Pakistan’s Professor Mohammad Hafeez restrained

Pakistan’s Professor Mohammad Hafeez restrained: Economical spell, left-handers nightmare or a partnership breaker.

Who comes to your mind?

I am sure you got what I was trying to say and yes you have guessed it perfectly, it’s the professor of the Pakistan cricket team Mohammad Hafeez. Recently the International Cricket Council banned Hafeez from bowling as he was not able to pass the bowling action test held in Chennai. Although he did clear his name a couple of months back but was once again reported after the Galle Test against Sri Lanka. People talk all day about whether it was unfair or correct but hardly anyone comments on its repercussions on Pakistan cricket.

Hafeez made a comeback into international cricket in 2010 after being left out of the side in 2006 due to his inconsistent performances. But this time he was like a man on a mission as he quickly cemented his place in the national side via his solid opening partnerships and frugal bowling spells. His economy rate is staggering to say the least in both ODIs and T20I as they stand at 4.1 and 6.7 runs per over respectively. He made sure that he stayed consistent with ball in his hands even if he was not able to score many runs at the top of the order. This made Hafeez a must have commodity in the national side and his absence from the bowling department is clearly disturbing the overall Pakistan combination. He was able to tighten the noose around the opposition during the crucial middle over’s with his tight line and length and a wicket here and there.

He made a name for himself by bowling exceptionally well to the left hander’s and he got rid of almost every southpaw batsmen that came in his way. Every time a left-handed batsman came to the crease, Hafeez was the go to bowler for the captain and he hardly disappointed his skipper and team mates. His record against left-handers makes a very good reading indeed. In last five years nearly 60 percent of his victims are left-handed batsmen which is really good even for an off spinner. His effectiveness against left-handers can be judged from the fact that even one of the finest players in cricket that is Graeme Smith, the former Proteas captain, was dismissed by the professor five times in all formats. He has also dismissed Kumar Sangakkara thrice in ODIs which is a testimony of his success.

The professor was able to provide key breakthroughs whenever they were needed most. There are many such instances when Pakistani bowling attack was taken to the cleaners up front and were rescued as soon as he was brought into the attack as he was able to control the damage and take wickets. Be it the T20 match versus South Africa in 2013 where he took Amla’s wicket just when he was looking dangerous or Kausal Perera’s crucial wicket in the first ODI of recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, Hafeez knew what the team wanted and he delivered.

Now that he cannot bowl for another year, his place in the side is going to be dependant entirely on his batting which can be a source of concern especially outside the sub continent where he struggles to put his act together in seaming and swinging conditions. Although he is amongst Pakistan’s top run getters in the past few years which is no mean achievement but I still feel that there is room for improvement. He needs to be a lot more consistent especially in Trans Tasman and English conditions to ensure his survival in the national side.

Hafeez is the senior pro in the side and our young ODI captain Azhar Ali needs his support in the field as he still learning the art of captaincy. The selection committee needs to think clearly and in the best interests of the team before taking any decision about the professor. His exclusion from the bowling resources is already a source of concern especially in the shorter format as against top quality sides that fifth bowling option might pose a problem. The alternatives in the form of Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim and Haris Sohail will have share the burden and fill those ten over’s in the absence of Hafeez. Although Hafeez was not as effective with the ball in the Test format but still he did a good job in holding up one end as the ace bowlers applied the pressure from the other.

In short it is crystal clear what Pakistan is going to miss in the bowling domain and some clever decisions need to be taken in order to keep the balance of the side in good shape. Not to forget that the T20 world cup is round the corner and Hafeez being a potent part of the T20 setup will surely have an impact on our world cup campaign but steps in the right direction with a proper frame of mind is all we need to avert all possible adverse consequences.