Test squad: Amin, Adnan on selectors’ hit-list

Hafeez’s inclusion to be argued in final selectors discussion today.

KARACHI:

Middle-order batsman Umar Amin and wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal are likely to face the axe as the selectors are considering their replacements for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka in the UAE starting from December 31.

The squad for the three-match series will be announced soon after the final discussion between selection committee and the team management that is expected on Monday.

After conclusion of the One-Day International (ODI) series, Pakistan will play three Tests against Sri Lanka on the last day of 2013.

An official close to the selection committee said the selectors are not in favour of including Amin and Adnan, who were part of last Test series against South Africa.



Amin, who did not get a chance to play against South Africa in the Tests, lost the selectors’ confidence owing to his string of failures in the limited-overs formats while Adnan failed to impress in the series both as a wicket-keeper and a batsman as he managed to score only 37 runs in three innings.

“The selectors are looking to include Sarfraz Ahmed as the wicket-keeper instead of Adnan,” the official told The Express Tribune. Ahmed was in fine form after he scored a century on Sunday in the President’s Trophy.

‘Selectors not in favour of change in openers’  

The selection committee wants to continue with openers Shaan Masood and Khurram Manzoor, who played important roles to score the victory against South Africa in the Tests.

The Pakistan Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez, who has scored two centuries in the ongoing ODI series, has become a strong candidate for a comeback after being dropped in the last series.

“Hafeez is likely to make the cut but selectors are unwilling to disturb the opening pair,” he added. “Same is the case for Ahmed Shahzad.”

Experienced fast bowler Umar Gul, who returned to international cricket after recovering from a knee surgery, is on the selectors’ priority list.

“They will also wait till the last moment for Mohammad Irfan,” said the official about the fast bowler who was advised a six-week rest due to a fractured hip last month.

He said the selectors are reluctant to make changes in spin attack that includes Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman and Zulfiqar Babar. Before concluding, he added that fast bowler Mohammad Talha was also on  the selectors’ radar.

Selectors must find a balance in attack: Mohsin

Meanwhile, former coach Mohsin Khan has advised the selectors not to rely heavily on the spinners in the Test series.

“There should be a balance in pace and spin attack,” said the former Test cricketer. “Pacers are equally important and I wish for Gul’s return to complete the rhythm, which will be a huge positive for the team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2013.

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