43
In-form left-handed opener Nasir Jamshed, pacers Mohammad Irfan and Ehsan Adil and Haris Sohail are the fresh inclusions to a Pakistan Test side that is a mix of a few veterans, some tried and tested names making comebacks and several who have cemented their places in the transitional phase that squad recently went through.
With Jamshed’s recent run in India, the temptation to play him will be great but as an opener, the two men he could possibly replace are Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez. Hafeez’s ability with the ball gives him an added advantage but Taufeeq has also been consistent ever since making a comeback to the Test side in 2010 after a gap of almost four years.
There is a possibility of Hafeez moving down and taking the gamble of putting Taufeeq behind the stumps, the latter unlikely to happen on such a challenging tour, but clearly Jamshed’s inclusion could give Pakistan some much-needed impetus at the top.
Sarfraz Ahmed will look to cement his place after already having received several chances but Adnan Akmal’s omission comes as a surprise keeping in mind his stable performances.
Irfan and Adil’s addition to the pace attack will excite Pakistan fans and together with Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman they should give the Pakistan management some selection headaches before the first Tests starts.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
What will your final XI be out of the names below? Do you agree with the squad picked and who do you think has missed out on a deserving spot?
Misbah-ul Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Haris Sohail, Faisal Iqbal, Taufeeq Umar
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (43) Closed
Jan 11, 2013 03:39pm
Pakistan should pick Nasir Jamshed instead of Taufeeq Umer as former is in terrific form after displaying superb batting prowess in Indian ODI series. He scored back-to-back centuries. He will be more successful than Taufeeq Umer, who is yet to restore his confidence after getting another chance. Nasir Jamshed will have a golden chance to prove his worth in test cricket also. He has also developed good understanding with Mohammad Hafeez to open Pakistan innings.However, if he fails in first test, he can be replaced with Taufeeq Umer.
Rashid Ali Siddiqui
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 05:51pm
Misbah-ul Haq (capt),Mohammad Hafeez,Azhar Ali, Nasir Jamshed,Mohammad Irfan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Saeed Ajmal,Haris Sohail
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 09:30am
Misbah-ul Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq,Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Saeed Ajmal,Haris Sohail,Sarfraz Ahmed
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 03:57pm
My XI
Taufeeq
Jamshed
Hafeez
Azhar
Younis
Misbah
Sarfraz
Gul
Ajmal
Irfan
Junaid
Shafiq is a great prospect but hes returning from an injury otherwise I would play him. What the hell is Faisal Iqbal doing there btw?
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 02:17pm
I think the side selected seems to be good.My apprehenstion is about the fitness of our fast bowlers. I suggest to include Wahab Riaz because south Africa has a strong batting side. We need experience fast bowler. My choice for wicket keeper is for Anan Akmal. He is scoring in domestic cricket and his keeping behind the stump is also good. I also think that selection of Anwar Ali or Tanveer Ahmed was better in place of Faisal Iqbal.
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 08:10pm
I think Younis should have been replaced by Yousuf given their relative forms in international and domestic cricket
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 08:11pm
Taufeeq Umar is SA specialist, not sure if he will carry his form, but I think we need all three in first test: Hafeez, Taufeeq and Nasir.
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 08:19pm
The final XI should be the following:
1) Muhammad Hafeez
2) Nasir Jamshed
3) Azhar Ali
4) Younis Khan
5) Misbah-ul-Haq
6) Asad Shafiq
7) Sarfraz Ahmed
8) Umar Gul
9) Saeed Ajmal
10) Abdur Rehman
11) Junaid Khan
Give Taufeeq Umar the chance when Jamshed fails.
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 08:42pm
They should have selected Umar Amin instead of tested and failed Faisal Iqbal. I saw Umar Amin few years ago in test matches in England. He didn't score too many runs in that series in highly favorable bowling conditions but looked good and deserve more chances after that series. I will be reluctant to play Irfan in 5 day test matches unless I am sure his body can take the enormous strain of a 5 day test. He seemed to be struggling to bowl last part of his 10 overs in recent one day games against Inida. It will be very bad for the Pakistani team if Irfan gets injured in the middle of a test match.
