Is Mohammad Yousuf back for good?
36-year-old Mohammad Yousuf is back in the picture. The move came about after witnessing the failure of Pakistan’s batsman in England. As a result, the management was left with no other choice than to call back the controversial batsmen. Yousuf was effectively banned from all forms of international cricket after the Australian tour in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 Cricket Board (PCB) had stated, “Yousuf would not be selected again on the grounds of inciting infighting within the team”. But what did the PCB do when Pakistan crashed to total of 72 against a flamboyant English team? They picked Mohammad Yousuf right back into the team!
However, Mohammad Yousuf is no ordinary player and has brought a number of laurels for the country. The player was the 2006 hero in Pakistan for breaking the record of most test runs scored in a single year. Yousuf announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. This was in direct relation to the lifetime ban handed out to him by the PCB. Yousuf has played over 88 test matches, scoring a healthy 7,431 runs with an impressive average of 53.63. He has scored above 15,000 runs in international cricket which is no mean achievement. The right-handed senior player of the team has scored 24 hundreds, with a best of 223 runs in an innings. He also has the honour of being awarded the fourth recipient of ICC “test cricketer of the year” in 2007.
“I am available any time for my national team,” Yousuf said in Karachi. “If the team does not need me I stand retire? But if I am needed, I am ready and available to serve my country. If PCB invites me with respect I will definitely go and join the team.” Ijaz Ahmed, Pakistan’s assistant coach advised the return of Yousuf to the team.” He can replace Afridi but the management haven’t decided yet who will come. It could come out in a couple of days. Maybe later, somebody will come but not at the moment," said Ahmed.
Pakistan lost all their 11 wickets to Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Salman-c88163 became the proud Pakistani captain whose team won a test match against the Australians after the 1995 victory in against the Kangaroos.
Previously, Yousuf has faced difficulties in playing under different captains. Especially under Shoaib Malik, complains were made by him regarding the way things were managed within the board. But the veteran batsman has told the press that he is absolutely fine playing under Butt’s captaincy. Even though fans were expecting to see the veteran in action by the start of the England series, there is still no sign or press release which can give confirmation of his return in the playing eleven.
All experts view cricket to be a game of consistent performance. And since the team is lacking behind in the batting department for almost three test matches now, it is yet to be seen when and how Yousuf’s comeback would affect the batting power for Pakistan. The PCB is yet to show the interest and enthusiasm of Yousuf’s return. The veteran has shown a great deal of commitment and performance to the board, team and above all, his fans.
The veteran is a fighter and has delivered as and when required for the Pakistan cricket team. He has offered his services once again for the love of the game but it is what the management wants and mainly requires that would decide his fate in the playing eleven. With delays made by the management in terms of a simple press release, one can only hope to see the classic right-handed veteran back in action as soon as possible.
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