•Posted By Uzayr on 25th October 2017 •New Era Begins! •It wasn’t long ago that both Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were batting for Pakistan in the middle order. How time flies…The Pakistan team moves on with a heavy heart without their presence and a
new opportunity arises for others to step up and make a name for themselves.
Over the years both have just quietly gone about their business in the middle order steadying the
ship. On numerous occasions we found Younis Khan getting Pakistan out of a tricky situation or
Misbah holding an end and then shifting gears to ensure Pakistan posted a decent score. Not only
this, but Misbah’s calm approach as captain earnt him respect not only on the field but all over the
world.
The departure of both legends has opened a door for players such as Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq to
step up and take on the same responsibility now. Mickey described Azhar and Asad as his best
batsman hence why they are now to occupy 3rd and 4th position respectively. Whilst others around
them get used to the Test arena, Pakistani fans will want to see these two scoring heavily on a
consistent basis. The likes of Babar Azam and Sami Aslam are still very inexperienced at this level
even though Sami Aslam was unlucky to be overlooked after a steady start to Test Cricket which is
yet to involve a century. Haris Sohail after being drafted in vs Sri Lanka for the First Test has won
many praises for his performance especially after undergoing an operation and not playing any First
Class Cricket for nearly 3 years. If he continues performing like he did, he will continue to grow as a
player and soon earn the title of Mr Reliable.
Other players who have been knocking on the door for a while are Usman Salahuddin and Fawad
Alam. Both may have to wait to get an opportunity if Haris continues his good form. Fawad Alam
surely must have been discussed by Inzamam and his selection team after consistently performing in
First Class Cricket however we will have to see if he is to ever get another opportunity.
However it is Azhar and Asad who Sarfaraz and Mickey will be expecting more from as both have
played over 50 Test Matches now. They say with great responsibility comes accountability and this
will be the case a few below par performance and the fans will pounce whereas a few crucial knocks
and the same fans will be singing their praises. Let the New Era begin…