Who Will Open The Innings During Pakistan’s Tour To South Africa?

After poor showing from both M. Hafeez (who has also announced his retirement from Test cricket) and Imam-ul-Haq; the men in green are most definitely struggling to find openers to name for Pakistan’s tour to South Africa. Therefore, here is a look at some of the candidates and the pros and cons of having them on board.

Read: Takeaways From The Test Retirement Of Mohd. Hafeez

Imam-ul-Haq

Despite not doing well during the season at home Imam might still be given another opportunity if the think-tank decides not to introduce too many changes too quickly.

Pros: Imam did well during Pakistan’s tour to England this year in seaming conditions and against a formidable bowling attack and there is no reason why he can’t overcome a lean patch to repeat the same performance in South Africa. 

Cons: More than anything else Imam definitely seems to have lost confidence ever since he was hit by Lockie Ferguson. So, maybe he requires time and even psychological aid to overcome the traumatic experience. If that’s the case then for surely, he is not ready for the difficult tour.

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman made a fantastic Test debut against the Aussie boys earlier in the home season. Hence, he is a serious candidate for the opening slot.

Pros: Fakhar has a good record on wickets that are fast paced and can turn out to be Pakistan’s trump card in South Africa.

Cons: Fakhar is recovering from an injury and might not have the match practice that is required for the concerned tour.

Read: Pakistan vs New Zealand: How A Series Win Against The Kiwis Can Help

Shan Masood

Shan Masood has shown good form during the domestic season and therefore, is in consideration for the tour.

Pros: Shan has shown good improvement in his over-all game during the last few months and is a fine fielder who is capable of occupying a place in Pakistan’s vulnerable slip cordon.

Cons: Shan Masood has an awful record on tracks that offer pace, swing and bounce. So, South Africa might just not be the place to have him on board.

Abid Ali

Abid Ali has been doing well consistently during Pakistan’s A tour against the England Lions and media reports suggest that selectors are considering his name seriously.

Pros: Abid Ali has shown good progress as well technique and temperament against English Lions’ pacers who had international exposure and hence, were no pushovers.

Cons: Abid Ali is yet to make international debut and his big performances off late have come in UAE conditions. South Africa will pose a different challenge that he might not have experience for.

Read: These Pakistani Cricketers Could Miss The Flight To South Africa

Azhar Ali

Last on the list is Pakistan’s number one Test batsman Azhar Ali who bats for the green caps at number 3 these days.

Pros: Azhar has plenty of experience as an opener and to his credit he has scored a triple century and a double century while opening for Pakistan. He is a name to reckon with and perhaps Pakistan’s answer to the threat that South African pacers pose.

Cons: Azhar Ali was pushed down the order following the retirement of Misbah and Younis to provide stability to the middle order. However, the change did not work initially and it is just a couple of games since Azhar has started settling down as Pakistan’s one down batsman. Therefore, changing Azhar’s number again might be a risk that Pakistan’s think-tank would not want to take.