For New Zealand series: ‘Experienced’ Hafeez in line for Test return

Veteran batsman could get the nod ahead of Sharjeel, Masood

KARACHI: Mohammad Hafeez’s bowling ban means he may not hold as much value as he once used to, but the decision to snub the veteran cricketer for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand  is still a call the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee is not sure of making, it has been learnt.

According to an official close to the matter, the selectors are against making wholesale changes to the squad, which is 2-0 up against the West Indies in the ongoing three-match series in the UAE.

However, a couple of changes are still in line for next month’s two-match Test series against the Black Caps, including the inclusion of an extra opener.

The selectors are expected to name their final squad during the third Test against West Indies which begins on October 30 in Sharjah.



“The main discussion is over the inclusion of an opener. Shan Masood, Sharjeel Khan and Hafeez are the front-runners,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune.

“The selectors could end up picking Hafeez over his relatively-inexperienced competition as the batting conditions in New Zealand will be challenging and experience could be of importance.”

He further said the selectors may also bring into account their assessment of the fifth round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which starts on Saturday.

Hafeez was dropped for the Test series against the West Indies after facing a dip in form with the bat.



However, during his six innings in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy while leading SNGPL, the Sargodha-born played knocks of 5, 8, 62, 9 (not out), 68, and 68 runs, which seemingly has brought him back in good books of the selectors.

Sharjeel and Masood, for comparison, only have one half-century each in their last six and four innings respectively.

“Hafeez has scored three half centuries recently. The stats and the experience favour him and it will be discussed in the meetings ahead,” explained the official.



Meanwhile, also in circulation are reports that the PCB bowling committee has cleared Hafeez for another bowling action test.

“Hafeez, if cleared to bowl again, will become an automatic choice,” said the official.

The 36-year old was banned from bowling for 12 months after his action was found to be illegal for a second time since November 2015.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2016.

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