Winning or losing a match is a part of the game. A team is dominating the game and on the driving seat most of the time, but one or two bad sessions of play can put the team on the back foot and take the game away. The recently played test match between Pakistan and England at Old Trafford was the perfect example, where Pakistan was dominating the test match most of the time but couldn’t maintain the speed of consistency on every session of the match. Test cricket is a complete test of temperament, concentration and consistency. This is what test cricket is all about and that is why test cricket is so special. What is not acceptable is poor planning, strategy and obvious blunders made before the match and during the game.
In a short period of time, it is proven that it is too much of a burden on person to ask to handle the two high intensity jobs. Misbah ul Haq has been given the task of chief selector and the head coach of the team at the same time that resulted in total failure. Such experiment of PCCB (Pakistan cricket Board) is neither practical nor workable. Cricket is a science and a complete subject. One cannot be given the job just because he is a good player. Knowledge of the game and knowing of the game are two total different areas. Knowledge of the game helps you to bat and bowl but knowing of the game helps you to monitor the situation and plan your strategy in different situations and conditions.
Misbah is not fit for the team selection, in the best interest of the team and country he should resign from the post as Chief Selector of the team as well as any role in the team selection and its think tank. Time and time it’s shown that he is not capable enough to make the right selection at the right time. Instead of performance he selects the team based on his likes and dislikes. He was not at all interested in giving Abid Ali a chance in the national team, but because of the public pressure he had no choice but was forced to include him in the playing eleven. Based on performance Fawad Alam also deserved a place in the team but because of Misbah’s likes and dislikes theory he is yet to be given a chance. His inclusion in the 14 men squad is purely because of public pressure. Even in earlier days of Yasir Shah in test cricket, Misbah was very reluctant to rely on him.
Azhar Ali, who himself is struggling to cement his place in the team, looks a very weak captain. Due to the reason he cannot use his authority as captain in the team selection but to take the dictation from the selectors. I believe that if the chief selector is always there over your head you cannot grow as captain. One will always remain under pressure and cannot perform duty freely.
It was a great surprise for me and too many cricket lovers to see Serfraz performing his duty as 12th man in the first test match at Old Trafford. He still deserves a place in the test team so that team can be benefited of his experience. The selection committee / Head coach must bring the new face as 12th man so that he can learn from the tour, Instead of demoralizing your key and experienced player.
The other poor selection was of No. 7 spot in the Old Trafford. According to team management Shadab khan picked in the team as second spinner, I failed to understand what was his role in the team? Was he really selected as second spinner? Was he selected as a bowler? Was he selected as a bowling all-rounder? Was he selected as a pure batsman or was he included as a fielder in the team?
In the best interest of the team, Misbah should step down as the Chief Selector of the team. He can continue to work as Head coach but not interfere in team selection. The PCCB should reconsider their decision and appoint a new chief selector for the national team. Whose job is to select the team from the domestic structure based on performance/ technique and fitness, and must not share the player dressing room as well as join the team on any foreign tour.
Written by
Muhammad Arif Ansari
In a short period of time, it is proven that it is too much of a burden on person to ask to handle the two high intensity jobs. Misbah ul Haq has been given the task of chief selector and the head coach of the team at the same time that resulted in total failure. Such experiment of PCCB (Pakistan cricket Board) is neither practical nor workable. Cricket is a science and a complete subject. One cannot be given the job just because he is a good player. Knowledge of the game and knowing of the game are two total different areas. Knowledge of the game helps you to bat and bowl but knowing of the game helps you to monitor the situation and plan your strategy in different situations and conditions.
Misbah is not fit for the team selection, in the best interest of the team and country he should resign from the post as Chief Selector of the team as well as any role in the team selection and its think tank. Time and time it’s shown that he is not capable enough to make the right selection at the right time. Instead of performance he selects the team based on his likes and dislikes. He was not at all interested in giving Abid Ali a chance in the national team, but because of the public pressure he had no choice but was forced to include him in the playing eleven. Based on performance Fawad Alam also deserved a place in the team but because of Misbah’s likes and dislikes theory he is yet to be given a chance. His inclusion in the 14 men squad is purely because of public pressure. Even in earlier days of Yasir Shah in test cricket, Misbah was very reluctant to rely on him.
Azhar Ali, who himself is struggling to cement his place in the team, looks a very weak captain. Due to the reason he cannot use his authority as captain in the team selection but to take the dictation from the selectors. I believe that if the chief selector is always there over your head you cannot grow as captain. One will always remain under pressure and cannot perform duty freely.
It was a great surprise for me and too many cricket lovers to see Serfraz performing his duty as 12th man in the first test match at Old Trafford. He still deserves a place in the test team so that team can be benefited of his experience. The selection committee / Head coach must bring the new face as 12th man so that he can learn from the tour, Instead of demoralizing your key and experienced player.
The other poor selection was of No. 7 spot in the Old Trafford. According to team management Shadab khan picked in the team as second spinner, I failed to understand what was his role in the team? Was he really selected as second spinner? Was he selected as a bowler? Was he selected as a bowling all-rounder? Was he selected as a pure batsman or was he included as a fielder in the team?
In the best interest of the team, Misbah should step down as the Chief Selector of the team. He can continue to work as Head coach but not interfere in team selection. The PCCB should reconsider their decision and appoint a new chief selector for the national team. Whose job is to select the team from the domestic structure based on performance/ technique and fitness, and must not share the player dressing room as well as join the team on any foreign tour.
Written by
Muhammad Arif Ansari