Little to gain from Yousuf’s return

[BoomBoomCricket]

Having Yousuf in the ranks would mean that either Azhar Ali or Asad Shafiq would have to make way for the veteran. -File photo

The sudden emergence of 37-year-old Mohammad Yousuf on the Pakistan cricket scene may not come as a surprise to cricket fans in the country, they have seen quite a bit after all. The prolific batsman had announced his retirement from the game several times but there was nothing official about it.

But Yousuf ‘passing’ the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore under the eagle eye of coach Dav Whatmore and actually being in the reckoning for a spot in the Sri Lanka bound squad (series starts in June), was least expected.

The development is puzzling not because of the fact that he last played international cricket in 2010 but more because Pakistan now seem to have a pretty stable lineup in tests, the only format Yousuf is likely to be considered for.

There is no need to dwell into stats to recognize his batting ability which made him one of the best produced from the country, but there is little doubt that he clearly is a ‘has been’.

Yousuf had been focusing on preaching and was hardly seen on a cricket ground in the last 10 months or so, he skipped the entire first class season and didn’t feature in either the national T20 or One Day tournaments.

His last appearance in a recognized match on the national circuit was in the inaugural edition of the super eight T20 in June.

Yousuf did impress those assessing his fitness in Lahore with his dribbles, sprints and his flexibility but the question remains, is he actually in shape to last the rigours of international cricket having last appeared in Pakistan colours some 17 months ago?

More importantly, one wonders where he would be slotted if he wins back his place? Test match format, ODIs or T20s?

Let us dwell on limited overs varieties first: If chosen for an ODI, Yousuf would probably bat at number four in the middle order sandwiched between Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Pakistan has already been struggling to make a move with the bat in the 50- over format, and Yousuf’s inclusion would make Umar Akmal the only genuine stroke maker in the batting line-up, sit out if all-rounder Hammad Azam is given a chance. His lethargic fielding and diving was clearly a source of entertainment for English commentators during the ill-fated tour in 2010, some two years later Yousuf is set to be even more pedestrian on the field.

He is simply not cut for T20 format at this age, even at his prime he was left out of Pakistan’s team in the 2007 and 2009 T20 World Championships. The master batsman has featured in only two international matches in the shortest format.

The only format Yousuf could find a place in is the test match format. He is currently the third highest run-scorer for Pakistan in this format. However, in his absence young guns Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq have made a mark and very much cemented their places, at least for the Sri Lankan series.

With these young batsmen and Umar Akmal, Pakistan has won eight out of its last ten test matches, a staggering record to say the least.

Ali and Shafiq have emerged unscathed from a testing series against England and deserve some breathing space.

Having Yousuf in the ranks would mean that one of them would have to make way for the veteran.

Importantly though, the selection committee is not too keen on considering Yousuf. They see his emergence from the wilderness a unilateral decision by Whatmore, which needless to say has irked them greatly.

It remains to be seen whether Yousuf would make it to Sri Lanka, though there is clearly very little to gain from his return.

Let us hope that in the years to come we continue to celebrate the master batsman’s feats, rather than sulk on his uncalled for return.

http://dawn.com/2012/04/26/little-to...ousufs-return/

[BoomBoomCricket]

100% agreed

[Lara400]

Age is against him, but it can be argued with our players failing to rotate the strike inlcuding Hafeez, Azhar, Younis and Misbah with Shafiq following suit almost our top 5 batsmen, Yousuf might be able to teach the newcomers the art of rotation whilst a year of him remains.

[MalikMohsin]

Players like Misbah, Hafeez and Younus have had more than 2 years to improve their shortcoming areas in term of improving the run rate through taking single, generate run rate by adapting aggressive if needed. If they can't improve, then PCB is wasting their times by investing little bit on them. It's better to groom young talents and let Yousuf be the backbone of the batting line, and only Allaah knows that he is world class, potential to outscore Misbah and Younus in both formats - Test and ODI.

Better to groom new captain and please, Hafeez (clueless captain) is not solution, verified by Azhar Mahmood - one of his interview at PP can be found through the Archive of PP.

I was one of minority supporter of Misbah who supported the idea of Misbah as replacement captain after England fiasco Tour, for the time being until the situation is improved. Masha'Allaah, the situation is improved much better. I think Misbah knew he was only needed for the shorter period and would make way for future captain to be groomed for the future. Allahu Alim!

