Adnan under consideration for limited-overs squad

Adnan Akmal took seven catches and scored a half-century in the first Test, nudging the selectors for a place in the limited-overs squad. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Adnan Akmal’s performance in the first two Tests against England has paid dividends, forcing the team management and the selection committee to consider his name for the One-Day International (ODI) series that follows.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Mohammad Ilyas left for Dubai to consult the team management over the wicket-keeper’s inclusion – and other matters – for the series starting February 13. Adnan’s half-century in the first Test that helped Pakistan establish a first-innings lead thrust him into consideration.

Adnan, who has played 12 Tests but only three ODIs, has been overlooked for shorter formats with brother Umar Akmal donning the gloves in Twenty20s and Sarfraz Ahmed being preferred in ODIs.

Sarfraz’s inconsistent show, however, failed to convince the management to consider him as a long-term prospect.

“The selection committee is interested in retaining Adnan [for the limited-overs leg],” a selector told The Express Tribune. “But final selection will be made after discussion with the team management in Dubai before the final Test.”

Meanwhile, the likelihood of Adnan being considered for the ODIs and Twenty20s was also hinted at by a team official who said, “Adnan’s performing well in the series, he’s done well under pressure and that can earn him the nod ahead of Sarfraz”.

Kamran still missed

However, the official admitted there was still a vacuum since Kamran Akmal, Pakistan’s regular wicket-keeper and Adnan’s brother, was dumped after the World Cup.

Kamran kept wickets across all three formats but a poor show behind the stumps in the mega event led to his ouster.

“Because of his batting experience, Kamran is the best among all the probable wicket-keepers we have. His wicket-keeping isn’t that bad and he was unfortunate to drop catches in crucial matches.”

Pacer Sohail Tanvir and Shahid Afridi appear certain to be included for the limited-overs squad, while a debate could arise on the inclusion of former captain Shoaib Malik, who knocked on the selectors’ doors with a timely century in the Pentangular Cup.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2012.