Pakistan looks to adjust to life after Misbahul Haq. PHOTO: REUTERS.

Who will the next Misbahul Haq be?

Pakistan has a great opportunity to field a relatively new Test team showcasing a blend of both youth and experience.

Raacikh Asghar January 24, 2017
After having been thrashed by the mighty Australians on their home turf, Pakistan looks to adjust to life after Misbahul Haq and Younis. Whether the two get a go in the upcoming series remains to be seen but the future doesn’t seem too bright for the men in green unless the management finally decides to make a new young team from scratch. Like all great teams of the past and the present, Pakistan must delve deep into their domestic structure and search for answers before it’s all too late.

Whilst one might argue that Pakistan’s domestic structure is full of flaws and is not the solution to the problem, the recently conducted Quaid-e-Azam trophy suggested otherwise. Many promising performances by upcoming players have led the true followers of Pakistan Cricket into finally believing again. The upcoming series against West Indies is the perfect opportunity for the selectors to test the available raw talent and consider them for the upcoming tours as we frightfully prepare for life after captain fantastic. Unlike Sri Lanka, however, Pakistan still has a few seniors up their sleeves, so trying out the following youngsters in the elite company of experienced players like Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmad, Wahab Riaz, and Azhar Ali would only benefit the team in the long run.

3. Fakhar Zaman

The Pakistani selectors might just have an answer in the shape of the 26-year-old Fakhar Zaman.Photo: Twitter

Pakistan has been searching for International quality all-rounders ever since the departure of Abdul Razzaq but to no avail. After having tried and failed a number of times, the Pakistani selectors might just have an answer in the shape of the 26-year-old Fakhar Zaman. Hailing all the way from Mardan, Fakhar is a left-handed batsman and a slow left arm orthodox bowler who has the ability to turn the game around within overs. The classic example of his abilities was showcased in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, where he, along with the efforts of Imamul Haq, lifted their team from danger. His 157 runs helped HBL take control of the final.

The left-handed batsman was also the second-highest run-scorer in the Pakistan Cup earlier this year, with 297 runs in five innings at 59.40, including a knock of 115 that set up Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 151 run win in the final. His ability to bowl left-arm spins makes him a utility player and he is in contention for a place in the national side after appearances for Pakistan A. In the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy season, he has already racked up 650 runs at an average of 54.16.

2. Usman Salahuddin

The 26-year-old middle order batsman from Lahore, stands out from the rest of the pack.Photo: AFP

Exquisite stroke play, good game awareness and treating each delivery according to its merit, is what makes Usman Salahuddin, the 26-year-old middle order batsman from Lahore, stand out from the rest of the pack. After having shown tremendous consistency for quite a while now, Usman has been piling runs for the National Bank, winning crucial games for his domestic team. His ability to rotate the strike coupled with occasional boundaries is what makes him a top candidate for the national side; something that has been missing from the team for quite a while now.

His impressive averages of 47.29 and 44.39 in First class and List-A respectively speak volumes of his consistency and temperament, making him a genuinely good alternative to Younis Khan at the crucial number four position for Pakistan in Test Cricket.

1. Hasan Ali

Pakistan needs the energy and the fitness that the 22-year-old possesses in the Test matches.Photo: GETTY IMAGES

In recent games, Pakistan’s bowling performance has been below par to say the least. What is required is the genuine hunger for wickets and positive energy; the main arsenal of a fast bowler. His game awareness, cunning display of bowling coupled with the positive energy he brings to the pitch helped Pakistani Ace, Hasan Ali, picks up the maiden fifer by any bowler in the ongoing ODI series against Australia. Pakistan needs the energy and the fitness that the 22-year-old from Mandi Bahauddin, possesses in the Test matches as well. It will not be wrong to say that Hasan has been the pick of the Pakistani bowlers in the ongoing series against Australia so it will be wise to test him out in the white overalls sooner rather than later.

With Rahat Ali under-performing consistently and Sohail Khan lacking the steam and guile he once possessed, it is an ideal opportunity for Hasan Ali to break into the Test team. An average of just 24.37 with an economy of just under 3.50 in First Class shows that he, too, has what it takes to win over the Pakistani fans as he has been busy doing already in the green kit.

Even though there are many other players in the line, waiting anxiously for their time on the international stage, these three are the most prepared and ready to break into the Test side after having performed consistently as well.

Pakistan has a great opportunity to field a relatively new Test team showcasing a blend of both youth and experience. Pakistan should field the following XI if they are to look for answers concerning the future of their Test Cricket:

1. Azhar Ali (C)

2. Sami Aslam

3. Babar Azam

4. Usman Salahudin

5. Asad Shafiq

6. Fakhar Zaman

7. Sarfaraz Ahmad (WK)

8. Mohammad Aamir

9. Wahab Riaz

10. Yasir Shah

11. Hasan Ali
WRITTEN BY:
Raacikh Asghar The author is a student of Political Science and has a keen interest in cricket. He also worked for The Nation's Sports Web Desk.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (3)

Jayman | 7 years ago | Reply I forgot all about the salute ! Why didn't the Pakistani players do the salute in Australia? That would surely have lifted their morale. Of is there a directive against it?
Abdul Kadir Hussain | 7 years ago | Reply A bit harsh on Fawad Alam. Only in Pakistan would a player with over 10,000 FC runs at an Average of over 57 be treated in this manner, just because he does not "look" good. He had century on debut in a completely alien position of opening batsmen, but only got two more chances. Surely he deserves a shot still at a relatively young age of 31.
Jayman | 7 years ago Maybe he does not have fair skin? I know the first insult Pakistanis throw are Indians are that they are dark-skinned.
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