Pakistan's search for a left-arm spinner continues

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) National Cricket Academy (NCA) Head Coach Mushtaq Ahmed, has informed that the cricketing authorities are in search of a left-arm spin bowler. Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s bowling coach, earlier admitted that his side does not have a quality second spinner which prompted them to play three seamers. This combination received flak from former players and media in both the Tests of the series against Sri Lanka.

While Mahmood cited the inexperience of Mohammad Asghar and Bilal Asif as a reason for not backing up Yasir Shah in the spin bowling department, Ahmed was quick to announce that they are still looking for a quality left-arm spin bowler.

Special weapon

“There is a lot of focus on finding a good left-arm spin bowler. We do have some excellent prospects in the shape of Mohammad Asghar and a few others as well. In terms of off-spinners in general, we have Bilal Asif who is currently included in the Test squad against Sri Lanka. Whilst a left-arm spinner is quite a special weapon to have, at the moment in the Under-16 and Under-19 levels, we are working hard to find and develop all types of off-spin bowlers as they are worth their weight in gold in Test cricket when it comes to bowling against left-hand-batsmen,” stated Ahmed, quoted PakPassion.Net.

The veteran leg-spinner’s statements come after Pakistan shock defeat against Sri Lanka in the first Test match, owing to a stellar performance by Ragana Herath. Meanwhile, apart from a left-arm spinner and not to forget, proper middle-order batsmen who will have to take Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan’s position, the search for a good all-rounder is also underway in Pakistan cricket.

“We are constantly looking to develop all-rounders as they are an integral part of any cricket team. Aamer Yamin and Faheem Ashraf are well known for their all-round skills but there are others such as Amad Butt on whom we are keeping an eye on in terms of performances as well as their fitness,” said Mushtaq.