol. Open,??? He is such a rubbish batsman that he even struggles after the ball has become old,

DRop, Hafeez and Azhar. Pakistan cricket will only gain from it
 
Hafeez without bowling really is a nothing player. We would be better served with Azhar Ali opening. Asad Shafiq should come up the order and Fawad Alam should take Shafiqs position.
 
He is our best Test batsman but rubbish Shehzad fans and T20 lovers will never appreciate him
 
Yes, said it before. Make him open, bring Shafiq at 3 and then add Rizwan or Babar Azam at 6 for now.

Something like this for the final test:

1) Azhar
2) Aslam
3) Shafiq
4) Younis
5) Misbah
6) Babar
7) Sarfraz
8) Yasir
9) Sohail
10) Amir
11) Rahat
 
It's becuause of the friendship & groupings in the team.

He is ascertain as anything in PAK Test & now ODI line up. Now, e has declined to open, therefore whatever, PAK has to play 2 openers & no matter how he performs MoHa actually makes the team on merit.

This guy opens in ODI against 2 white balls, opened after Malik made a double & was confirmed for No. 3 in that series - so he opened. But, he won't open here, though he is coming literally as opener.
 
Better to be thought of as dumb, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.


^ Some posters need to follow this advice..
 
Suleiman said:
Yes, said it before. Make him open, bring Shafiq at 3 and then add Rizwan or Babar Azam at 6 for now.

Something like this for the final test:

1) Azhar
2) Aslam
3) Shafiq
4) Younis
5) Misbah
6) Babar
7) Sarfraz
8) Yasir
9) Sohail
10) Amir
11) Rahat
Click to expand...

Seriously this lineup is soo !! gun it's unbelievable it's a Pakistani Test Batting line up - Hafeez (I am blessed in all facets of the game ) needs to go; simple as. At the moment he doesn't have any justification left whatsoever to remain at least in the test XI
 
Justcrazy said:
Hafeez is useless , unless he plays a all rounder .
Click to expand...

Which he can't. His bowling will never be the same even if he passes test. At 35 he is not offering much with the bat. His contemporaries - Misbah and Younis are giving 40+ average and senior performances.

The ship has most definitively sailed for Hafeez as a test opener.
 
Suleiman said:
Yes, said it before. Make him open, bring Shafiq at 3 and then add Rizwan or Babar Azam at 6 for now.

Something like this for the final test:

1) Azhar
2) Aslam
3) Shafiq
4) Younis
5) Misbah
6) Babar
7) Sarfraz
8) Yasir
9) Sohail
10) Amir
11) Rahat
Click to expand...

Talk about reality, not fantasy. Babar ain't coming.
 
#GreenRoars said:
Talk about reality, not fantasy. Babar ain't coming.
Click to expand...

Reality is too boring, I'm tired of seeing the same lallu panju names everytime.

If WI can change their test squad mid series to get rid of lame players, we should too. Our selection commitee is 15 steps behind other committees, not my fault.
 
Keep Azhar where he is:

Shifting players around does not solve a problem for a particular position.

Drop Hafeez and open with Shehzad and Sami Aslam.
 
Suleiman said:
Reality is too boring, I'm tired of seeing the same lallu panju names everytime.

If WI can change their test squad mid series to get rid of lame players, we should too. Our selection commitee is 15 steps behind other committees, not my fault.
Click to expand...

Indeed, when Babar was selected for A team i raised voice against it and said millions times he should be in national squad. But here 98% people said, he is young, not ready, English bowlers will destroy his career, he needs practice bla bla bla and same stuff people said about Sami Aslam.

Our whole nation have defensive mentality, and you are worrying about selectors :)

The biggest risk is to take no risk, i hope our selectors will learn this soon.
 
Ego's, defensive mentality and the fact that Pakistanis need a lot of time to realize things. Maybe Mickey can accelerate the process.

He opened basically yesterday and scored 139. It's the fact that he blocks almost everything the first 10 overs that is useful in tests,
 
He's literally just opening and looking out best batsman when he's out there. Azhar and Sami should be the opening partnership at Lords and against Windies in UAE. Babar can come in to the middle order and of Misbah retires then Saud/Haris can replace him
 
MMHS said:
It's becuause of the friendship & groupings in the team.

He is ascertain as anything in PAK Test & now ODI line up. Now, e has declined to open, therefore whatever, PAK has to play 2 openers & no matter how he performs MoHa actually makes the team on merit.

This guy opens in ODI against 2 white balls, opened after Malik made a double & was confirmed for No. 3 in that series - so he opened. But, he won't open here, though he is coming literally as opener.
Click to expand...
Where has he declined to open? Just because the management haven't used their initiative and asked him to open doesn't mean he's the one declining. In all his interviews whenever he's been asked about batting positions he's always maintained he's happy to bat anywhere. Unfair to label it as his ego not allowing him or todo with groupings. I don't think Azhar is that kind of guy anyway.
 
Next game, drop Hafeez. Azhar must open, he practically opens anyway. Bring Rizwan in and play this batting line. I think Misbah and Younis should swap batting spots too, 5 is easier to bat at.

Sami
Azhar
Asad
Misbah*
Younis
Rizwan
Sarfraz+
 
Azhar Ali made his reputation in domestics as an opener and that's where he should play in Tests

Azhar used to be a middle order batsmen in domestics but had a mediocre record where he averaged low 30s and high 20s.

However in the fateful season of 2006 he was promoted up the order to open the innings and that changed his career.

For the next four seasons he averaged 40+ each season. Eventually he was called up for Pakistan A and toured Australia where he made runs against an attack featuring Doug Bollinger, Clint McKay and Jason Krejza.

That finally led to a Test call up.

He has been amazing in UAE (which I dont have any idea why some people discredit that because its not like our heroes of the past used to absolutely beast it at home and win every match)

But his performance in this England tour has been good. Even when he failed first 2 matches, he did look in control and his dismissals were technical errors rather than being all at sea.

With Pakistan struggling to find an opening combination I think the time is right for Azhar to be given the chance to be a permanent opener. He has a history of opening so it won't really be something totally new. Additionally, due to our poor opening combination, he generally is in the middle within the first 7-8 overs anyway.

Babar Azam, Haris Sohail (if he ever gets fit and in form) can be our long term middle order options.
 
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azhar could open, or inzi could bring in the only test standard opener in pakistan - shezzy
 
I understand they wanted to protect Younis from new ball which has not helped the cause at all. Azhar should open and we can slot a decent middle order batsman in the middle. Some one like Babar. It is better to go with 10 players than spend on Hafeez as an opener.
 
If he was asked too open I think he would do it no problem. National treasure Hafeez isn't going to be dropped and obviously Sami has earned his s,or so don't expect Azhar to open until we get rider Hafeez. Hopefully Azhar and Sami are opening in New Zealand and Australia. With Babar/Harris replacing team man.
 
Great point. He is just a token number three in Tests, who practically opens in most overseas games, after the walking wicket posing as an opener (Hafeez) is usually dismissed within the first 5-10 overs. The Test team's batting would be considerably strengthened if he played as opener, as the sitting duck can be replaced with a productive middle-order batsman.
 
If Azhar opens in one days then why can't he open in tests.

If Hafeez bats at 3 in one days then why doesn't he bat in the middle order.

Can someone explain me the reasons for this.
 
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