[VIDEO] "I have what it takes to make a comeback in international cricket" : Zafar Gohar

[Abdullah719]

Regarded as an outstanding bowling all-rounder, 24-year-old Zafar Gohar has represented Pakistan once in an ODI against England in which he impressed with 2 wickets on debut. Subsequently, an unfortunate shoulder injury resulted in an unwelcome break for Gohar but he has since recovered completely and recently scored a maiden first-class hundred in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Gohar spoke in detail about his shoulder injury, his impressions of the changes to domestic cricket, Ian Bell's role in arranging his stint with Warwickshire to play cricket with their 2nd XI, why he feels that he is ready to take on the role of a Test leg-spinner in the footsteps of Yasir Shah and his aspirations to represent Pakistan based on his own maturity.

PakPassion.net: Tell us about the injury that kept you out of cricket for almost a year.

Zafar Gohar: About two years ago, I had a problem with my left shoulder caused by a SLAP shoulder injury. I needed to have surgery to fix this problem in the UK and for that I would like to thank Dr. Zafar Iqbal who arranged the correct treatment with a surgeon in Liverpool. That period of injury and treatment was a pretty difficult time for me as I could not play any cricket during that phase of my career. The injury was sustained during a domestic game for my department and in general they provide all medical coverage for players for treatment within Pakistan but I just didn’t want to risk my career and decided to take a foreign route to fix the problem using specialist help in the UK. This was my bowling arm and any slight mistake in surgery would have had a disastrous effect on my career so I could not take that chance. The only two places which are well known for such surgery were either UK or Australia but because Dr. Zafar was recommended to me by Haris Sohail, I decided to speak to him and get treatment in the UK. He provided me with very good guidance and helped me through the whole process and thanks to this surgery and treatment, I am completely pain free and have recovered from this injury. I played 4-day cricket last year and am also taking part in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this season and there really is no problem with my shoulder anymore.


PakPassion.net: What are your impressions about the recently introduced changes in the domestic system in Pakistan?

Zafar Gohar: It's logical that when 16 teams are reduced to 6 in a tournament, then the level of competition will reach a higher level. If one looks at our Central Punjab side, almost 14 players have represented Pakistan at the highest level of cricket. This is a much tougher environment as compared to the previous years, but I find the competition this time around to be a healthy one and the whole experience is most enjoyable as a player. This season and the new system represents a new challenge for all of us but the level of excitement is the same as before as each player, regardless of what system he is playing in, will want to put into practice all the preparation and training they have done in the year. Of course, all things in life can do with improvement and I am sure there will be areas of improvement in this new system as well which will become obvious later. The main aim is for all changes to help and improve Pakistan cricket and Insha'Allah, that is what we will see in the future.


PakPassion.net: Would you say that the current pitches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy can be best described as ‘bowler’s graveyards’?

Zafar Gohar: If the pitches were such an issue then, we wouldn’t have bowled out Balochistan twice in 4 days on this surface, would we? Another factor to note is that the ball used for Pakistan’s international cricket assignments, the Kookaburra, is also being used in our domestic games now. The Dukes ball which was previously used in domestic cricket would assist medium pacers a lot and that would result in low-scoring games as batsmen would find it difficult, but that is not the case now. But this isn’t to say that bowlers are getting no help from this ball. Regardless of the type of bowler you are, you need to put in more effort with this ball in these conditions and you will get your rewards. In our recent Round 3 match against Balochistan, our spinners and our fast-bowlers got wickets and were equally effective which shows that there is still a lot of help for bowlers as long as they are willing to put in the effort.


PakPassion.net: How does the change in the type of ball from Dukes to Kookaburra effect you as a spin bowler?

Zafar Gohar: With the Dukes ball, there are more stitches in the middle so it’s easier for the spinner to bowl with it. With the Kookaburra ball, a spinner has to put in a lot of effort to bowl a good delivery. But the fact is that regardless of whether you are a fast-bowler or a spin-bowler, there is a lot of hard work to be done when bowling with the Kookaburra ball.


PakPassion.net: How much importance do you give to your batting and how does it feel to have scored your maiden first-class hundred?

Zafar Gohar: Batting has always been an important part of my game. I played as an all-rounder during my Under-19 days and it was with my batting that helped Pakistan win the semi-final in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup against England. In the previous first-class season, I batted at the number 3 position for Lahore and scored two fifties and had a few scores in the 30-40 range as well. In this year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy where there are fewer teams and the competition is very tough, my hard work with the bat paid off with that hundred against Balochistan. My reputation in my team as a good batsman had been built based on my performances from last year and it was rated very highly in the pre-season camp at the NCA as well. So, thankfully I have been able to justify the faith in my batting and I hope and pray that I can keep on batting well in the future as well.


PakPassion.net: You must be very happy with the performance of the Central Punjab side in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, do you feel they can go all the way and win the tournament?

Zafar Gohar: Whilst we have been playing really well in the first few rounds of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the truth is that we cannot rely on the fact that we have some top international players in our line-up. We have big stars in our line-up but there is still a little matter of actually performing on the field of play. We have 10 rounds to play in total and I am confident and hope that we will be able to continue to play to our potential and take it from there.