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 09:41pm
My XI:
Mohammad Hafeez
Nasir Jamshed
Azhar Ali
Misbah-ul-Haq (capt)
Asad Shafiq
Haris Sohail
Sarfraz Ahmed (wk)
Junaid Khan
Saeed Ajmal
Ehsan Adil
Adbur Rehman
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 10:23pm
my team would be
Nasir Jamshed
Mohd Hafeez
Taufeeq Umar/Azhar Ali
Younis Khan
Haris Sohail
Misbah
Sarfraz
Umar Gul/Ehsan Adil
Junaid
Irfan
Ajmal
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 10:24pm
My Starting XI:
1. Jamshed
2. Hafeez
3. Azhar
4. Younish
5. Shafiq
6. Misbah
7. Sarfraz
8. Gul
9. Ajmal
10. Junaid
11. Irfan
Time to get old names (Faisal/Taufeeq) out although Taufeeq can be used as a replacement opener. Trying to tackle the Number 1 Team in the World in its own backyard is not the time to try out rookies such as Adil/Sohail. If they are good enough, they will undoubtedly get their chance soon enough (WI Tour)
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 10:45pm
Politics as usual....Faisal Iqbal has been selected to satisfy the Karachi establishment. Mohd Yousuf should be in the team for his batting experience and skills. Plus he can match beards with Hashim Amla.
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 10:20am
You should expect that Faisal Iqbal will try hard to remain in the team as long as Javed Miandad has position in the PCB. Asif has been given so many opportunities before but he never liver up to the mark. He should be immediately replace with any other young but deserving candidate.
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 11:05pm
Only change Adnan/Kamran Akmal instead of Sarfaraz.
Recommend
0
Jan 11, 2013 11:41pm
as long as Shuaib malik and Akmals are no in the team, the rest is all good.
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 01:14am
Good team except I would always play SHAFIQ ahead of Misbah and Taufeeq. Two weak links in the team
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 02:18am
@hataf siyal i like u team very balance
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 03:01am
I agree with your selction except for playing two spinners. SA tracks are fast, it would be wise to play 3 seamers especially with irfan avalible to play.
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 10:31am
Happy to see the Akmal brothers, out of the list-:)
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 05:35am
SA pitches are not ideal for two spinners. Play Saeed Ajmal along with Junaid, Umer Gul and one other fast bowler. Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali should be in the test team. Taufeeq and Hafeez should open with Younis and Misbah in the Middle Order.
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 06:08am
When & where is the next TEST starting and against whom?
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 06:26am
I think Sadaf Hussain the 23 year old bowler should have been included.
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 07:17am
taufeeq, nasir, azhar, hafeez, younis, misbah, sarfraz, gul, ajmal, junaid, adil
taufeeq and nasir are both proper openers with better techniques than hafeez. Hafeez moving down to 4 would benefit him as he would not have to face the new ball. Shafiq is a great talent and deserves a spot but unfortunately, he has to be the odd man out. I'm not sure if Irfan has the fitness to last a test and therefore would prefer adil.
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 07:49am
On what basis Faisal Iqbal has been included in the team?
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 08:27am
Let us see who perform best in the practice matches and who adopts well to the environment...then a final verdict can be given
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 08:59am
I think Pakistan should stick to Taufiq / Hafeez opening which has done well in recent past. Nasir should continue to be a back up. He has fitness issues and test matches is about staying on the crease and Taufiq has done that consistently. Middle order of Azhar, Younis, Misbah and Asad should be persisted with for first two matches at least. Junaid Khan (for his swing), Gul (for his experience) and Ajmal will be automatic choice for bowlers. Decision on playing Irfan or Abdur Rehman will depend on the pitch - which I understand is going to support pacers. Depending on the performances and results, Haris and Ehsan Adil could be tested in the third test!!
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 12:18pm
Pakistan winning team
Nasir
Hafeez
Shoib
Mizbah
Yunis
Umar akmal
Asad shafiq
Ajmal
Irfan
Junaid
Abdur rahman
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 12:26pm
Hafeez, Nasir, Azhar, Younis, Misbah, Asad, Sarfraz, Umer G, Junaid, Saeed and Irfan.
What ever the team is should be for 3 tests, giving a good run to every one.
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 01:19pm
Nasir Jamshed,Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul Haq (capt), Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 01:55pm
My Test XI :
My Starting XI:
1. Jamshed
2. Taufeeq Umar
3. Usman Salahudin
4. Younis Khan
5. Misbah
6. Hafeez
7. Shafiq (wk)
8. Gul
9. Ajmal
10. Junaid
11. Irfan
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 02:10pm
Starting Test 11 : Taufeeq Umar , Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah ul Haq, Hafeez, Ehsan Adil, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Saeed Ajmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 03:59pm
for being miandad's nephew I guess..........