I am afraid, with the returning of Yousuf, youngsters have better chance of being ousted from the squad than player like Younus (not fit for ODI/T20), Hafeez (38 years old and not reliable batsman), Misbah (for the sake of grooming future talent). I hope PCB somehow manages to balance the selection of 15 members squad, Insha'Allaah!

As Salaamu Alaykum!

[Lalafied]

the article writer has no clue about anything...Yousuf at 38 is miles better then all our batsmen except Younis Khan in test arena and he's by far our best ODI batsman as well...

[ads101]

Originally Posted by MalikMohsin Players like Misbah, Hafeez and Younus have had more than 2 years to improve their shortcoming areas in term of improving the run rate through taking single, generate run rate by adapting aggressive if needed. If they can't improve, then PCB is wasting their times by investing little bit on them. It's better to groom young talents and let Yousuf be the backbone of the batting line, and only Allaah knows that he is world class, potential to outscore Misbah and Younus in both formats - Test and ODI. Better to groom new captain and please, Hafeez (clueless captain) is not solution, verified by Azhar Mahmood - one of his interview at PP can be found through the Archive of PP. I was one of minority supporter of Misbah who supported the idea of Misbah as replacement captain after England fiasco Tour, for the time being until the situation is improved. Masha'Allaah, the situation is improved much better. I think Misbah knew he was only needed for the shorter period and would make way for future captain to be groomed for the future. Allahu Alim! I am afraid, with the returning of Yousuf, youngsters have better chance of being ousted from the squad than player like Younus (not fit for ODI/T20), Hafeez (38 years old and not reliable batsman), Misbah (for the sake of grooming future talent). I hope PCB somehow manages to balance the selection of 15 members squad, Insha'Allaah! As Salaamu Alaykum!

could you link the interview please where Azhar says this about Hafeez? It's not this interview because I can't find anything about it there: http://www.pakpassion.net/articles/T..._Azhar_Mahmood

[SOSami]

Any injury to Misbah and Younis Khan and the Pakistani batting begins to look inexperienced and vulnerable.

Yousuf would be useful to have around if the other two are to extend their careers and also the youngsters can learn a lot from these players.

Remember, before Azhar's top effort with Younis Khan in the UAE, came the matchwinning partnership between Azhar Ali and Yousuf at The Oval.

As long as he doesn't play politics, Yousuf can still serve a purpose.

[hamzie]

Originally Posted by Lalafied ...Yousuf at 38 is miles better then all our batsmen except Younis Khan in test arena and he's by far our best ODI batsman as well...

So.. you'd rather play someone who will most likely retire before the 2015 world cup, than groom a youngster?

[JibranAnsari]

We need yousuf for the young ones especially in ODIs where they they do not know how to pace their innings. A year will be enough for the youngsters to play with . There is a lot to gain.

[Canistani Hero]

It's good to groom youngsters for the future but the presence of class batsman like for another year certainly sounds tempting.

[zains_rulez]

No need of Yousuf by any means , our team is doing great job

[BoomBoomCricket]

Originally Posted by SOSami Any injury to Misbah and Younis Khan and the Pakistani batting begins to look inexperienced and vulnerable. Yousuf would be useful to have around if the other two are to extend their careers and also the youngsters can learn a lot from these players. Remember, before Azhar's top effort with Younis Khan in the UAE, came the matchwinning partnership between Azhar Ali and Yousuf at The Oval. As long as he doesn't play politics, Yousuf can still serve a purpose.

who would you replace him with?

Last 11 tests he played we won 2, lost 7. Since then lost 1 in 15 with 9 wins along the way. Senseless to recall.

[Boi]

Hafeez
Azhar
Younis
Yousuf
Misbah
Shafiq
Adnan
..

doesn't look bad at all in theory.

[ads101]

Originally Posted by Boi Hafeez Azhar Younis Yousuf Misbah Shafiq Adnan .. doesn't look bad at all in theory.

doesn't make much sense to take out taufeeq. I know a lot don't rate him, and he looks dodgy at crease but he averages just under 40 (39 something), 7 centuries in 40 tests and a very good record in and against South Africa.

He's just 30 years old. We need guys his age who are experienced hence can guide youngsters but not too old as to be out of the team in a year or two. Taufeeq could potentially play for another 7 years or so. Azhar's doing fine at three, so don't really want him moved up as an opener.