PakPassion.net: How was the experience of playing for Warwickshire 2nd XI this year and your association with Ian Bell?

Zafar Gohar: The experience of playing with Warwickshire 2nd XI was amazing and made all the more brilliant because of the presence of Ian Bell who is a legend in his county and one of the most well-respected players to play for England. This is why I feel playing in the PSL is so important for our players. In my case, Ian Bell was at the PSL and he saw me play there and obviously rated me very highly, and then said to me that whenever I come to England and needed to play or need practice, I should contact him and he would help me play for Warwickshire 2nd XI. He was true to his word and once I was there, he got me to play with the side and also train with them which has really helped me in improving my game.


PakPassion.net: How important is the insistence on good fitness as emphasised by new Pakistan Head Coach-Chief Selector, Misbah-ul-Haq?

Zafar Gohar: Fitness is an important aspect of any sport and not just cricket as it's impossible to compete with any top international side without being fit, regardless of how much talent and skills you have. I pay a lot of attention to my fitness and I am very happy that Misbah is insistent on making sure that all Pakistan players, whether at domestic or international level, do the same for themselves as ultimately that will help Pakistan become a better side.


PakPassion.net: Given all the talent that you have, is it not strange that you have only represented Pakistan once?

Zafar Gohar: The solitary ODI that I played against England in Sharjah in November 2015 is a memorable one as I took two wickets on debut and also scored 15 runs. I then played in the PSL but after that, I was not picked by Pakistan. In the meantime, I developed this shoulder issue and so things didn’t work out for me. I feel that I have learnt a lot since the time I last represented Pakistan and that process hasn’t stopped as I continue to work on improving myself and I hope that I will be a much more mature player after playing domestic cricket for a few years.


PakPassion.net: Do you see yourself as a viable option who could potentially replace Yasir Shah in the Pakistan side?

Zafar Gohar: Any player like myself would be more than happy to represent and perform well for one’s country at the highest level of cricket. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Yasir Shah is a star bowler for Pakistan in Test cricket. He is a source of great inspiration for younger bowlers and even during the recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy where we played against his Balochistan team, and just like he did during the pre-season camp, he continued to talk to me to give me tips and advice about bowling. He has always given me advice about the right mindset to have when bowling in different conditions and to different batsmen. I have always found him to be a kind and nice person and he is always willing to transfer his experience to others which is very useful for someone like myself. As far as my replacing Yasir Shah is concerned, let me say that in every era of Pakistan cricket we have had some great spinners representing Pakistan. So, from the late Abdul Qadir to the times of Saqlain Mushtaq and then to Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, Pakistan has been blessed with quality spinners. I also hope that whenever I get the chance I can, just like Yasir Shah and many others, establish my name in international cricket and also be recognised as a successful bowling all-rounder.


PakPassion.net: Do you feel you are mature enough to once again represent Pakistan at the international level?

Zafar Gohar: I have been playing in the PSL for the past four years where, I am glad to say that, I have learned a lot from my association with Islamabad United. The competition, in the PSL and within the Islamabad United side, has been intense and provided me with some good learning experiences. I feel that with each passing period of play over the years that I have been playing, I have become a more experienced player. When I represented Pakistan in the one ODI in 2015, I was still a little raw as I had just come from the Under-19 system but even then, I was able to take two wickets and score some runs for Pakistan. Now it’s been almost 5-6 years since my Under-19 days and since then I have also participated in a domestic cricket where competition is always tough and I have gained lot of experience as well. So, I feel that I have what it takes to make a comeback in international cricket.

[Titan24]

A really talented cricketer with mature head on his shoulders. A perfect modern day cricketer who first makes the team as a specialist bowler and good enough batsman to provide runs and support when needed at no 8 or 9 along with being a good fielder. Cant wait for him to find regular spot in Pak squad across the formats.

[MenInG]

A really talented cricketer with mature head on his shoulders. A perfect modern day cricketer who first makes the team as a specialist bowler and good enough batsman to provide runs and support when needed at no 8 or 9 along with being a good fielder. Cant wait for him to find regular spot in Pak squad across the formats.

Absolutely no illusions of grandeur in his head - he is one to watch as long as he gets a fair chance.

[Khan12]

Criminal that he hasn't made a test debut yet and was dropped just after 1 game.

[Chief Destroyer]

Criminal that he hasn't made a test debut yet and was dropped just after 1 game.

Insanity to ignore a player of this quality. Shadab the mediocre clown has been undeservedly holding his spot.

[Saj]

Improving, mature, hunger for success.

He's on the way up and the likes of Shadab really need some competition.

[Saj]

Criminal that he hasn't made a test debut yet and was dropped just after 1 game.

He missed a flight due to sleeping-in and was overlooked after that.

[Khan12]

Insanity to ignore a player of this quality. Shadab the mediocre clown has been undeservedly holding his spot.

Exactly. And recently is bilal in tests.

[Khan12]

He missed a flight due to sleeping-in and was overlooked after that.

Well that's what we are told even if true, it doesn't justify his omission for so long.

[MenInG]

I really rate @iamzafargohar ! Quality spinner.. and batsman.. and more importantly.. quality person who loves the game! https://t.co/YXtfuHemWr

— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) October 5, 2019

[Saj]

Well that's what we are told even if true, it doesn't justify his omission for so long.

