They say that Test cricket is a real test of a test cricketer. Test cricket is s test of skills, nerves, strength and character. The real legendary status is announced when a player has a great test career. A great career includes legendary performances, mental strength, and player’s ability to perform in different conditions, and all these traits are backed by patience and concentration. They say, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going”. The same is true for the test cricket.Pakistan cricket has been struggling in all forms of the game, especially in test match cricket. One of the main reasons of their struggle has been the ever-changing team captains. They have changed captains like a bus would change its route. The past one and a half year has seen them change about 5 captains.
The other big reason for their wavering scores in test cricket is lack of quality batsman. After the disastrous tour of Australia, top batsman Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf were handed indefinite bans. Consequently, the two Y’s were not considered for the England tour. Nobody was there to fill this huge vacuum, and then Umar Amin and Azhar Ali were made scapegoats. Imran Farhat and Shoaib Malik are yet to make a mark in test cricket. So they have a pretty fragile batting line-up in conditions, where the best have struggled.
Shahid Afridi who has been absent from test cricket was made the test captain. Previously, he had refused to play test cricket because he thought this type of cricket does not suit his style. Shahid was handed over the captaincy role in the ICC world T20, 2010. He has proved himself in the shortest format. His phenomenal performance in the last ICC World T20 finals and semi-finals earned Pakistan the title. He struggled for form in the world cup, but he proved his mettle in the Asia cup. Afridi gathered 2 centuries and 3 wickets. His success as an individual player answered many critics that he is good enough a batsman in ODI cricket.
The England tour started with a whitewash against Australia in T20 series. He was all set to make a comeback in Test matches against Australia. Previously, he played his last test in England four years ago. Lord’s Test marked his return to Test cricket. Pakistan started off well, restricting Australia to 253 in the first innings, conceding a lead of 104 runs. Shahid Afridi after getting a start played a poor short. Pakistan was chasing 440 runs to win. Shahid Afridi again, played a rash short, and was caught on the deep when his score was just 2.
He announced his retirement and was immediately replaced by Salman Butt. Somehow Pakistan team managed to beat Australia and England in test matches. It was looking like a good start. However, soon spot-fixing scandal clouded them in the final test at Lord’s. As a result, three Pakistan players were suspended, including the skipper, Salman Butt.This matter is currently being reviewed by the ICC. However, the ICC has taken quite some time in resolving the matter. Pakistan will be playing the next series against South Africa, which includes 2 test matches. If Salman doesn’t get cleared by the ICC to play, then there will be a need for a new Test captain.
Nonetheless, it seems like Shahid Afridi is interested in reigning the beleaguered Pakistan team, as he has been seen hinting his comeback in test matches. He has already indicated that if his country and team requires him, he will be ready to lead the side. If Afridi takes over, this would be his 3rd comeback in Test cricket.All in all, the talismanic all-rounder has played 27 test matches and has scored 1716 runs at an average of 36. He has a tally of 48 test wickets, amassed at an average of 35. His last 4 test score lines are, 31, 2,17,15,17 and 14.
Critics have talked about Shahid Afridi as more of a leader than a player. If he features in Test 11 then he might be negating a batsman or a bowler. He mainly plays at number 6, so he will be negating a batsman, while the team still struggles with a poor batting-line.
However, before arriving at any decision, PCB needs to answer the question that does a struggling batting line-up need a wicket thrower, or they need a solid Younis Khan back as a Test captain.