[Boi]

Originally Posted by ads101 doesn't make much sense to take out taufeeq. I know a lot don't rate him, and he looks dodgy at crease but he averages just under 40 (39 something), 7 centuries in 40 tests and a very good record in and against South Africa. He's just 30 years old. We need guys his age who are experienced hence can guide youngsters but not too old as to be out of the team in a year or two. Taufeeq could potentially play for another 7 years or so. Azhar's doing fine at three, so don't really want him moved up as an opener.

hmm yeah it's a tough call with Taufeeq. However, if Yousuf is to come back, that's the only way I see him fitting into the Test side, without affecting Azhar and Shafiq.

[Saqlain_doosra]

Originally Posted by SOSami Any injury to Misbah and Younis Khan and the Pakistani batting begins to look inexperienced and vulnerable. Yousuf would be useful to have around if the other two are to extend their careers and also the youngsters can learn a lot from these players. Remember, before Azhar's top effort with Younis Khan in the UAE, came the matchwinning partnership between Azhar Ali and Yousuf at The Oval. As long as he doesn't play politics, Yousuf can still serve a purpose.

As long as Yousuf is fit then he can play for another 2 seasons. I just hope Shoaib Malik never comes back because he will destroy team with his politics like 2007.

[MalikMohsin]

Originally Posted by ads101 could you link the interview please where Azhar says this about Hafeez? It's not this interview because I can't find anything about it there: http://www.pakpassion.net/articles/T..._Azhar_Mahmood

I am not good at statistics or finding the thread.

It was long time ago, but not that long. It was one of Azhar Mahmood interview where he see Shoaib Malik as potential to lead in the future, and not convinced with the overate of Hafeez captaincy and others. However, in my opinion, he has captained for A team before, but his captaincy wasn't impressive apart from his performance, i am afraid. Allahu Alim! May Allaah forgives me if i am wrong.

If anyone can't find that thread, then i am sorry about that. I am regular member at PP, and if anyone who knows me, can attest that i don't lie.

As Salaamu Alaykum!

[Tapori]

Still no ?

[The Muppets XI]

What a way to treat the playing XI that thrashed the No 1 Test side. Is it a case of thank you very much but one of you are now dumped?

Btw I think the youngsters will learn a lot about rotation of strike - didn't he give Azhar a masterclass by running him out in Oval Test 2010 - anyone got the video. I think Azhar gave a bit of verbal on his way back to the pavillion.

[Inziquicksingle]

this has to be one of the worst articles Ive ever read. he would replace YK obviously I can't believe the writer is pretending like he would be "sandwiched". Utter nonsense.

[King Khan]

He should be selected in the squad in a squad player capacity, ie take him on tours but always select Azhar and Shafiq. Just having him in the squad would be great as the youngsters could learn from him. The Sri Lanka squad should also include Fawad and U.Akmal

Hafeez
Taufeeq
Azhar
Younis
Misbah
Asad
A Akmal
Rehman
Gul
Ajmal
Cheema

Yousuf
Junaid
Fawad
Akmal

[Inziquicksingle]

Why are people acting like Shafiq and Ali are irreplacable? These guys can only benefit and learn from a player like Yousuf. Fanboys getting insecure as usual.

[Zaz]

I agree with the writer! It would be a crazy to select yousuf again esp considering we did so well in tests recently without him and the fact that he hasnt played any serious cricket for a year

[sunnykhan]

He will be like Ganguly playing for Pune Warriors . I really don't want him to make a comeback. He is done and dusted. He should be employed for the role of batting coach in NCA.

[Savak]

Yousaf should come in for Misbah

[Bilal7]

Yousuf comes in for Taufeeq Umar in tests.

Hafeez
Azhar
Younis
Yousuf
Misbah
Shafiq

^ Unbreakable batting line-up.

Yousuf cannot be considered for any other format though.

[doctordamor]

Yusuf plz honor ur own words u have declared retirement stick with it.

Ppl saying abt Yusuf be able to teach rotating the strike the guy is atrocious runner btween the wkt chances are he will most likely run out his partner

[GujjarSher]

Yousuf is an absolutely brilliant batsman in his days. Would love to watch him play once more, though I can understand everyone's apprehensiveness about him coming back. We seem to have a good formula figured out for our Test team and sometimes it's a good idea to not mess with that.

[Amjid Javed]

MY could replace Taufeeq in test side with Azhar Ali opening. So pakistan team would in that regards be strengthened.

In regards to ODIs dropping YK and replacing him with MY would also be a move that benefits pakistan.

[intothevoid]

Yousuf should retire. The end.