He told me about the missed flight in an interview.

If he's admitted to it, then it's not going to be a lie is it.

[Markhor]

Seems a level headed guy, and someone who should be playing Test cricket for Pakistan soon.

[Boi]

Misbah should be sacked if Zafar isn’t in the next set of squads.

[Junaids]

Insanity to ignore a player of this quality. Shadab the mediocre clown has been undeservedly holding his spot.

What are you talking about?

After 5 Tests Shadab is averaging 34 with the bat and is out-performing Yasir Shah with the ball outside Asia.

In what way is that bad?

[HappyWarsFan]

What are you talking about?

After 5 Tests Shadab is averaging 34 with the bat and is out-performing Yasir Shah with the ball outside Asia.

In what way is that bad?

I would still rather play Zafar Gohar, he's more threatening with the ball.

[Mamoon]

He needs to realize that in order to get into the Pakistan side as a spinner, he needs to do more dramaybaazi in the field and make himself look good on the cameras. Everything else is secondary.

[Junaids]

Insanity to ignore a player of this quality. Shadab the mediocre clown has been undeservedly holding his spot.

I would still rather play Zafar Gohar, he's more threatening with the ball.

Oh, in Asia I would agree.

Outside Asia I think that in 8 Tests out of 10 a spinner is primarily in the team to bat. So yes, I’d prefer Zafar Gohar to Yasir Shah, but I would need his batting to improve a lot for him to replace Shadab Khan.

[Saj]

With each poor performance by Shadab, Zafar Gohar's chances become brighter.

Perhaps Zafar is the 'kick up the backside' that Shadab needs.

[Titan24]

With each poor performance by Shadab, Zafar Gohar's chances become brighter.

Perhaps Zafar is the 'kick up the backside' that Shadab needs.

True. Zafar needs to be in the LOI squad, rather than having Nawaz as a cover for Imad it is Zafar who is needed to compete with Shadab and create that healthy competition among lead spinners.

[PakLFC]

Comeback? What was his previous performance?

[hadi123]

He needs to get in the team soon. Shadab's time is running out.

[Saj]

Comeback? What was his previous performance?

PakPassion.net: Given all the talent that you have, is it not strange that you have only represented Pakistan once?

Zafar Gohar: The solitary ODI that I played against England in Sharjah in November 2015 is a memorable one as I took two wickets on debut and also scored 15 runs. I then played in the PSL but after that, I was not picked by Pakistan. In the meantime, I developed this shoulder issue and so things didn’t work out for me. I feel that I have learnt a lot since the time I last represented Pakistan and that process hasn’t stopped as I continue to work on improving myself and I hope that I will be a much more mature player after playing domestic cricket for a few years.

[TeamPak95]

If he's going to be picked, I think it'd be for the SL tests (assuming it goes down). Don't see him going to Australia though. For LOIs, we play Netherlands in summer 2020 so debuting then is a must for him.

[Mamoon]

Oh, in Asia I would agree.

Outside Asia I think that in 8 Tests out of 10 a spinner is primarily in the team to bat. So yes, I’d prefer Zafar Gohar to Yasir Shah, but I would need his batting to improve a lot for him to replace Shadab Khan.

Your analysis are flawed because of a very small sample size. Shadab’s batting is not good enough to sustain an average of 34. He is a 15-20 averaging player.

And over a large sample, he will get flogged so badly in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and probably even England that his 15-20 runs would have no value.

He would quintessentially be a terribly out of form Moeen, and we have seen how useless he was in Australia, because he couldn’t score enough runs to make up for his awful bowling.

Even in the home Ashes, England had to drop him after the very first Test.

On average, Shadab might score 10 more runs than Yasir and maybe score a half-century after 20 innings, but with Yasir, who have the added pedigree of making an impact with the ball when the conditions favor.

He took two 5 wicket hauls at Lord’s and Oval in 2016. Someone like Shadab doesn’t have the skill to take 5 wicket hauls in Test cricket especially on pitches like Lord’s and Oval.

For the record, Yasir should not play overseas either because he is absolutely dreadful on wickets that don’t provide assist to spinners.

However, Shadab is not an improvement either because he is less experienced and skilled with the ball and his batting is not good enough to carry him.

Hence, Pakistan must try their luck with someone like Zafar Gohar. He cannot bat worse than Yasir, and as a finger spinner, he is likely to offer greater control, which means he is more likely to bowl economical spells than Yasir and Shadab, which is critical for a spinner outside Asia.

The difference between Pakistan in Australia in 2016-2017 and India in Australia in 2014-2015 was essentially Yasir and Ashwin.

Both were not among the wickets, but Yasir got hammered and went for 5 runs an over in Melbourne and 8 runs an over in Sydney.

On the other hand, Ashwin was very economical and that allowed India to stretch Australia’s innings, give Australian bowlers less time to bowl Indian batsmen out, and they saved two Tests.

Put Yasir in India and they lose 4-0. Put Ashwin in Pakistan and they end up losing 1-0.

