Ejaz wants young blood in team

LAHORE: Former Test cricketer and current associate coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Ejaz Ahmad, believes that the introduction of ‘young blood’ into the team will improve the side’s overall fielding.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Ahmad was of the opinion that younger, talented players like Asad Shafique, Umar Amin and Azhar Ali should be given a chance to represent Pakistan in Test cricket.

He stressed that these younger players have the passion and drive to improve their fielding. “I think that younger players accept challenges more readily and try harder to prove themselves and thus, improve their game. Asad, Umar and Azhar are not only good batsmen but good fielders as well.”

Elaborating on Pakistan’s overall dismal fielding performance, he said, “Fielding in Test cricket does not improve through practice but through passion. I can’t teach Misbahul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez and other regular players how to field.”

Spinner for Sri Lanka

Looking ahead to the Asia Cup, Ahmad said that Sri Lankan conditions will suit spinners. “Luckily, we have Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman and Shahid Afridi and they create problems for the opposing batsmen”.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 1st, 2010.