Find a doosra Razzaq, Mehmood, says Jalal

Former fast-bowler stresses lack of quality all-rounders.


Nabeel Hashmi August 23, 2012

KARACHI: A quality paceman and a genuine all-rounder is the need of the hour for the Pakistan national team, said the country’s former fast-bowler Jalaluddin.

Jalal said the national team was found lacking in these departments and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hunt for talent in the in the upcoming domestic season.

Pakistan have been unable to unearth all-rounders after Azhar Mahmood and Abdur Razzaq and despite the presence of Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez, Jalal felt a void was still present.

“The PCB and the selection committee should address the bases they need to cover because short-term solutions won’t help,” Jalal told The Express Tribune. “The board should start planning to find a genuine all-rounder and a fast-bowler who can be a spearhead in the upcoming domestic season.”

While Hammad Azam has been given a few chances, Anwar Ali has also been selected to be groomed as an all-rounder.

However, Jalal said the duo was nowhere close to the calibre of Razzaq and Mehmood. “Hammad is a better batsman while Ali a better bowler. Both are excellent fielders as well but I don’t think they’ll be able to mount a challenge against quality opposition. Even Sohail Tanvir isn’t an overall package.”

‘NCA can only help in modification’

Jalal added that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has limited scope in grooming a player, stating that match practice was the real training.

“The coaches can give tips in development academies but it’s up to an individual to remember what he was taught and apply it in a match situation.

“I feel matches among the best players at the domestic circuit will help in gauging players.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2012.

COMMENTS (11)

Amjad | 11 years ago | Reply

While Hammad Azam has been given a few chances, Anwar Ali has also been selected to be groomed as an all-rounder. However, Jalal said the duo was nowhere close to the calibre of Razzaq and Mehmood.

Well Hammad Azam was never given full fledged chances. This is sick of him to say this. It seems he doesnt follow his own game well..

Not sure about Anwar Ali, but Hammad Azam looks a good fine but he needs to be groomed and given chances. He is being wasted......

mudassar | 11 years ago | Reply

I think razzak has been given enoungh chances because of his past performances but still he is not good enough now to play intl cricket . as he is inconsistent with the bat and secondly he has lost his bowling charisma which he had in the past. whereas azhar was totally mishandled by board he is such a class player but he last played in 2007 which is 5 years ago. and he got very few chances to show is form and fitness.

Bottom line: Hammad azam should be given confidence and be playing in team instead of razzak who has lost the charisma . Whereas in azhar case he should be used in t20 keeping in view his t20 performance in BPL, IPL and county cricket.

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