Karachi: Several youngsters in Pakistan cricket team, which is set to feature in matches against hosts England, Ireland and Scotland, will have a golden chance to prove their mettle in the upcoming matches, feels former chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu.
“The youngsters have a golden chance to perform well during the tour and prove their mettle for future consideration,” Sallu told PPI.
The men in green will be starting the tour of the three countries with five uncapped players in its 16-member squad.
“There will be pressure on the batting line during Tests. The team is yet to groom proper replacement for Pakistan’s middle order specialists Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq,” Sallu said.
He further said that the wet condition in England, Ireland and Scotland in the first half of the season is difficult for batsmen. He hoped that Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam deliver in the testing conditions.
He added that the team has only one spinner in wrist spinner Shadab Khan. “Ireland and Scotland batsmen are uncomfortable against a wrist spinner and I feel Shadab will bowl well against them but the conditions will go against Shadab as it is difficult for a wrist spinner to bowl well with a wet ball.”
Sallu pointed out that the team is in rebuilding process and it may take time for the time to find permanent players for different positions.
Meanwhile, he praised PCB Chairman Najam Sethi for his services to Pakistan cricket. He said that Sethi had been the propelling force behind resumption of international in Pakistan.
He added that parliamentary committee recently also showered praises on Sethi for his services to the country and recommended the PCB to start paying him salary.