‘Younus was needed for Australia ODIs’

Former coach Mohsin says batsman’s experience would have been vital.

KARACHI:

Former coach and chief selector Mohsin Khan has opposed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to ‘rest’ Younus Khan for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia that takes place in the UAE.

The selection committee snubbed the 34-year old for the three-match rubber after a disappointing year in this format of the game. Chief selector Iqbal Qasim hoped the break will help the former captain regain his form ahead of tough assignments but Mohsin said the snub might damage Younus’ confidence.

“You need to show faith in the experienced team members,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “Younus should have been selected to give him confidence. There is no doubt he is going through a bad patch. But a player of Younus’ calibre can bounce back in tough situations. His track record against tougher oppositions is very good.

“Younus plays fast-bowlers with defiance and that quality will be needed against Australian as pace is their strength. We will be needing depth in the batting department and Younus was required in the line-up. An experience player has the potential to turn the tide on the opposition.”

Mohsin added that the experienced campaigner needed to get consistent chances till he remains available for the team.

“The selectors must utilise him fully till the time he hangs up his boots. I know Younus — he will retire if he feels he’s finished.”

‘No issues with Gul’s snub’

Meanwhile, the former chief selector expressed satisfaction on the decision to overlook experienced fast-bowler Umar Gul.

“I agree with the decision to rest the fast-bowler. No doubt he’s our spearhead but sometimes rest is needed. I hope this decision goes in his favour.”

Mohsin also welcomed the return of former captain Shoaib Malik and wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal in the squad.

“Malik is a useful player. He has experience and still has plenty of time left in his career. He still can be a big asset for Pakistan. Kamran no doubt is the best option for ODIs and T20s due to his batting expertise. I hope he has overcome his wicket-keeping issues.”

Mohsin further lauded the return of left-arm fast-bowler Junaid Khan, terming it a good step.

“But he should have been in the World Twenty20 squad as well. Junaid performed so well on the Sri Lanka tour and the decision to drop him for the World Twenty20 was ridiculous.”

Iqbal Qasim

“The seniors have been given a break and that may help them regain their form. We have tough series lined up ahead against India and South Africa and we don’t want to dent their confidence any further.”

Mohsin Khan

“You need to show faith in the experienced team members. Younus should’ve been selected to give him confidence. There’s no doubt he’s going through a bad patch. But a player of Younus’ calibre can bounce back.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2012.