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 04:38pm
dislike ? got a better team ? share it then :)
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 04:40pm
I tried to analyse each individual with keeping in mind each individuals strengths as they will be facing the best side in the world in their own backyard.
Since you play the best batsman at one down my choice is to play Nasir Jamshed at number 3 as he is in prime form and it will also give left right combination up the order with Taufeeq and Hafeez. I would prefer Azhar Ali over Asad Shafiq as Azhar can also bowl to give rest to your main bowlers. We have Misbah and Younis down the order to block ends. Sarfaraz is the sole keeper in the side, Umar Gul should be preferred for his experience. Saeed Ajmal no brainer, Junaid Khan good form and Ehsan Adil over Irfan due to fitness reasons. my playing XI will be as follows:
1.Taufeeq Umar
2. Mohammad Hafeez
3. Nasir Jamshed
4. Asad Shafiq
5. Younis Khan
6. Misbah ul Haq
7. Sarfaraz Ahmed
8. Umar Gul
9. Saeed Ajmal
10. Junaid Khan
11. Ehsan Adil
Good Luck and God bless Men in Green and may you bring more laurels to our beloved country :)
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 05:36pm
Playing XI
Nasir Jamshed
Hafeez
Azhar Ali
Younis
Asad Shafiq
Misbah
Sarfaraz
Junaid
Irfan
Ehsan
Saeed Ajmal
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 05:46pm
I would not leave Hafeez out of the playing 11. Taufeeq Umar made his 200 in batting friendly conditions, which are going to be hard to come by in South Africa. Hafeez certainly has more brains in his batting approach - evident from the way he modified his approach against Bhuvaneshwar Kumar after being bowled out in the first ODI for a duck.
Also, it's time to try Haris Sohail in place of Asad Shafiq or Younis Khan. We also need to swap Muhammad Irfan with Ehsan Adil as we can't play Irfan all the time.
My 11:
1. Nasir Jamshed, 2. Muhammad Hafeez, 3. Azhar Ali, 4. Asad Shafiq or Haris Sohail, 5. Younis Khan, 6. Misbah ul Haq, 7. Umar Gul, 8. Saeed Ajmal 9. Abdul Rehman 10. Junaid Khan 11. Muhammad Irfan or Ehsan Adil.
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 06:17pm
1) Hafeez
2) Taufeeq
3) Azhar
4) Younis
5) Misbah
6) Asad / Jamshed
7) Sarfraz / Kamran
8) Gul
9) Rehman / Irfan
10)Ajmal
11) Junaid
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 07:14pm
I think Ahmad Shehzad deserves a place in the team in all the three formats. he is so talented and also young. He along with Nasir Jamshed can make a good openning pair for future.
Recommend
0
Jan 12, 2013 11:06pm
I think Pakistan has found a good pair of opening Batsman after a long time and the team should stick with them as good opening relies heavily on the co ordination of the two players as well as their quality.
My test squad and one day squad would have changes as Irfan does not seem fit for tests and Shoaib Malik would be a good option for one day matches. I also feel Misbah is a wonderful captain and has bought the team a lot of success but it is time for him to retire and let the new players take control, not saying he should retire straight away but he should start thinking about it.
My XI:-
1.Nasir Jamshed
2.Mohammad Hafeez
3.Asad Shafiq
4.Younis Khan
5.Misbah Ul Haq
6.Sarfaraz Ahmad
7.Umar Gul
8.Ehsan Adil
9.Saeed Ajmal
10.Abdur Rehman
11.Junaid Khan
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 06:26am
where is the wicket keeper in your list
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 06:05am
Test squad looks good, even if the batting looks a bit boring except for Jamshed, but that's what tests need I guess. No point in including the tried and tested Faisal Iqbal, should have thrown in a young batsman from the domestic circuit. Irfan will be a terror on bouncier pitches, let's hope he can stand the rigours of the 5-day format.
Recommend
0
Jan 13, 2013 06:05am
Why was Adnan Akmal overlooked is strange. Sarfaraz has been preferred over Adnan which is wrong. Adnan is a better keeper and batsman than Sarfaraz. It seems that he is unlucky and has been dropped only because he is an "Akmal".
Recommend
0
