Find a doosra Razzaq, Mehmood, says Jalal
Former fast-bowler stresses lack of quality all-rounders.
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.
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.