Yousuf’s recall questioned by Inzamam

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq has questioned the recall of Mohammad Yousuf for the England tour after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reacted to the heavy loss at Trent Bridge. Inzamam said that the board included youngsters for the difficult tour of England and after the loss to the hosts, decided to recall Yousuf.

“The PCB should decide whether they want to stick with the youngsters or not. There is no continuity in their plans,” said the former captain.

Inzamam believed that selectors and coaches have shown no consistency in their decisions and it is crucial for them to sit down and tailor a strategic plan for the future. “We should make a proper plan considering our potential and stick to it. What I see right now is uncertainty in the planning.”

The Pakistan team, which already saw a change of leadership after the first loss against Australia at Lord’s when the then captain Shahid Afridi announced his Test retirement, then saw Salman Butt take over the helm. In a sudden reaction to the 354-run loss against England in the first Test, the PCB then included former captain Mohammad Yousuf and axed leg-spinner Danish Kaneria over poor form while naming Raza Hasan as his replacement.

Inzamam however, maintained that including Yousuf is a risk since the batsman has not played since the Australian tour.

“Now after losing to England, they recalled Mohammad Yousuf to strengthen their batting lineup but I don’t know if he could make a difference at once. Yousuf is out of touch since the last five or six months. Besides if the PCB recalled Yousuf in the squad they should have recalled Younus Khan in the squad as well.”

The batting maestro meanwhile also stated that Pakistan needed a batting consultant and there were a lot of potential candidates for the post.

“There are so many former players, who have already offered their services to the PCB,” said Inzamam.

“I suggested a specialist batting coach since Pakistan have a bowler as their head coach with another bowler [Aaqib Javed] as an assistant coach. We are missing out someone who can work with the boys in the batting department.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2010.