So Pakistan Cricket team finally managed to win the fifth one dayer against England to prove that there is talent in the country. But the victory was made possible because of the young guns in the side, not the old ones we must refer to as burden. It must be the end of the road for all those who failed in the ODI series because it is due to their presence Pakistan team is reeling at number 9. Give the youth a chance for Pakistan’s sake and see if they can rise upto the challenge.
In my opinion, Sarfraz Ahmed is the answer to Pakistan’s problems and the sooner we learn that, the better. He is more senior than the juniors but junior to the seniors and that’s what makes him odd man out for the captaincy. So why not kick out those who deserve to be kicked out and start a new era with Safraz as skipper and his band of brothers comprising of talented youngsters who are willing to learn. Look at Babar Azam who has been unlucky yet impressive at number 3. He not only knows how to defend but also attack and this is one quality that lacks in the Pakistan line up.
Mohammad Rizwan may be the back-up wicket keeper in the side but he batted better than many seniors in the Pakistan squad. Why he didn’t get to play much on tour is one question the tour selection committee – comprising of those who shouldn’t be there – must answer. Imad Wasim proved his worth and should come up in the order so that he can do more good than he already is or he can be utilized in the late order like Michael Bevan or Michael Hussey. I want to know whose bright idea was to drop him for a match and prefer Mohammad Nawaz over him. Yes, they both didn’t click in the first match but no one else did as well. Dropping a player who is talented has damaged our Cricket a lot and those at the helm must realize that it’s not helping even today.
Then there is Azhar Ali who must quit captaincy to play as a batsman … but does he deserve a place in the side as an opener? Yes he does because not only does he have a better average, one should give him the chance to prove his mettle without captaincy on his shoulder. He is one of the best batsmen in the Test side and was the architect of the Sharjah victory two years back against Sri Lanka where he batted in Tests in ODI style. Give him a chance so that he can be of use rather than sticking with Mohammad Hafeez who is past his prime and expiry date (pun intended!).
Now let’s talk about the seniors who don’t want to quit for their own selfish reasons. Umar Gul has been around for a long time and every once in a while, when is asked to bowl, he runs in and delivers the ball like a newbie who needs guidance rather than a pro who should bowl well because of his experience. He must quit the game for the better of Pakistan if not himself and allow younger, more talented bowlers like Hasan Ali a chance to learn and deliver. As for Shoaib Malik, he managed to do an Ijaz Ahmed by scoring big in the last match of the series to stay in contention for the next one. What I fail to understand is why the selectors didn’t go for Yasir Arafat who knows the English conditions better than anyone and is an all-rounder who can both bowl and bat well. Instead of promoting Shoaib Malik who delivers when his own place is at stake, someone who deserves to be in the side, should be in the side.