Published: Jul 13, 2015, 08:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 12, 2015, 05:09 PM (IST)
Mohammad Hafeez had an incredible match at Dambulla. He registered his best figures in One-Day Internationals (ODI) and scored his 10th ton to ensure Pakistan won the match with no major hiccups. However, his all-round abilities will be in serious doubt if the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not clear him to bowl, reckons Pramod Ananth. READ: All-round Mohammad Hafeez helps Pakistan crush Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in 1st ODI at
Hafeez has been an excellent servant for Pakistan cricket over the years. But of late, with ICC getting stricter and stricter with bowling actions of spinners, especially off-spinners, many have suffered the wrath. Saeed Ajmal was under a lot of scrutiny as well, but he has been cleared to bowl following a remodelled action. Sunil Narine and Shane Shillingford had to go through trouble for an illegal bowling action; as a result they are out of the West Indies side. READ: Younis Khan becomes 7th batsman to score 150 in all four innings in Test cricket
It will not be an exaggeration to call Hafeez priceless for Pakistan. He is ready to bat in any position. Then, when the captain needs a wicket, he often comes to the forefront. Whenever summoned to bowl, Hafeez has either picked up important wickets (with an affinity towards left-handers) or bowled an economical spell, putting pressure on the batsmen. READ: Hammad Azam doesn’t lose hope despite being ignored by selectors during SL-PAK ODI
After a batting slump against Bangladesh, he has performed well in the home series against Zimbabwe, scoring two half-centuries in three ODIs. He is nicknamed “The Professor” by his teammates due to his abilities to read the game exceptionally well. It shows the respect he commands within the team. READ: Yasir Shah’s good run gives Pakistan’s spin department much needed boost
At 34, Hafeez retains the hunger to be at his best for his nation whenever he turns up. It is evident from the fact that he is still ready to go through all the trouble to rectify his action whenever ICC summons him and come out to bowl. Being the only all-rounder in the team (Shoaib Malik rarely bowls these days), he is an integral part of the current Pakistan setup.
Hafeez recently underwent a bowing test in Chepauk, the results of which has not been revealed yet. If he gets a ban, he will only be restricted to bat, which will reduce his value in the team. Pakistan will then have to drop someone else to fill in an all-rounder, which will be a major blow — given that Shahid Afridi is not around anymore and Malik does not bowl much. READ: Key ingredients of Pakistan’s winning dish in Sri Lanka
If he is banned, Hafeez’s absence as a bowler will definitely be a huge loss for Pakistan, but they will have to prepare for whatever lies ahead. Whether Pakistan will continue to have him in the side solely as a batsman or will look to replace him with someone else is to be seen, but Hafeez is that sort of player who can walk into any team solely on his batting skills. READ: Pakistan lock horns with Sri Lanka with eyes on ICC Champions Trophy berth
(Pramod Ananth is a reporter at CricketCountry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15, and is a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. His Twitter handle is @pramz)
