Selection worries dog Pakistan ahead of ODIs

Abu Dhabi: Inclusion of veteran batsman Younis Khan for the ODI series against England starting here on Wednesday has already steered controversy over Pakistan’s selection policy. Many were of the view that this was a step backwards when the need of the hour was to focus on the youth with an eye on the 2019 World Cup.

Though Khan is contemplating on calling it a day from one-day internationals after the series against England in the UAE, the move to include him for the ODIs had triggered selection worries for Pakistan ahead of the first ODI.

Khan’s inclusion might force Pakistan to leave out Ahmad Shehzad. It looked like in all probability Mohammad Hafeez and skipper Azhar Ali will open the innings. The team think-tank would have also been inclined to play both wicket-keepers Mohammad Rizwan and Sarfraz Ahmad, who are known for their aggressive batting style.

However, with news coming from the Pakistan camp that Rizwan was scheduled to fly back to be with his wife, who is expecting a baby, it has opened the doors again for either Shehzad or another all-rounder in Anwar Ali or Amir Yamin.

Skipper Ali, however, chose to back Khan’s selection during the pre-match press conference saying, “Younis is a legendary player and his role has always been important for the team not only in Tests but also in the one-dayers,” asserted Ali, adding, “As a team, we will expect that he [Khan] helps us win this series. His commitment level is great and has full capability, so hopefully, he gives us his best and helps us win.”

Unlike in the Tests, the going hasn’t been that great for Khan in the ODIs. He has figured in six matches this season — two against New Zealand and played in four World Cup matches accumulating just 77 runs.

“The selectors have selected the team and obviously we welcome him [Khan] in the team. We want him to perform as he is fit and capable. Fitness-wise he can carry on,” said Ali, adding that, Khan will continue to bat at his No 4 slot. “Younis is a very exciting character and he will bat on his number and it will not make any change in our combination.”

Pakistan is currently sitting eighth in the ODI rankings and only a series victory over England will keep them out of the reach of the West Indies, who are currently ranked ninth. Under Ali, Pakistan have won three series — two against Zimbabwe and one against Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan also lost the series against a resurging Bangladesh 3-0.

Ali, however, was confident that he and his team would regain lost ground in the ODI ranking with success in this series. “After the World Cup, we lost in the quarters at that time we were on seven and after losing in Bangladesh it went further down. We are working hard to increase our ranking. It’s a young team so we will try to continue our performances in Zimbabwe and in Sri Lanka,” said the 30-year-old.

“Our Test team is the same for the last five-six years. Batting is the same for quite some time but in the ODI format, a lot of new players have come after the World Cup. I am new as captain, so hopefully this team will settle,” said a confident Ali, who is hoping that his spin trio of Bilal Asif, Yashir Shah and Shoaib Malek will help them erase the memories of the 4-0 drubbing they suffered at the hands of England three years ago.

“ODI cricket is always like this. Players try to dominate and since the ODIs batting style has changed, we will try to dominate the bowling. We will try to capitalise on their lack of playing spinners.”