Takeaways From The Test Retirement Of Mohd. Hafeez

The Test retirement of Mohd. Hafeez came yesterday following the end of the second day’s play in Abu Dhabi. The all-rounder while representing the green caps featured in 55 Tests. So here is a look at takeaways from the development that for sure signals the start of a new era in Pakistan cricket.

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The Writing Was On The Wall

Ever since scoring his 10^th Test Hundred against the Aussies earlier in the home season the 38 year old has pretty clearly struggled for form. He was likely to be dropped from the squad that is due to tour South Africa next. With the opening batsman struggling against pacers on docile UAE wickets, there seemed no way how he could have shown improvement in South Africa where wickets provide both swing and bounce and where the batting all-rounder has not done well throughout his Test career.

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Will Pakistan Be Able To Maintain The Same Sense Of Balance?

Mohd. Hafeez despite not being the best of openers that Pakistan has ever produced still enjoyed selectors’ trust over the last decade or so mainly because of his bowling ability that allowed skippers better team balance while naming a playing XI. So, now will Pakistan be able to maintain the same sense of balance?

The answer to the query is most definitely “YES” because Harris Sohail seems to have developed his bowling abilities and hence, is likely to play the same role in the team that was once played by Mohd. Hafeez.

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Likely To Allow Imam An Extended Run

Imam-ul-Haq has struggled for form ever since being hit on the helmet by Lockie Ferguson. Nevertheless, following Mohd. Hafeez’s decision to call it a day from the longest version of the game it is highly unlikely that Pakistani selectors will look to replace both openers simultaneously when they name their squad for the tour to South Africa.

Imam then is likely to find some breathing room and thus, the entire episode should allow him an extended run to prove himself at the Test level.