So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

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So in the halwa series against Zimbs, we tried several emerging players. I know it doesn’t qualify as the best lab, but still it provided some sort of Int’l level to these new players. The competition pressure was among the players themselves rather than from the opponent side. In any case, they were there out in the field in Pakistani colors. So who should get change against Austrailia, and who should get chance against the next series after Austrailia (provided that only limited new comers will be put against mighty Aussies).

My pick would be Sarfaraz Ahmed and Jamshed. They are job ready with very little adjustment that can be done in prep camp before series.

For future, Wahab, Sohail, Khurram and Kamran Hussain will definetely worth giving a full series.

Those who have seen live matches of just concluded series, please comment.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Good thread!

Sarfaraz Ahmed is definitely a go in the International fixture, and not just in the upcoming series, but for future fixtures as well. He has a temperament of work ethic and determination, and he puts the efforts in. More exposure is exactly what he needs in order to be further groomed in the proper way, under proper set of eyes.

Nasir Jamshed, at times, has looked mature. His defense has appeared to be strong, but the lapse in concentration is one thing which requires additional work. His offside and particularly legside work is strong and has a good set of footwork as well. The focus on playing ground strokes and proper cricket shots need to be emphasized.

Wahab Riaz has some very good pace, struggles to maintain it at 140 for longer periods. Again, the need to have Waqar Younis in the team for bowling coach is so demanding that one needs to look past the differences and have him get settled with the future of Pakistan. The extras are killing us in every game. He used techniques, for every bowler, had them bowl from two inches behind the stumps. That cut down a major portion of no-balls during the series with Sri Lanka (Poor chap went for Hajj and got fired in the process).

Khurram Manzoor, again, more or less in the same boat as Salman Butt as of now. Tender flashes outside the off-stump, but then gets settled in once the word arrives from upstairs. Need more focus on playing each ball on merit. Good prospect in our hands, this fellow.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is one prime pick. Others should be given more opportunities, absolutely. They need to be out there, enhancing their game, honing their skills, get it all polished. Regardless of against whom, the future of Pakistan is right here. It needs to be put in the right direction.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Hey that Shoaib Akhtar bloke has decent pace I've heard. He'd be a good future prospect. Too bad Pakistan didn't try him.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

I think Nasir, Wahab and Manzoor were impressive.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Before the series started there was a talk about Niazi as a 'talented' bowler etc. What has he been like and will he get another chance?

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Niazi should be tried further as well as Ahmad, Jamshed, Wahhab, but should be playing more frequently at Internationals. They all need experience.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Niazi should be sent with A-team before getting any other series.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Not just Niazi but all the others who have the talent and this doesn't include jokers like Junaid Zia who will be just a waste of space as he isn't likely to be a regular or permanent member of the side.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Definetly Sarfraz Ahmed is the one who I'd love to see keeping the wickets in every game for Pakistan! Im sick and tired of seeing Akmal. Sarfraz is ready for this level and has proved it time and time again whenever he's given a chance. Too bad our dumb and useless captain is sleeping with Akmal or he would have been kicked out a long time ago.

Out of the openers, I like both Jamshed and Manzoor. To me, if Butt doesn't perform for the next couple series, we should definetly go with this pair. But If I had to pick one out of the two right now to pair with Butt, I'd pick Jamshed. Why? because he is aggressive and likes to play in the air, which could be a good combination with Butt, who is defensive and likes to play his shots along the ground. But, I would keep Manzoor and Jamshed in the squad at all times so Butt knows he has to perform to keep his place.

Nasir Jamshed is a exceptional talent but needs to be groomed properly and we can just hope and pray he doesnt turn out to be a Nazir or Hafeez. The guy has all the talent and so much power. His technique is good and so is his defence. His shot selection worries me...he gets carried away after getting good starts. But he is only 18, so time is on his side and Inshallah he will improve his shot selection

Khurram Manzoor is also an excellent find. I had high expectations from him, and he fulfilled them. He is awesome and a delight to watch when he is playing on his backfoot. But needs to work on his shots off the front foot.