Unless your spinner is a proper batsman, the number one factor in his overseas performances would be how economical he can be, and whether he can do enough damage when the conditions favor him.

[Danyaalr01]

Your analysis are flawed because of a very small sample size. Shadab’s batting is not good enough to sustain an average of 34. He is a 15-20 averaging player.

And over a large sample, he will get flogged so badly in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and probably even England that his 15-20 runs would have no value.

He would quintessentially be a terribly out of form Moeen, and we have seen how useless he was in Australia, because he couldn’t score enough runs to make up for his awful bowling.

Even in the home Ashes, England had to drop him after the very first Test.

On average, Shadab might score 10 more runs than Yasir and maybe score a half-century after 20 innings, but with Yasir, who have the added pedigree of making an impact with the ball when the conditions favor.

He took two 5 wicket hauls at Lord’s and Oval in 2016. Someone like Shadab doesn’t have the skill to take 5 wicket hauls in Test cricket especially on pitches like Lord’s and Oval.

For the record, Yasir should not play overseas either because he is absolutely dreadful on wickets that don’t provide assist to spinners.

However, Shadab is not an improvement either because he is less experienced and skilled with the ball and his batting is not good enough to carry him.

Hence, Pakistan must try their luck with someone like Zafar Gohar. He cannot bat worse than Yasir, and as a finger spinner, he is likely to offer greater control, which means he is more likely to bowl economical spells than Yasir and Shadab, which is critical for a spinner outside Asia.

The difference between Pakistan in Australia in 2016-2017 and India in Australia in 2014-2015 was essentially Yasir and Ashwin.

Both were not among the wickets, but Yasir got hammered and went for 5 runs an over in Melbourne and 8 runs an over in Sydney.

On the other hand, Ashwin was very economical and that allowed India to stretch Australia’s innings, give Australian bowlers less time to bowl Indian batsmen out, and they saved two Tests.

Put Yasir in India and they lose 4-0. Put Ashwin in Pakistan and they end up losing 1-0.

Unless your spinner is a proper batsman, the number one factor in his overseas performances would be how economical he can be, and whether he can do enough damage when the conditions favor him.

Did Shadab do something to you, why do you hate him so much.

I think he has the potential to be a good number 6 or 7 batsmen. He has decent technique, can play the short ball and knows when to play and when not to play. He has made 50s for Pak in tough situations. With some help and more opportunity, he can easily bat at 6 or 7 which will allow them to play an extra bowler.

Yes his bowling is a concern at the moment, Pakistan desperately need a spin bowling coach to help him, something he hasn't had but Yasir did. Give him time to mature. He should have been given a break from the Sri Lanka series to play FC cricket which would have helped his bowling in all formats.

His fielding is world class and I don't see any dramaybaazi in it, commentators around the world know he's one of the best.

[Mamoon]

Did Shadab do something to you, why do you hate him so much.

I think he has the potential to be a good number 6 or 7 batsmen. He has decent technique, can play the short ball and knows when to play and when not to play. He has made 50s for Pak in tough situations. With some help and more opportunity, he can easily bat at 6 or 7 which will allow them to play an extra bowler.

Yes his bowling is a concern at the moment, Pakistan desperately need a spin bowling coach to help him, something he hasn't had but Yasir did. Give him time to mature. He should have been given a break from the Sri Lanka series to play FC cricket which would have helped his bowling in all formats.

His fielding is world class and I don't see any dramaybaazi in it, commentators around the world know he's one of the best.

I don’t hate Shadab, I just think he is completely underserving of the amount of opportunities he has had across formats. There are better spinners than him toiling in domestic cricket.

Yes he has scored some runs in Test cricket, but his bowling has been poor. In Limited Overs, his batting has been awful and his bowling has been poor against quality lineups.

International cricket is not a platform where half-cooked players can be given a long run to develop. First-class cricket exists for a reason, and Shadab needs to toil like everyone else. His bowling has no control and his only weapon - the googly - has been found out.

As a batsman, he doesn’t even know his role and neither does the team management. Yes his fielding is good aside the OTT theatrics, but you cannot carry a specialist fielder which is what he is at the moment.

[Danyaalr01]

I don’t hate Shadab, I just think he is completely underserving of the amount of opportunities he has had across formats. There are better spinners than him toiling in domestic cricket.

Yes he has scored some runs in Test cricket, but his bowling has been poor. In Limited Overs, his batting has been awful and his bowling has been poor against quality lineups.

International cricket is not a platform where half-cooked players can be given a long run to develop. First-class cricket exists for a reason, and Shadab needs to toil like everyone else. His bowling has no control and his only weapon - the googly - has been found out.

As a batsman, he doesn’t even know his role and neither does the team management. Yes his fielding is good aside the OTT theatrics, but you cannot carry a specialist fielder which is what he is at the moment.

I did say he should be given a break and play first class as that will be more beneficial than playing a series like this.

[Khan12]

Your analysis are flawed because of a very small sample size. Shadab’s batting is not good enough to sustain an average of 34. He is a 15-20 averaging player.

And over a large sample, he will get flogged so badly in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and probably even England that his 15-20 runs would have no value.

He would quintessentially be a terribly out of form Moeen, and we have seen how useless he was in Australia, because he couldn’t score enough runs to make up for his awful bowling.

