Azhar should be given more time, says Umar Gul

Veteran pacer believes right-handed batsman is still young and learning the art of captaincy in 50-over format


Sports Desk January 25, 2017
Azhar Ali's captaincy in the 50-over format is under scruitney after Pakistan lost ODI series against Australia. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan veteran pacer Umar Gul has come out in support of ODI captain Azhar Ali, who is under pressure after the Men in Green suffered another series loss under his leadership.

Even though Azhar has lost 15 of the 16 matches he has captained against the current top eight teams, Gul believes the right-handed batsman should be given more time to establish himself as the skipper in the 50-over format.

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“Azhar’s own performance is suffering but more importantly, he is not able to deliver as a captain,” said Gul while talking to PakPassion.net. “However, he is still young and learning, which is why I am a firm believer that instead of replacing Azhar, we should let him establish himself as a captain.”

The 32-year-old also discussed the team’s dismal show in the ongoing five-match series. “From what I can see, apart from the obvious fielding lapses at crucial stages, there was an element of fatigue which caused our players to not perform at their best,” he said. “Not only that, but our bowlers only performed well in patches and did not deliver in the death overs as well.”

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Gul, who has represented the Men in Green 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is, was critical of middle-order batsman Umar Akmal’s performance in the first four matches of the series, where he scored only 83 runs at an average of just a shade over 28, that too at a very disappointing strike rate of 71.42.

“Umar Akmal is one player about whom we have been saying for years that he has real talent, but he has not been able to do justice with it,” he added. “For someone with so much potential, it is surprising that his shot selection is not good at all. He is not a new player and has played quite a few games for Pakistan, yet he is not able to finish games for the team.

Gul also criticised the batsmen's fitness. “His fitness level is also hampering his performance as well, where he seems to have gained a lot of weight and this was not the case in the past which is worrying.”

COMMENTS (1)

Mohammed | 7 years ago | Reply How much time does he need. What will happen to Pakistan ODI by then .
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