Hafeez has struggled for runs in 2013 and could lose out on a place in the Test squad for the upcoming South Africa series in the UAE. PHOTO: AFP
The mystery surrounding the selection of the final squad for the Test series against South Africa is likely to continue for another week as the 15-man line-up for the two matches is now expected to be named in the UAE.
The team, which was to be announced after the three-day practice game that ends in Lahore today, is now tipped to be named during or after the two practice matches in the UAE, featuring all the 28 Pakistan probables.
These matches include a three-day practice match between Pakistan A and South Africa, starting on October 8, while the remaining Pakistan players will be involved in a two-day game against the UAE on October 9 and 10.
However, The Express Tribune has learnt that Mohammad Hafeez appears certain to be axed from the Test squad for the series against the Proteas starting on October 14.
The Pakistan Twenty20 captain is struggling for runs in the longer format, managing just 102 runs from his last 10 innings. Additionally, he could score only 22 in the Lahore practice game planned ahead of the team selection. With Hafeez’s off-spin bowling hardly being used in Tests, the selectors are contemplating dropping the seasoned campaigner.
“There are four contenders for three slots for the openers,” said an official close to the selection committee.
“These include Khurram Manzoor, Shaan Masood, Ahmed Shehzad and Hafeez — who has the weakest case among all.
“The selection committee prefers youngsters for this series. Dropping Taufeeq Umar and Imran Farhat was the part of the same plan as the duo is still struggling to cement their place long after making their debuts.”
Meanwhile, the official said the selectors were against the idea of including two specialist wicket-keepers in the final squad.
“Adnan Akmal is favourite to retain his place over Sarfraz Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan.”
He added that Umar Akmal was not certain to make a Test comeback with Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Umar Amin appearing favourites to fill the batting slots with captain Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan.
Moin rules out Hafeez inclusion in Test squad
Pakistan manager Moin Khan, who claimed that team selection was not his domain, signalled the decision has been taken to drop Hafeez.
“Hafeez’s current form is not good that’s why he is not in the Test squad for the time being,” said the former captain while speaking to reporters in Lahore.
“But at the same time, he is a cricketer with immense potential and has contributed a lot for Pakistan. He is our Twenty20 captain and we cannot write off a player of his calibre.”
The manager while confirming a delay in team announcement said it will take four to five more days to finalise squad.
Azhar, Shafiq shine on rain-interrupted day
Meanwhile, only 28 overs could be bowled on the second day of the practice match between the Chief Ministers XI and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chairman XI in Lahore before rain stopped the post-lunch proceedings.
Azhar and Shafiq, who resumed the penultimate day’s play on 134 for three, remained unbeaten and took the PCB Chairman’s XI score to 197 for three in 77 overs. Azhar reached 80 off 187 deliveries while Shafiq was playing on 46 from 127 balls.
The Chief Ministers XI, led by Younus, were bowled out for a paltry 90 on the opening day after fiery figures of six for 27 by left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (10)
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As long as pakistan are not able to raise the standard of their domestic cricket they will not produce quality batsmen i further think that pakistan should open leagues like ipl etc if by doing so pakistan will face heavy financial loses but what is said to gain it is to lose
I am baffled at the consistent barrage of comments, everywhere, to drop Asad Shafiq. He, alongwith Younis, was our most successful batsman in South Africa. Since that series, he's been treated like a yo-yo; in in one match, out in the other. How do they expect him to perform, or regain form like that? His average is far superior to that of Hafeez; and Hafeez has been playing without any gaps.
@Puzzled: the selection comittee selects about 15,16 players for the squad, then u may select any 11 b4 the match.
Pakistani selectors should look beyond provincial affiliations and select the teams on merit. Whatmore is right in pointing out and I know how provincially biased we all are.
This reports looks oblivious of basic cricket arithmetic: . "Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Umar Amin appearing favourites to fill the batting slots with captain Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan" = 5 players . "There are four contenders for three slots for the openers" = 3 more players . '+ wicket keeper makes it 9 (5+3+1) . So with this maths we will be playing with two bowlers only! . I guess with this flawed reporting, it is difficult for me believing in the main topic of this news item; i.e. Hafeez will be dropped!
Why is Fawad Alam being ignored? He is the most consistent performer at the domestic level.
What's the big deal? It is normal to drop players when they're having a bad patch in their career. Name me one country who has persisted with an under-performing player for as long as Pakistan have? But comebacks are not rare. Hope Hafeez can conjure up the performance required at the international level and maintain it throughout .. afterwards.
Wow, with these kinds of scores and preparation, we will surely defeat the proteas!
Umar Akmal should be in Test squad. Drop Asad Shafiq and Hafeez.