Even in the home Ashes, England had to drop him after the very first Test.

On average, Shadab might score 10 more runs than Yasir and maybe score a half-century after 20 innings, but with Yasir, who have the added pedigree of making an impact with the ball when the conditions favor.

He took two 5 wicket hauls at Lord’s and Oval in 2016. Someone like Shadab doesn’t have the skill to take 5 wicket hauls in Test cricket especially on pitches like Lord’s and Oval.

For the record, Yasir should not play overseas either because he is absolutely dreadful on wickets that don’t provide assist to spinners.

However, Shadab is not an improvement either because he is less experienced and skilled with the ball and his batting is not good enough to carry him.

Hence, Pakistan must try their luck with someone like Zafar Gohar. He cannot bat worse than Yasir, and as a finger spinner, he is likely to offer greater control, which means he is more likely to bowl economical spells than Yasir and Shadab, which is critical for a spinner outside Asia.

The difference between Pakistan in Australia in 2016-2017 and India in Australia in 2014-2015 was essentially Yasir and Ashwin.

Both were not among the wickets, but Yasir got hammered and went for 5 runs an over in Melbourne and 8 runs an over in Sydney.

On the other hand, Ashwin was very economical and that allowed India to stretch Australia’s innings, give Australian bowlers less time to bowl Indian batsmen out, and they saved two Tests.

Put Yasir in India and they lose 4-0. Put Ashwin in Pakistan and they end up losing 1-0.

Unless your spinner is a proper batsman, the number one factor in his overseas performances would be how economical he can be, and whether he can do enough damage when the conditions favor him.

This rubbish cricketer took more wickets then kuldeep.

[Mamoon]

This rubbish cricketer took more wickets then kuldeep.

I don’t have to explain to you why Kuldeep is three levels above him. The World Cup was a nightmare for spinners, and even Rashid (who is also three levels above him) struggled.

There is no point in trying to prove that Shadab is as good as Kuldeep or Kuldeep is as bad or Shadab, because that couldn’t be further from the truth.

[Khan12]

I don’t have to explain to you why Kuldeep is three levels above him. The World Cup was a nightmare for spinners, and even Rashid (who is also three levels above him) struggled.

There is no point in trying to prove that Shadab is as good as Kuldeep or Kuldeep is as bad or Shadab, because that couldn’t be further from the truth.

3 levels or 100 levels the fact is shadab was one of the leading spinners at the world cup a fact which is hard for you to digest. I don't need essays about levels etc. Having said that I would drop shadab anyway.

[Saj]

Another player whose career was nearly ruined by the medics at the PCB.

Most players now tend to ignore the PCB doctors.

[aloo paratha]

Your analysis are flawed because of a very small sample size. Shadab’s batting is not good enough to sustain an average of 34. He is a 15-20 averaging player.

And over a large sample, he will get flogged so badly in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and probably even England that his 15-20 runs would have no value.

He would quintessentially be a terribly out of form Moeen, and we have seen how useless he was in Australia, because he couldn’t score enough runs to make up for his awful bowling.

Even in the home Ashes, England had to drop him after the very first Test.

On average, Shadab might score 10 more runs than Yasir and maybe score a half-century after 20 innings, but with Yasir, who have the added pedigree of making an impact with the ball when the conditions favor.

He took two 5 wicket hauls at Lord’s and Oval in 2016. Someone like Shadab doesn’t have the skill to take 5 wicket hauls in Test cricket especially on pitches like Lord’s and Oval.

For the record, Yasir should not play overseas either because he is absolutely dreadful on wickets that don’t provide assist to spinners.

However, Shadab is not an improvement either because he is less experienced and skilled with the ball and his batting is not good enough to carry him.

Hence, Pakistan must try their luck with someone like Zafar Gohar. He cannot bat worse than Yasir, and as a finger spinner, he is likely to offer greater control, which means he is more likely to bowl economical spells than Yasir and Shadab, which is critical for a spinner outside Asia.

The difference between Pakistan in Australia in 2016-2017 and India in Australia in 2014-2015 was essentially Yasir and Ashwin.

Both were not among the wickets, but Yasir got hammered and went for 5 runs an over in Melbourne and 8 runs an over in Sydney.

On the other hand, Ashwin was very economical and that allowed India to stretch Australia’s innings, give Australian bowlers less time to bowl Indian batsmen out, and they saved two Tests.

Put Yasir in India and they lose 4-0. Put Ashwin in Pakistan and they end up losing 1-0.

Unless your spinner is a proper batsman, the number one factor in his overseas performances would be how economical he can be, and whether he can do enough damage when the conditions favor him.

I disagree with you in terms of batting. Shadab's problem as a batsmen in LOIs is that he's not a person who can consitently come out and score 30 off 15 balls. But in a situation where he doesn't need to score fast he is actually quite decent, this can be seen in his 3 ODI and 3 test fifties.

I agree with you in the bowling department though, he is terribly out of form and should not be taken to Australia, Zafar Gohar is the way to gay.

[Danyaalr01]

I don’t have to explain to you why Kuldeep is three levels above him. The World Cup was a nightmare for spinners, and even Rashid (who is also three levels above him) struggled.

