Following the South Africa debacle, Pakistan batting has once again come under microscopic scrutiny. The experts are out to dissect the team’s batting performance; some are lamenting the absence of a specialist batting coach, some are unhappy with the team selection while others have pointed out the inadequacy of the country’s domestic cricket structure in producing world-class batsmen.
The mind went back in time watching the Pakistani team turning it on against South Africa at Centurion. As a cricket enthusiast who had just entered his teens, there was nothing more joyful than watching a Pakistani cricket team — led by the great Imran Khan — regularly punching above its weight. Speaking about Imran, we often talk in terms of his charisma, his extraordinary prowess as a genuine fast bowler, his amazing feats as a world-class all-rounder, his exemplary work ethic, remarkable fitness, astute leadership and of course his uncanny ability to spot and nurture young talent.
Despite promising much, the Pakistani cricket team could deliver little against the South African juggernaut in the first Test against South Africa at Johannesburg. It was a sound thrashing and a reminder that despite their resurgence over the past couple of years, the tourists have still got plenty to learn.
