Hailing Misbah-ul-Haq’s stunning performance with the bat during the ongoing Pakistan-West Indies ODI series, former cricketer and chief selector Mohsin Hassan Khan has said that Pakistan have no replacement for the incumbent skipper.
“Misbah has proved that at present he is the only man who can lead the national team by example. Those who criticize him must also tell who can guide the team this way in his absence,” he said while commenting upon Pakistan’s six-wicket Duckworth-Lewis victory in the fourth one-day international against West Indies in St Lucia.
In the fourth ODI Misbah hit third half century of the series and Mohsin said if Pakistan captain performed in the same fashion in the last ODI he would be the man of the series. “Those who don’t consider Misbah a fine cricketer have no understanding of the cricket,” he added.
Mohsin also hailed the performance of fast bowlers Mohammad Irfan and Junaid Khan. “The good thing about Irfan is that he is improving with each passing day. I see a very bright future for the tall man. If he keeps himself disciplined and focuses on his fitness.
I’m sure he can play with peace for Pakistan at least for seven years.” He said Irfan’s line and length was amazing and he would prove lethal on bouncy tracks in Australia and South Africa.
He also expressed surprise that why Junaid Khan was kept out of the team in first two ODIs against West Indies despite being physically fit. “He (Junaid) is an asset for Pakistan. His ouster in first two matches makes no sense.”
The former chief selector said that Junaid could bowl quite efficiently with the new ball as well as with the old one adding, “all fast bowlers can’t do that.”
To another question he said that Umar Akmal was a natural talent but the young batsman must realize that he had to deliver. He said Pakistan should have a regular wicketkeeper and for that either Adnan Akmal or Sarfaraz Ahmed should be picked up.