There is no point in trying to prove that Shadab is as good as Kuldeep or Kuldeep is as bad or Shadab, because that couldn’t be further from the truth.

And Shadab came through the nightmare as the 2nd most successful spinner in the tournament, the rest who you call 100 times better could not take this nightmare and failed. Just face it, India can’t take the pressure of the WC. they supposedly have the best bowlers and batsmen in the world, but what use is that if they are mental midgets.

[MenInG]

Please stay on topic - Zafar Gohar.

[Danyaalr01]

Zafar should play ahead of Shadab in Asia atm, maybe take him to Australia and if conditions are good then pick him. If he can improve his batting then he can bat at 7 which will allow us to play an extra spinner in the UAE or 4 front line fast bowlers outside asia. Shadab has an advantage outside Asia due to his batting.

He will need an excellent performance this round to get selected for Australia with the bowl and also a good contribution with the bat. At the moment he should be locked in fot Asia tests.

[chacha kashmiri]

He needs to buy a decent alarm apart from that he has nothing stopping him
Not seen his fielding but I’m sure he’s agile enough

He is as good as herath and will hopefully replicate his performances in a green shirt

[MenInG]

14 wickets so far - top wicket-taker at the moment in QeA 2019

[JibranAnsari]

14 wickets so far - top wicket-taker at the moment in QeA 2019

isnt zulfiqar babar the top wicket taker?

PS
never mind , hes playing for the 2nd 11

[MenInG]

Was there no place for an all-rounder like Zafar in the Australia bound squad?

[Danyaalr01]

Was there no place for an all-rounder like Zafar in the Australia bound squad?

Should have been there in place of either Kashif Bhatti or Iftikhar. Zafar could have batted at 7 and been the spinner, meaning we can bowl 4 pacers.

[Mamoon]

To be selected as a spinner in Pakistan, you have to fulfill the following criteria:

(1) you should be 32+

OR

(2) you should be a show-off and pretend that you are an all-rounder even though you cannot bat. You should dive around in the field for the cameras

OR

(3) you should have no talent but a massive chip on your shoulder, and claim that it is your dream to play cricket for Australia.

Unfortunately, Zafar doesn’t fulfill any of the three so he is not qualified enough to play for Pakistan.

[Hasan123]

Not hating on Kashif but surely Gohar would have been a better selection as he is younger and offers more in the field.

[Khan12]

Not hating on Kashif but surely Gohar would have been a better selection as he is younger and offers more in the field.

Unfortunately he's not in 30s yet hence misbah went for kashif. Who can forget shameless misbah used to select imran Khalid over him due to being his friend.

[Hasan123]

Unfortunately he's not in 30s yet hence misbah went for kashif. Who can forget shameless misbah used to select imran Khalid over him due to being his friend.

I think Misbah selected him for the 2nd test against England but he missed his flight. He has never been given a chance since.

[ads101]

I'm confused why this guy consistently doesn't get a look in. So many chances to select him yet they've always gone with someone else. It's unfortunate he's at IU and doesn't play as many games in the PSL, but it's clear IU don't want to get rid of him as they think he's useful (and probably don't want to face him in another team).

Felt like maybe Inzi didn't rate him before. I'm hopeful Misbah will select him and some point though.

[MenInG]

Zafar in the QEA for Central Punjab

[Saj]

Not the best of bowling stats so far in the QeA Trophy for Zafar.

Room for improvement despite the flat tracks.

[chacha kashmiri]

I'm confused why this guy consistently doesn't get a look in. So many chances to select him yet they've always gone with someone else. It's unfortunate he's at IU and doesn't play as many games in the PSL, but it's clear IU don't want to get rid of him as they think he's useful (and probably don't want to face him in another team).

Felt like maybe Inzi didn't rate him before. I'm hopeful Misbah will select him and some point though.

After the way Yasir arafat and bilawal bhatti were treated
Not sure any all rounders never mind a left arm spinner will get a sniff

Maybe babar will have a look at him, not sure if they have both been part of the same touring parties at youth levels

[Junaids]

Not the best of bowling stats so far in the QeA Trophy for Zafar.

Room for improvement despite the flat tracks.

Zafar Gohar 2019-20 QEA: 17 wickets at an average of 34.17
Yasir Shah 2019-20 QEA: 21 wickets at an average of 39.52.

Zafar also averages 28 with the bat. I'm not getting what Yasir Shah is doing better.

[MMHS]

The top spinners (with minimum 4 FC games), this year are (Name, Type, age, game, wickets, average, SR, Economy)

Nauman (SLAO, 33 years): 4 - 16 - 25.62 - 52 - 3.0
Gohar (SLAO, 24): 5 - 17 - 34.17 - 62 - 3.3
Yasir (LS, 33): 5 - 21 - 39.52 - 67 - 3.5
Kashif (SLAO, 33): 5 - 14 - 29.85 - 78 - 2.3
Irfan (SLAO, 30): 5 - 14 - 40.21 - 84 - 2.9
Bilal (OS, 34): 4 - 13 - 29.23 - 56 - 3.1
.
.

