Analysis of Pakistan’s three squads for the tour of Sri Lanka – Part One
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the respective squads on Thursday for Tests, One Day Internationals and T20s for the upcoming tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, which is scheduled to commence from June 1, 2012.
Some important decisions have been made by the authorities of the country as all-rounder; Mohammad Hafeez, has been appointed the captain for T20 cricket. This decision has come as a surprise as Shahid Afridi was the strongest candidate to take over the
role of leadership once again. However, it is quite evident that PCB is not ready to risk with Boom Boom once again because of the controversies http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 cricket went through last year.
Since the last 18 months, Hafeez has been performing exceptionally well for the country in all the three departments of the game. The right-handed opening batsman has provided some stability to the Green Shirts at the top of the batting order. On top of
that, Hafeez has got the reputation of a ‘golden arm’ with the ball. He is among the top limited-overs bowlers of the world at the moment.
Many cricketers take additional pressure of leading at the international level and their individual performances suffer as a result. However, Hafeez is hopeful that he will be able to maintain his form even as a captain.
"Representing Pakistan is always an honour and captaining it is more than that. Now being a captain, I don't see any added pressure," said Hafeez.
Another surprise thrown by the selection committee has been the inclusion of fast bowler Mohammad Sami in all the three teams selected for the tour. Sami has been out of international cricket since the tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in 2009-10. It was widely expected
that the fast bowler from Karachi will make a comeback in one or two formats of the game. However, the selection committee has shown immense faith in his abilities.
Sami is jubilant to have been given another go at the highest stage of the game and is geared up to make it count this time. The seasoned fast bowler understands that this is the last chance for him to cement his place in the national team as there are some
budding fast bowlers coming through the ranks of domestic cricket in the country.
The fast bowler expressed, “Obviously, right now I have this ‘over the moon’ feeling at being provided another chance to play for the country. If the opportunities [to play in the Sri Lanka series] come my way I will give my best to justify the selectors’
faith in my abilities. However, I must frankly admit that this is perhaps the final opportunity which I’m going to get to re-establish myself as an international cricketer.”
Some of the young cricketers have been selected for the shortest format of the game. The new faces include left-arm spinner, Raza Hasan, left-handed middle-order batsman, Haris Sohail, and wicketkeeper/batsman, Shakeel Ansar. All these cricketers belong
to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sialkot-c842 region, which is without doubt the best team in the domestic cricket of the country.
Khalid Latif, Sami, Yasir Arafat and Sohail Tanvir have made a comeback to the national team. On the whole, the T20 squad is quite balanced and possesses a nice blend of experienced and young players.
T20 Squad: http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Sami-c77289, Hammad Azam, Nasir
Jamshed.
To be continued...
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