With the hopeful emergence of Faisal Iqbal and Hasan Raza plus class palyers to return, we have plenty of decent options for the middle order.
The problem position remains the openers. Since Saeed Anwar/Aamir Sohail combo, we have never had a settled combination. Who would make the best pair out of current options?
I need to see a bit more of Taufeq, Farhat, Nazir and Afridi don’t have the right shot selection so I guess it’s a case of matching someone with Anwar till after the world cup.
Moion Khan started his career as an opener, would he be worth a go?
Moin' never plays striaght in the V, he is the least likely choice ...
I think Taufeeq Umar is not a good choice, He was unlucky to be given out in the second innings thanks to someone Mr. Bucknor...
He plays in V, not a flashy player , good shot selection....
He with Saeed Anwar is a good combination plus both are lefty, But only intests though.. for onedayers i think Faisal Iqbal is much better off..
[QUOTE] Originally posted by Pakistani Tiger: *
Call back **Aamir Sohail,* for heaven sake!
[/QUOTE]
The Game Responds:
*He is reaching almost 40 for God's sake; we should be grooming new openers now. In the meanwhile, Afridi and Saeed Anwer can open for the World Cup. People, That Is All.*
Ive seen him play...he isn't anything special yaaar...we just need some solidness in the top order...and I think Faisal Iqbal or Hasan Raza should be brought in to open...becasue we have enough dept in the middle order...with Younis Khan (unpredictable) Youhana (Most relibale Pakistani batsmen) and Inzamam ( never know what hes gonna do)...
With Akram, Youhana, Saeed, and Afridi back in the sqaud...Im sure we can beat any team...and for Afridi, he should be brought in late, against the spinners, because he plays much better against them...
[QUOTE] Originally posted by Pakistani Tiger: *
Call back **Aamir Sohail,* for heaven sake!
[/QUOTE]
Aamir was commenting in this series and his fellow commentator asked him if he can expect a recall,,,
his words were... " Well i hve past my time, Even if i come back , for how long can i expect to play?? maybe an year? its time for youngsters to stnd up and grab the spot!"
*He is reaching almost 40 for God's sake; we should be grooming new openers now. In the meanwhile, Afridi and Saeed Anwer can open for the World Cup. People, That Is All.*
[/QUOTE]
His age doesn't matter. Pakistan has spoiled her best talent by the selection of PCB[bunch of idiots].
Playing Afridi is almost a guarantee of a poor opening stand. He doesn't play the ball on it's merits, he just blocks 3 or 4 then takes a big swipe when he gets frustrated. I'd like to see Moin tried there. He doesn't play in the V because he comes in late in the innings when improvisation is needed. Doesn't mean to say he's not capable.
If not, then why not try Rashid Latif and play Moin down the order? Rashid gets in line, and we could do with both guys in the team, other batsmen are just not good enough yet.
If I were to decide - I will have Tauffiq Umar and Saeed Anwar open in TESTS as well as ODIs. Let the guy play for couple of matches despite some failures. This will build his confidence.
I need to se more of Taufeeq, but the fact he's a lefty would count in his favour. He was a bit unlucky that he failed a few times(run out, bad decision) so he could be given another chance I agree.
Lets look at the option our captain has for the opening job for the world cup.
Here some players that I remember opening for Pakistan in past 2 years.
Saeed Anwar
Shahid Afridi
Imran Nazir
Taufeeq Umar
Imran Farhat
Naved Latif
Shoaib Malik
Shadab Kabir
Saleem Elahi
With Anwar on one end, who should be the other fellows.
I can easily eliminate some.
Afridi and Nazir out!
Taufeeq and Farhat can stay!
Shoaib Malik is out!
Saleem Elahi is out!
Shadadb Kabir is out!
So out of the 3 left, (Taufeeq, Farhat, Naveed)
I think Naveed Latif should get a chance to play, I was impressed by the way he played against SL in Sharjah, I was surprised that he is not playing recently.