Zahid (LS, 32): 4 - 6 - 104.83 - 148 - 4.3

From these stats, I think Yasir is rightly picked as the premium (actually only) Leggi. Shadab played 1 game for 4 wickets, and could have been picked though.

There is absolutely no off-spinner in stock, apart from Bilal, though Sajid has been excellent in 1st & 2nd team games.

Among SLAO spinners, choice of Kashif has a Misbah's selection written on it - among top spinners, he has picked the most economical one, with the 2nd worst SR; something he has to change in future - SLAO spinners are attacking options, not containing, particularly in Asia. Unless this is considered, with Yasir declining, PAK might dominate teams in Asia, but won't be able to take 20 wickets for killer punch.

Among the finger spinner options, here are their batting stats (Name, type, game, innings, runs, average, highest, SR) -

Nauman (LHB): 4 - 5 - 104 - 20.80 - 26 - 60
Gohar (LHB): 5 - 6 - 140 - 28.00 - 100* - 51
Kashif (LHB): 4 - 3- 29 - 9.67 - 20 - 138
Irfan (LHB): 5 - 5 - 158 - 39.50 - 101 - 81
Bilal (RHB): 4 - 4 - 53 - 26.50 - 26* - 46

Considering age, bowling & batting combined, the first person should have been called was Irfan, whose FC stats are outstanding as well. followed by Gohar. Kashif actually comes as the 4th in packing order, but he was chosen for his economy and outstanding FC career.

Considering spinner's role in Australia, I think Misbah went for the most economical SLAO spinner, which might not be the worst call, but he has to be much more attacking in Asian Tests and more youth focused. Zafar & Irfan should be ahead in the packing order in next few series before tour of UK.

[Junaids]

@MMHS
You are still assuming that in Australia the spinner is either an attacking or a defensive option.

I think the spinner is actually a specialist batsman and fielder, whose main bowling role is to bowl a handful of overs each session to give the quick bowlers a rest.

A Mitchell Santner or a Ravindra Jadeja, not a full-time bowler.

Picking Rizwan instead of Sarfraz should have allowed Shadab to bat at 7, followed by 4 quicks.

[MMHS]

@MMHS
You are still assuming that in Australia the spinner is either an attacking or a defensive option.

I think the spinner is actually a specialist batsman and fielder, whose main bowling role is to bowl a handful of overs each session to give the quick bowlers a rest.

A Mitchell Santner or a Ravindra Jadeja, not a full-time bowler.

Picking Rizwan instead of Sarfraz should have allowed Shadab to bat at 7, followed by 4 quicks.

Your thought process is completely wrong - in fact, it can't be anything more wrong than this in cricket. Outside Asia, AUS is the best place for spinners because of the pace & bounce of the wickets and because of the uncompromising playing conditions there - hard, rock solid wickets, large grounds at 35C+ temperature - you can't plan your game with 35 overs bowled by dibley-dobley seemers or part-time spinners, picked for their batting. If there isn't enough quality spinners available, then it's a limitation (like ENG), not a choice. Obviously, if your best spinner in Moeen Ali standard, then better to go with the "All-rounder", not disconnect there.

I give two examples here - first one is Ashes. In last two Ashes, AUS played mostly 6+4 combination and won 9 of the 10 Tests, that their No. 11 by the trait of an off-spinner, took 40 wickets at 29; more importantly he bowled 500+ overs at 2.5 economy. On contrast, England's batsman who can bowl spin, M Ali took 5 wickets in 5 Tests at 115 with economy of 3.39. ENG last won Ashes down under was in 2010-11, only time in many, many years AUS didn't have a good spinner in that series. Have you thought other way - if your "batsman, picked to bowl few overs of spin", fails with bat, he is becoming a specialist fielder.....

The second one is from history - in last 38 years, IND-PAK has won 3+2 = 5 Tests in AUS (I have excluded the last AUS-IND series because of absence of two players - that made AUS so poor that I am actually kicking our luck - BD should have toured AUS that time, easily could have won a series there, with Mustafiz taking 35 wicket in 4 Tests, against that club level batting ....)

IND's 3 wins are at MCG ('81), Adelaide 2003 & WACA 2007 - spinners were instrumental in first of two wins - at MCG, Doshi bowled 74 overs for 143 runs (at 1.9!!!) and took 5 wickets - GR Vishy winning MoM for his master class hundred
At Adelaide, Kumble bowled 60 overs for 6/211 (at 3.5, when AUS's scoring rate was well over 4) with a 5 for in 1st innings - Dravid winning MoM for his 300+ runs in that Test, dismissed once.
Even at WACA, no pacer took more than 6 wickets, it was won by batsmen and Pathan using new ball devastatingly (won MoM for his combined contribution with bat as well) - still, Kumble took 4 wickets and bowled highest numbers of overs.

PAK's last two wins in AUS (almost archaeological topic), was in 1981 and 1996 - Iqbal Qasim took 8 wickets in 1981 in an innings win, Mushi took 9 at Hobert in 1996 (And Saq 3)

This is becoming boring to explain every time that PAK can't think of operating without at least one master spinner bowling 50+ overs/Test. If the spinner isn't available - simply team won't even compete with ball either. And, now there is no alternate pacers available either - forget those fantasy of PAK bringing 4 pacers and knock AUS's top order with new ball, it didn't happen even in glory years, now the team is among minnows when it comes to play in Australia. I know Yasir's stats in AUS - partial reason was that he was used poorly and the main reason is that PAK pacers bowled absolute trash with new ball - in AUS, unless your pacers make new ball count, spinners will go for plenty. And, the biggest culprit was the guy hiding from Test cricket now - didn't take a single wicket with new ball in that series.

