Serious omissions in Pakistan World Cup probables (22 March 1999)

22 March 1999

Serious omissions in Pakistan World Cup probables

Lateef Jafri

After the ICC cut-off date for announcing the provisional squad for the World Cup had expired the national selectors released a list of 19 players from which a final pack to participate in the global one-day extravaganza has to be determined by the month-end.

It beats one's mind as to why the team selection for such an important cricket event was treated with less seriousness and application than it deserved.

While issuing the first instalment of the players the chief selector Wasim Bari told a Press conference at the country's cricket Headquarters in Lahore that in the provisional lineup there was a unanimity of opinion in the selectors, the captain and the coach. Both the latter two persons had put forth their views as advisory members of the committee. As reports in the print media have been appearing the third member of the panel was surprisingly kept away from the selection process, even though he had arrived back from his foreign visit.

Most of the followers of the game have their own reservations and the provisional bunch as there are some glaring omissions, which may fearfully, make the final conglomerate far from a strong and balanced set to lock horns with the pick of the world. Can some of the rookies named on the basis of their performances in the domestic reason measure up to the menacing pace, swing and guiles of Australians McGrath, Gillespie and Warne or the impeccably accurate bowling by the South Africans Donald, Pollock, Klusener and Adams. It is good to experiment with new hands but not in such a prestigious competition as the World Cup, especially on the seaming and difficult strips of England?

It is a miscalculation to take the efforts of players on the flat wickets of South Asia as the determining factor for call up as probables or in the final short-listed squad. The experience outside the country, the quality and consistency of form and the physical fitness have also to be given due credence.

Most of the critics and keen observers of the game are agreed that the exclusion of Salim Malik and Aamir Sohail is unjustified. The reason given for their dropping does not hold much water. Salim Malik's technique is unusually sounds; he has been seen to be coolly confident against any sort of bowling. While the Pakistani wickets were tumbling like ninepins at Delhi Malik was among the runs in both the innings. He has considerable experience of English conditions, having made three tours of England and having played in the counties. His presence in the squad would undeniably have been useful.

In the days when there is a slump in the country of genuine opening batsmen one can hardly justify or condone the omission of Aamir Sohail. One thought that Saeed Anwar and Sohail had a firm foothold in the lineup after trials of other players. Certainly Wajahatullah Wasti's effort at Lahore in the Asian Test against Sri Lanka may be pointed out to downgrade the position of Aamir Sohail. But without in any way discouraging a young cricketer those who watched the match on the TV or at the site know that the pitch was a batsman's paradise. Besides, the Sri Lankan attack was badly depleted by injuries and illness. In the final in Dhaka he was not an outstanding success. Sohail is a tried and hardened campaigner. Whatever may be the rival bowling strength or the state of the wicket he bats with assurance, with fine strokes in his repertoire. There are some complaints about his relations with other members of the squad but in the larger interest of the country he might have proved a team-man and a fine performer, with merry strokes at his command and useful left-arm spin.

The selectors' policy of ignoring Aqib Javed, a lively seamer, can hardly be understood. According to some cricket officials he is a one-day specialist. His value lies in his ability to bowl tight. Besides, he has a penetrative power without which no medium-pacer can be successful. His experience of English conditions may have been of considerable help to the team. The calling in of Sajid Shah and Abdul Razzaq cannot be justified, as also the inclusion of Azhar Mahmud among the list of probables, who has recently shown a decline in form and effectiveness.

The recall of Waqar Younis has to be welcomed. His recent sidelining was surprising. Perhaps the Waqar-Wasim-Shoaib Akhtar combination may prove to be the most menacing among the pacers in the competing squads. If at all Aqib Javed is given a chance it will be the most difficult attack to test the pluck of the batsmen, considering that Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed are there for exquisite and disconcerting slow stuff.

The idea behind encouragement to Imran Nazir, after his consistent efforts against the South African teenagers and his 64 against Sri Lanka at Lahore, cannot but be lauded. At the Qadhafi Stadium he showed assurance, the right mode and method and the right strokes.

One expects the selectors not to be misled by the performances on the dead wickets of Asia. They have the necessary resources to pick up an enthusiastic and powerful outfit to measure strength with the World Cup combatants. It is a good sign that most of the senior players are in form and in fine physical shape. It is to be seem how the 15-member side is prepared for the challenging task in England. Coach Javed Miandad has a ticklish job on hand.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)