Ideal 4S solution for Pakistan's middle-order batting in Tests

Globally, Pakistan cricket is known for its fearless brand of cricket and also for throwing up many a surprise. On their day, the Pakistani team is capable of beating any top team in the world. However, on a rainy day, this team can also falter and lose to a less experienced side. That is perhaps why the Pakistani team is often referred to as 'unpredictable' by some and 'cornered tiger' by others. 

In the past, in red-ball format, Pakistan has been fortunate to have the services of class players such as Mohammad Brothers — Hanif, Sadiq, and Mushtaq — Zaheer Abbas, Majid Khan, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yusuf, Younus Khan, and even Asad Shafiq, and reliable grinders like Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali etc.

However, during the last decade or so, Pakistan’s middle order has shown signs of weaknesses. The national side’s batting order has collapsed from positions of strength and handed back the advantage to their opponents. 

What is the solution?

Currently, four players can make Pakistan a test side to reckon with, and interestingly, their names start with the letter 'S'.

1. Saud Shakeel

The 27-year-old classy batter from Pakistan’s Sindh province has showcased his talent at the highest level. Featuring in the first five test matches, the left-handed batter has amassed 580 runs with a century and five fifties. His batting average, for now, is 72.50.

Yes, it is still early days. But there are signs that Shakeel is here to stay. A glance at his first-class career also proves a point that he is one for the future. He has 16 centuries at an average of 50 plus. During his recent innings of undefeated 125 against New Zealand in the Karachi Test, the batter showed everyone why he is rated so highly. Against England, the southpaw scored four consecutive half-centuries under pressure cooker situations.

Shakeel ticks all the boxes as a middle-order batter for his national team. He is rock solid at the crease. He has a calming influence, too. And the batter has a good defense and a decent array of strokes.

2. Salman Ali Agha

This 29-year-old likeable player from Pakistan’s Punjab province wins hearts with his perennial smile and positive attitude. He has featured in 7 Tests for Pakistan, made 447 runs with a century and three fifties. He is a dangerous customer in ODIs as well. In only six ODIs that he has played for his country, Ali amassed 184 runs at a strike rate of 110.

Like Saud Shakeel and Sarfaraz Ahmed, he also plays in the middle order. This batter is fully capable of coming to bat between Shakeel and Ahmed at #6. One of his abilities is to play well with the tail-end batters. He knows the art of farming strike.

What also makes him a reliable cricketer in the red ball cricket is his ability with the ball. He bowls more-than-handy right arm off spin. Salman Ali Agha brings positivity on to the field. Like Shakeel, Ali too has a decent first-class record with over 5000 runs.

3. Sarfaraz Ahmed

This Pakistani wicket-keeper batter is an unsung hero. Not many talk about this highly skilled player or his leadership skill. For Pakistan, Ahmed has featured in 51 Tests, amassing 2992 runs at a batting average of 39. He has 21 half-centuries in Test cricket. Ahmed usually comes to bat at crucial No. 7 position to rescue a sinking ship.

Ahmed often finds himself in and out of the team. Hardly anyone remembers that under his leadership, Pakistan lifted the coveted Champions Trophy 2017 while beating India in the finals at The Oval.

He is a street smart cricketer. In 117 ODIs, the wicket-keeper batter has made 2315 runs laced with two centuries and 11 fifties at a batting average of 34. Overall, Ahmed has amassed 6125 runs in international cricket across three formats, including 6 centuries and 35 fifties. One of his many strengths is that he plays spin bowling well and can also up the ante at will or according to the match situation.

4. Shan Masood

When it comes to technique and temperament, Masood is both solid and reliable. He is a genuine left-handed opening batter. No wonder he idolises England’s Alastair Cook in batting.

Unfortunately, Masood has failed to cement his position in the Pakistan team either as an opening or middle-order batter, but no one can raise doubts over his exceptional talent. In 28 Tests, Masood has made 1500 runs with four centuries and six fifties. His average (28.30) is modest, though.

That said, what is exceptional about him is the fact that he can play fast bowling with ease. He can also play horizontal shots with minimum fuss. In first-class cricket, Masood has compiled 9138 runs with 21 centuries and 41 fifties.

He also wears a thinking cap. His leadership skills are of immense value to any team that he plays for. In the absence of Azhar Ali, who recently announced retirement from Test cricket, Masood can fill in the gap. While playing for Derbyshire, Masood earned highest praise by scoring double centuries almost at will.

With Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq at the top, Shan Masood can be Pakistan’s permanent one drop batter in Tests. And then, sizzling talent Babar Azam at four, Saud Shakeel five, Salman Ali Agha six, and Sarfaraz Ahmed seven. This looks a solid batting order for all conditions.

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