[Abdullah719]

4/54 against Northern.

[hussain.r97]

4/54 against Northern.

Should've been preferred over Bhatti for the simple reason that he's young, supremely talented, can bat, and has a very long career ahead of him. Bhatti is a max 3 year solution.

[saeed5646]

4/54 against Northern.

Not good enough @shah 1 right .We probably need Youngsta beauty nauman ali whose stock delivery is arm ball and doesn't spin ball much

[saeed5646]

Should've been preferred over Bhatti for the simple reason that he's young, supremely talented, can bat, and has a very long career ahead of him. Bhatti is a max 3 year solution.

I think it is bold move .Kashif is tidy bowler who keep it tight while zafar is attacking spinner who should definitely be in selected against sl test series

[IAJ]

These are some of the short quotes I can remember from Pakistani cricketers:

«You will see a matured cricketer»
«You will see a different cricketer»
«You will see an aggressive approach»
«I have what it takes to make a comeback»

Don’t know who they are trying to fool...

[Tintin_FTW]

Not getting picked for this Australian series will probably be a good thing for his career. Spinners generally get slaughtered

[Abdullah719]

4/54 against Northern.

Followed it up with 44 (36 balls) with the bat, now has 3/46 in the 2nd innings. 5 more wickets for his side to get.

[Omer2002]

his batting could be a real plus point..i dont think he is a good spinner but then again who is currently so if he keeps improving his batting surely he will be have a chance

[MenInG]

On day four, left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar took his first-class career innings’ best of seven wickets for 79 in 28 - his team Central Punjab won the match vs Northern

The 24-year-old took 11 wickets in the match for 133 runs.

[Chief Destroyer]

Straight up match-winner. These buffoons will never understand.

[hussain.r97]

He's too young for Misbah's taste. Give it another 10 years, he'll be in the team by then.

[Xoib]

I am glad he.is getting game time if he was selected he would be only warming the benches. Couple more performances and he should be a front runner for second spinner spot for Sl tour

[Abdullah719]

Zafar Gohar in the latest QeA Trophy match:

Career-best 7/79
Match figures 11/133
Now the leading wicket-taker in this season's QeA Trophy#Cricket #QeA19

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 7, 2019

[HappyWarsFan]

Pick him!!!!

[octavian]

He's too young for Misbah's taste. Give it another 10 years, he'll be in the team by then.

Indeed my friend, too young, too talented and too exciting.

[Danyaalr01]

Amazing all round performance. This is probably the performance of the tournament.

[Khan12]

Misbah will be ready to take bilal, nauman and bhatti and will leave out Zafar, criminal that he hasn't made his test debut yet. Lets not forget shameless misbah use to play his friend imran khalid over him.

[shah_1]

Misbah will be ready to take bilal, nauman and bhatti and will leave out Zafar, criminal that he hasn't made his test debut yet. Lets not forget shameless misbah use to play his friend imran khalid over him.

Imran Khalid was a domestic bully, tbh he didn’t do that bad for IU.

[Abdullah719]

4/101 vs KP.

[Amirforpresident]

Is there any way we can remind Misbah of Zafar his performance this season?

[Boi]

Is there any way we can remind Misbah of Zafar his performance this season?

No point. Expect Misbah to pick Nauman ahead of Zafar.

[HappyWarsFan]

No point. Expect Misbah to pick Nauman ahead of Zafar.

What is wrong with Nauman? His stats seem really good.

[Boi]

What is wrong with Nauman? His stats seem really good.

Nauman would deserve selection for sure but in the long run it would be better if Zafar got the nod with his superior batting, fitness and fielding.

[Chief Destroyer]

Zafar has been balling. Had Mickey found a way to get him on the team, he would still be the head coach today. This is how valuable he is.

[Omer2002]

I think zafar wont do well internationally but he does deserve it

[Titan24]

I think zafar wont do well internationally but he does deserve it

He played one ODI for Pak in 2015 and looked the most threatening of Pak bowlers and took 2 wickets.

[Titan24]

Zafar has been balling. Had Mickey found a way to get him on the team, he would still be the head coach today. This is how valuable he is.

Surprisingly Mickey didnt realize the need of a slow left arm spinner of his caliber even in tests after series loss against Srl. Zafar should have played Aus and NZ home series over Bilal Asif in my opinion.

They only went with Bilal to cater 2-3 lefties in both Aus and NZ lineups which didnt exactly happen as Khawaja saved one of the matches while Nicholls took the game away in the 3rd test vs NZ along Williamson heroics.

[aloo paratha]

Is there any way we can remind Misbah of Zafar his performance this season?

Zafar was going to make his test debut in Misbah's team back in 2015 but he slept his chance away. Hopefully he will be selected for the Sri Lanka series.