EXCLUSIVE: Yousuf backs Butt and Asif returns, warns Shah to focus

Mohammad Yousuf 00:19 20/07/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Mohammad Amir and Yasir Shah both shone at Lord's.

    Ahead of the first Test, the focus was firmly on Mohammad Amir. In fact, people may never stop talking about Amir and the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. After all, Diego Maradona once scored a goal against England using his hands and to this day the media talks about it. He won a World Cup and played amazing football, but still people discuss the handball incident. This may well be the same for Amir.

    It won’t be forgotten easily but I think we should let it go and not hold it against the team or the player. For me, it is the same for Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif. They should be given another chance. If they play good cricket and are in peak form, they can be a major asset for Pakistan.

    We need to see their overall performance, fitness, plus their batting and bowling skills. If they excel in all these areas then they should be included in the squad and I am sure (chief selector) Inzamam-ul Haq will give them an opportunity.

    Because to err is human and we are not angels. They all made a mistake and have asked for forgiveness. They have served their punishment so all three should be given a chance to be a part of the Pakistan squad.

    Amir’s Test comeback might have been the talk of the town before the first Test, but there’s no question that Yasir Shah’s name is the one on everyone’s lips after it.

    What an incredible performance it was. There will now be added pressure on Yasir but he has good players around him and a coach who can ensure that does not adversely affect his performance.

    That is always I fear as the biggest problem with the Pakistan team, that when a player is on his way towards becoming a great player, a lot of people try to put hurdles in his path and slow down his progress. The media is all around and its influence is strong. We have social media, print media and electronic media, so things like that can really distract a person and ruin his focus.

    But I know that Yasir, on a personal level, is a really good human being and I hope that he will not allow distractions around him affect his career. The team management is crucial but the PCB has a role to play too. So far they have not done much, but I hope that this time around the board gets more involved in grooming the players and providing a better environment.

    England will now concentrate on Shah. They will try to improve their wicket, I’m sure, because if a spinner like Yasir is taking 10 wickets it means the pitch was slow. They will make sure that the pitch has more bounce and is not rough so that the ball doesn’t turn much.

    James Anderson, a top-class bowler, will be back for England and is a dangerous opponent who can make a huge difference.There is also Chris Woakes, a young but talented player who gave Pakistan a tough time with his tight lines, taking 11 wickets in the match.

    We have to bear in mind England didn’t have many key players at Lord’s. The second Test will be much tougher. With Anderson to return, Pakistan really need to work on their batting. It was a great performance by Misbah-ul-Haq as he led from the front but it was shame the media seemed to ignore Asad Shafiq, who scored more runs in the match (122 compared to Misbah’s 114).

    The English commentators recognised his efforts and praised his technique; the Pakistan team should be using Asad Shafiq as a role model – his basics are very strong.

    However there needs to be more focus on the collective efforts of the team rather than the achievement of a select few players as Pakistan played as a unit and certain players took responsibility. Misbah played well but others around him need to support him too. If the players support and motivate each other then this will give the team a lot of confidence and if this is done then of course Pakistan have a chance of repeating the success of the first Test when they take to the field at Old Trafford.

    Recommended