I opened a thread a month ago about Malik to be promoted to open the innings, since the regular openers on the top were failing cheaply in Tests against India. And Pakistan was keeping its sharpest cricketer out from the game to play specialists in bowling and batting (which is a good thing) and Malik could not make it as a batsman only since he was stamped as an bowling allrounder from the beginning and due to ICC’s ban he was not allowed to bowl.
Now since Indian tour has concluded with bright colors, we need to look back and see which areas are required serious consideration to be consistant with this winning combination. Top order is one of the biggest concerns, I think everyone will agree with me on this, along with a geniune pacer in the attack.
I think the pool of eight players that we have played as or that came as openers have given enough chances. So far Salman Butt is the only batsman that has impressed with his stroke play, shot selection (well most of the time) and great temprament.
We need to have an opener to open with Salman that has both stroke play and temprament. I think Malik has shown his cools with bat in ODI series, with his strokes as well as his ability to take singles in Miandad’s fashion. The temprament to stay on the wicket for a long time is what both Salman and Malik have in common. His ability to play both fast bowling and spinners with the same command is improving day by day. Not to mention that he is the best fielder in Pakistan side and over all a high spirit player who is very popular among his team mates and team management. Last but not least, he has shown his interest to play as test opener if he doesn’t fit in the team anywhere else.
I think this will make an excellent combination:
Butt
Malik
Younis
Yohanna
Inzi
Asim
Afridi/Razzaq
Akmal
For last three spots we have a good pool. Akhtar, Sami, Shabbir, Rana, Danesh, Arshad, Umer Gull and Rao. We can chose the best attack as per conditions.
Also if Malik doesn’t earn selector’s confidence than Younis should be promoted as opener and let him get settled there in few games. He has experience and will adjust himself up there. In that case our batting will be a little unsafe with only 5 specialist batsmen. We can cover it up by playing another bowler or the second allrounder.