Fort Fawad

A comeback to international cricket after a gap of 10 years or so is rare. Even rarer is a successful one. Fawad Alam has thus had an outstanding return to cricket arenas. The left-handed batsman has hit two centuries in four tests since his re-entry after a gap of more than 10 years. One of them – during the first Test of the ongoing series against South Africa in Karachi concluding yesterday – has been a match-winning knock. This takes his tally of test centuries to three, none of which has come against a weak opposition or in easy conditions.

Fawad hit the first century on his debut against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka back in 2009; he slammed his second one, on his comeback in 2020, against New Zealand in New Zealand when his team had reduced to 37 for 3 under tough batting conditions; and the latest from his bat came during the Karachi test after the Proteas pace attack had ripped through Pakistan’s top order with a paltry 27 for 4 on the board. Fawad’s defences stand as tough and tall as a fort, with even top bowlers finding it difficult to penetrate through.

While Fawad’s performance speaks of his professional class, it also calls in question the acumen of cricket czars in the country who continued to ignore an exceptional talent while he continued to pile up runs in the domestic circuit thumping the doors of the selection committee. There may be a problem with his technique, his unorthodox stance may be the most weirdest too, and he may lack elegance, but no expert can disagree to his superb temperament and excellent concentration at the crease – elements that are a genuine asset for a Test batsman – as well his great determination and a never-say-die spirit.

Fawad is a victim of likes and dislikes, a glaring example of neglect and injustice. At 35 years and 124 days, Fawad may not continue for more than a few years. But he has set an example of hardwork, resilience and patience which is worth following.