Published: Jun 17, 2016, 03:47 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 17, 2016, 03:51 PM (IST)
Pakistan are set to play Test series against England in July. But a lot of discussions have been rounding off on who will open the innings for Pakistan against competitive Englishmen. Recently, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq suggested Azhar Ali to open as for inexperienced Sami Aslam. But looks like Misbah-ul-Haq is not favourable towards the suggestion made by his senior team mate, just as precautionary measures if Mohammad Hazfeez or Shan Masood are unavailable for any reason. Inzamam feels, Sami might not be able to face the wrath by Englishmen and knowing Ali has slight experience of international conditions, he would be the best option for the opening slot. ALSO READ: Misbah-ul-Haq likely to retire after Pakistan tour of England 2016
However, Misbah opines if Inzamam was unsure of Sami’s capabilities, he should not have been included in the squad at first place, as mentioned The Dawn. Considering he has been selected in the squad, the young batsman will be given his due role. Hafeez, whose selection in the Test team for the tour of England remained dramatic as he neither attended the Boot camp in Kakul nor the short training camp in Lahore, has still been named in the squad. Hafeez is going through knee injury but has ensured he will be better before the team departs to England on June 18. Inzamam and Misbah do not see eye to eye on many cricketing issues. ALSO READ: Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal overlooked for skill camp ahead of England vs Pakistan 2016 series
The background between their rivalry dates back from 2003 to 2007 when captains Inzamam, Mohammad Yousuf and others enjoyed domination over team selection and kept talented players like Misbah, Bazid Khan, Faisal Iqbal and others based on their domestic cricket. This mistiming resulted in nightmarish end to Pakistan’s World Cup campaign in 2007 at West Indies. After that time frame, Misbah came back strongly to the team with string of good scores and was soon elevated as captain in 2010. During his span of captaincy, he earned accolades as most successful Test captain of Pakistan in Test cricket going past records of former cricketers Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Abdul Hafeez Kardar.
