Zafar so good for new boy Ansari

All-rounder included in England’s squad for Tests against Pakistan

LONDON: Uncapped Surrey all-rounder Zafar Ansari was named in England’s squad on Tuesday for the forthcoming three-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE. The 23-year-old left-armer Ansari is the third spinner in the 16-man squad alongside Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.

Moeen could be used as an opening batsman with captain Alastair Cook, although uncapped Alex Hales has also been included, despite failing to impress in the ODIs against Australia. There was no place, however, for opener Adam Lyth or Gary Ballance; both deemed to have failed during the Ashes against Australia that England won 3-2. Batsman James Taylor won a Test spot after some impressive performances in the ODIs against the Australians.

“Zafar Ansari’s potential excites us and he will provide strong competition for Rashid and Ali in the Test squad after enjoying an excellent domestic season with both bat and ball,” said national selector James Whitaker in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement.

However, Ansari, who has a degree in politics and sociology from Cambridge University, played down his chances of breaking into the playing eleven. “It’s going to be hard,” he told Sky Sports News. “There are a lot of guys there who have been playing well. If the opportunity comes, then great, but if not then I’m gonna run on with the drinks with as much energy as possible.”

Meanwhile, Whitaker also revealed the reason for Hales’ inclusion, despite him scoring just 53 runs in five ODIs against Australia at an average of 10.6. “Alex Hales has scored heavily for Nottinghamshire in first-class cricket this season, has shown he can play match-winning innings for England in white-ball cricket and fully deserves an opportunity to compete for a place at the top of the order in our Test side.”

The first Test starts on October 13 in Abu Dhabi, followed by matches in Dubai and Sharjah. A four-match ODI series and three Twenty20 matches follow.

Left-arm spinner Stephen Parry of Lancashire has been recalled to the T20 squad, which also features Sussex paceman Chris Jordan.

However, Ben Stokes has been rested for the limited overs matches. “Ben has been an outstanding performer for England this summer and this decision reflects a desire to manage his workload across a busy winter period in all three formats of the game,” said Whitaker.

The ECB also announced that former England captain Paul Collingwood and former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene have been appointed to the England management team as consultants. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2015.

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