Out of the fast bowlers, I was really impressed with Abdur Rauf. I think he definetly needs to be given a proper chance, and not just one match. Maybe it would be a good idea to try him after the Aussies series. His line and length was excellent and his yorkers at the end were awesome. He has a no-ball problem, but since it was his first game, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt and blame it on the nerves.

Sohail Tanvir was another bowler I was impressed with, even though he didn't make his debut in this series, but he's still relatively new. He has develped his inswinger to the right handers, but needs more consistency while delivering it. But a bowler learning and improving quickly is always an encouraging sign.

I wasn't impressed with Samiullah Niazi and he doesnt seem like a ODI bowler. Maybe he could be given a chance in Test matches, but I highly doubt it with the upcoming talent we have. He could not get the ball to swing either way at all. Maybe he requires a little more helpful conditions?

Wahab Riaz is also another bowler who was very good but needs some grooming. He's not ready yet, but he is a talent to watch out for. Good pace and a good fielder as well...I was very impressed by his performence.

I was most disapointed with Sohail Khan...but that was because he was so raw. He has geniune pace but he has no idea how to swing the ball and has little control on his line and length. Waqar Younis said the same thing as well. So he definetly needs more time, but certainly has the talent. Lets hope he doesnt become another Mohammad Sami...sorry Dhobi Bhai :D

Special mention about Rizwan Ahmed...the guy is the most electric fielder I have seen in recent times. The catch he took of Taibu of Riaz's bowling was amazing. Wow. I'd keep him in the team just for his fielding and use him as 12th man and keep Yousuf off the field for as long as we can. His legbreaks were getting a lot of turn, so much that even Kaneria cant ever imagine getting that much turn...but he doesn't have much control. Maybe with some coaching he can become more consistent with his bowling and Ive heard he can bat pretty well too. Seems like a handy cricketer to me.

Kamran Hussain is also a good find. He is a rare left handed bowler in Pakistan who can take the ball away from left handers and into the right handers consistently. He has the ability to swing the ball both ways too. His outswing with the new ball against left handers reminded me of the early days of Irfan Pathan and when he had Butt as his bunny with that outswing. He seemed like a calm and technically correct batsman as well. But, I believe he needs to work on his fitness and fielding. Definetly a good find!

Khalid Latif seemed like a technically correct batsman and would be a good choice for test matches, but not ODI's. I felt when he tries to up the tempo, he ends up playing a cross-batted slog shot, which is not a good sign. He would be ideal for test matches, as he seems to be made for longer innings.

Also, I feel sorry for Fawad Alam. The guy is such a talented batsman, a handy bowler and an excellent fielder, yet he has to sit out. Unfortunetly for him, he is a middle order batsman, and we already have Younis, Yousuf, Malik, and Misbah in the middle order. I don't see him playing regularily anytime soon untill Yousuf or Afridi retire. :(

Overall....Im very happy that the selectors decided to give these yougters and top performers in the domestic circle a chance to prove themselves. Also, thank god it was our selectors who eventually decided the playing 11, or if it was upto Malik and Lawson, im sure we would have seen Akmal/Butt opening throughout the series.

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

well to be honest ..
i think all the batsmen need to be groomed more before entering international arena .........
I dont remember who said this ........ tht at time of bad patch .... one should go back to their basics .... n if their basic technique is not strong .... then KABOOM (take an example of kamran akmal or sami) ......

i think PCB shud learn something from aussies .... Create a competitive Domestic structure .... n let players groom there .. n then bring them at age of 26-27 ..... batsmen at tht age can play for 10 yrs ...........

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Re: So who do you think is job ready among the newcomers?

Aussies team at world cup had guys only around 26-27? Why not take India as an example as well. They are doing pretty well. They have their young(star), who dictate the game play!