Waqar Younis wants 'unlucky' Fawad Alam back in the squad

Pakistani batsman Fawad Alam has been absent from the national scenario since long. The batsman played his last ODI for Pakistan back in the year of 2015 when Pakistan toured Bangladesh. However, Pakistan bowling legend, Waqar Younis, believes that this is the right time to get the left-hander back into the squad.

While speaking to Geo.Tv on Wednesday Waqar Younis expressed his feelings for Fawad Alam. The former Pakistan coach mentioned that he feels sorry for Alam who have faced the axe several times because of reasons that are yet to be explained. Waqar also pointed out that Fawad Alam definitely ha the potential to break into the team again. He stated that after the departure of Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, the middle order is up for grabs and it’s time for Alam to step up.

On Fawad Alam:

“Look, there are only 15 players in the squad. I feel sad for Fawad Alam. He is a talented player. But now with the middle-order vacancy created after Misbah and Younis’ retirement, he may be able to secure his spot in the team again,” Waqar said.

“He has travelled with the team before.. unfortunately he couldn’t avail opportunities in the way some other cricketers did. I hope he gets his place again.” added Waqar Younis.

Waqar mentioned the names of Babar Azam, Umar Amin and Haris Sohailas the other possible contenders to fill in the gap created by Younis and Misbah’s departure.

Fawad Alam has an average of 41 in the three Tests he has featured in while his One Day International average stands at 40. The brilliant stats give rise to several questions regarding the omission of the talented player from the squad.

“They are all talented players but it will take a very long time to replace the legendary duo of Misbah and Younis,” Waqar added.

On Umar Akmal:

Speaking about Umar Akmal who was sent back from England during the Champions Trophy due to lack of fitness, Waqar said “Umar Akmal needs to focus on his fitness. Talent alone is not good enough. Hard work, discipline and fitness are equally necessary,”. He also claimed that he agrees with Mickey Arthur’s decision of not compromising with the fielding and fitness standards.

“I have always stressed on fitness too. I’m glad to see Arthur putting his foot down on fitness. Those who fail the fitness tests should be sent home and asked to return after [gaining the required fitness levels]. I’m [definitely] with Arthur on this,” added Waqar.

On domestic cricket in Pakistan:

Younis also mentioned that the domestic circuit in Pakistan needs improvement and the stadiums and the pitches need renovation. “We need to focus on improving our stadiums, especially now that international cricket is returning to Pakistan. After World XI, more teams will follow, and our grounds need to be prepared for that,”.

“We won the Champions Trophy and that is great. But that does not mean everything is perfect here. We must continue to improve our domestic cricket,” he concluded.