Pak vs Eng: Team management justifies Umar’s dual role

Playing him as keeper allows us extra batsman, says Cheema

KARACHI: Successive losses in Abu Dhabi and severe criticism following twisted team selection has forced critics to question the team management’s motive but Naveed Akram Cheema, Pakistan team manager, defended the tactics, confirming that all decisions were made with the interest of the side in mind.

Besides blaming the team’s poor batting, former players have criticised Umar Akmal’s dual role in the team with the makeshift wicket-keeper dropping Alastair Cook, when the England captain was on 28, before he went on to complete his second successive hundred.

The loss ended Pakistan’s run of six consecutive series-wins in One-Day Internationals as England gained a 2-0 lead in the four-match series. However, Cheema said the management was satisfied with Umar’s performance.

“The decision gives us an extra choice for a batsman,” Cheema told The Express Tribune. “Overall, we’re satisfied with Umar’s performance in this position.”

The team manager added that a decision on whether to continue with Umar behind the stumps will be made in the team meeting before the penultimate ODI on February 18. Cheema also rubbished claims of differences in the team, saying there was ‘complete harmony’ in the dressing room.

“Our team spirit is still our most reliable weapon. There’s complete harmony in the team and the atmosphere is absolutely fine.”

Show trust in Adnan: Waqar 

Meanwhile, former captain and coach Waqar Younis felt the decision of assigning Umar wicket-keeping duties was not helping Pakistan’s cause.

“It’s affecting the team’s performance,” said Waqar. “Adnan Akmal has performed well in the Test series and the team management should trust his ability.”

Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhar said the team was missing a specialist wicket-keeper.

“You cannot ask a part-timer to take all the chances, Pakistan need a specialist with a strong batting ability,” said Akhtar before adding that irresponsible batting was the major reason behind the back-to-back defeats. “We could’ve won the game easily but irresponsible batting let us down.”

Former chief selector Iqbal Qasim, however, felt the batting failure was the only reason for the twin losses.

“The batsmen are not maintaining a proper run-rate during the innings and the lack of meaningful partnerships is harming us,” said Qasim. “I do not see any issue in playing Umar as the wicket-keeper. Sometimes playing with a part-time wicket-keeper pays and sometimes it does not.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2012.