Samuels wicket potential game changer: Iqbal Qasim

Former selector believes Pakistan can win Test despite impressive start by Windies

KARACHI: Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo led a resistance for the West Indies to frustrate Pakistan bowlers, who craved for wickets on the third day of the opening Test at the Dubai Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The pair added 113 runs for the third wicket as West Indies replied to Pakistan’s 579-3 (dec) on the second day. Fast-bowler Sohail Khan brought an end to that resistance by dismissing Samuels, who impressed with the bat making 76 off 139 deliveries, which included 13 boundaries.

And former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim believes Samuels’ dismissal could be the turning point.

“Samuels wicket can play a crucial role in the outcome of the match,” Qasim told The Express Tribune. “The Samuels-Bravo pair is the most recognised pair in the West Indies batting line-up and now Pakistan have a very good chance of taking quick wickets.”



He further added, “Misbah should adopt an aggressive strategy and should also keep changing the bowlers and not let the opposition batsmen settle.”

Despite a good third-wicket partnership from the West Indies, Qasim believes that Pakistan remain favourites to win the match.

‘Yasir deserves to be fastest to reach 100 wickets’

Yasir Shah clean bowled Kraigg Brathwaite earlier in the day yesterday to take his second wicket of the match.

The leg-spinner, who is appearing in his 17th Test, could surpass India’s Ravichandaran Ashwin if he reaches the 100-wicket mark in the ongoing Test and Qasim believes the Swabi-born ‘deserves’ the accolade.

“Yasir deserves this honour,” said Qasim, a former left-arm spinner. “He has been in great form and has played a key role in Pakistan’s victories in recent times and is also a key player in the ongoing Test series.”

He further added, “I’ve played with Abdul Qadir and Yasir reminds me of the legendary leg-spinner.”



‘Scorecard suggests pink ball isn’t a problem’

Qasim, who has been vocal in his support for day-night Tests, is happy to see players adjust well to the pink ball.

“I’ve always backed innovation in cricket. The day-night Test and pink ball can play a crucial role in rescuing the longer format,” he said. “Many batsmen have been complaining about the visibility because of a change in colour but the Dubai Test is suggesting otherwise.”

Qasim further added that the scorecard, in which both teams have been able to score runs, is a testament to pink ball’s success.

“Look at the scorecard. If there were problems for the batsmen such a huge score wasn’t possible. I think it’s more about the habit. The batsmen are used to red ball and they need time to adjust with a change in colour,” he said.



‘Triple hundred is always special’

Qasim, a former chief selector, also heaped praise on Azhar Ali, who became just the fourth Pakistani to score a Test triple-hundred after Hanif Muhammad, Inzamamul Haq and Younus Khan.

“A triple hundred is always special in Tests. It’s not an easy job, irrespective of the conditions,” said Qasim.

“Azhar deserves all the credit. He has been performing very well in Tests and has the potential of playing such innings on a regular basis in the future.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.