3
A test of inexperience
By Tabrez Janjua for Stani Army in Pakistan Cricket
34 ViewsAfter a year of impatient waiting, Pakistan’s cricketers return to Test cricket at a venue that has robbed them of more matches than any other. Taking on a variable Sri Lankan team would have been challenge enough but Pakistan’s selectors and captain have added to the task by conjuring an inexperienced team from their immediate disagreements.
The relationship between Younis Khan and Abdul Qadir will be interesting to observe, as both have strong opinions and are prone to actions inspired by emotion rather than cool reflection. At least, there will be no shortage of passion.
On balance, though, the outcome is intriguing. Yes, Kamran Akmal’s selection continues to confound reason. Faisal Iqbal is an unexpected recall. And Sohail Tanvir’s omission seems unduly harsh. Nonetheless, the selection strikes a populist note by recalling Fawad Alam and Asim Kamal, and offering opportunities to Sohail Khan and Mohammad Talha. An out and out rookie, Ahmed Shehzad, adds to the fascination, a typically random Pakistani punt.
Surely, Pakistan’s isolation camp will not be enough to transform this wealth of inexperience into a winning combination against the old hands of Sri Lanka? Yet the final fifteen all have something to prove, none more than experienced players like Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Danish Kaneria, and Kamran Akmal.
With Sri Lanka focused on fond farewells to their excellent captain, Pakistan’s hunger for Test cricket and success should give Younis Khan the opportunity to make a fighting start in a series that his team will not be expected to win.
Absence, however, makes the crowd grow hungrier too, and Pakistan’s fans are notoriously unforgiving–and this is an occasion that requires patience. Pakistan have the right captain, and now they must find the right players. The question is how much tolerance and understanding the public and media will show as Pakistan cricket enters another era of rebuilding? But giving the current squad an opportunity is a decent enough beginning to the Age of Khan.
Published with the permission of Dr Kamran Abbasi. Also posted at cricinfo.com
Loading ...
February 20th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
There was talk of Younis Khan and Abdul Qadir having a disagreement but the fact that Younis hasn’t quit as captain or done something drastic means all is well….for the time being at least.
If the crowd/fans do get on the team’s back then I would say that they have every reason because of the poor squad selection. Afridi and Tanvir should be there….Iqbal and Akmal should not.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Lets hope Younis dont run off at the first bit of criticism he gets otherwise theres no point being a leader.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:24 am
Yes Underarm, he is the emotional type. Let’s hope he’s matured…sometimes the past experiences change people for the better. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets at least two centuries in the two match series.