Three questions for Pakistan ahead of Australia series opener

As Pakistan gears up for their three-match ODI series against Australia, the team management faces crucial selection decisions to finalize the playing XI for their first ODI in Melbourne on November 4.

With Australia known for its challenging home conditions, Pakistan needs to make strategic choices regarding their batting lineup, all-rounder slot, and bowling combination. Here’s a breakdown of the three main questions they need to answer before hitting the field.

First question: Who will bat at No.5?

Pakistan last played an ODI nearly a year ago, on November 11, against England in the 2023 ODI World Cup. In that game, their top six consisted of Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha.

With Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel missing from the ODI squad, Saim Ayub is set to open in place of Fakhar. However, the number five position, previously occupied by Shakeel, remains up for grabs. Pakistan’s options include Kamran Ghulam and Irfan Khan Niazi, each bringing unique strengths to the team.

Kamran Ghulam has had an impressive domestic season, scoring 250 runs in the Champions Cup at a solid strike rate of 96. As a technically sound batsman, he offers stability to a lineup already packed with anchors like Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan. However, adding another steady batsman could slow down Pakistan’s scoring rate, which has proven critical in modern ODIs.

Irfan Khan Niazi, known for his aggressive style, scored 155 runs in the Champions Cup with a strike rate of 116, which included a rapid century off 56 balls. Irfan’s inclusion could add a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s scoring power in the middle overs, particularly in Australian conditions where high scores are often required to stay competitive.

Former Pakistan cricketer, Sadiq Mohammad, in an interview with Nukta, supported this aggressive approach.

“Pakistan will need to score 300 or more if they want to beat Australia,” Sadiq told Nukta.

Second question: Pace-bowling or spin-bowling all-rounder?

The second question Pakistan faces is who should fill the all-rounder spot at number seven. The management is left to choose between pace-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal and spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas.

Aamer’s skills with both bat and ball were on display during Pakistan’s last tour of Australia, making him a versatile asset, particularly on pitches that offer bounce. This experience could be invaluable at Melbourne, where the bounce factor comes into play.

“In Australia, pitches have extra bounce, but our bowlers must learn to manage it,” Sadiq said.

"You’ll need to withstand the challenging Australian conditions with their bouncy pitches, where players like Aamer Jamal will be crucial," former cricketer Hasan Raza shared in an interview with Nukta.

All-rounder Aamer Jamal (left) in action during the Champions One-Day Cup.PCB

Aamer Jamal’s bowling experience in Australia, along with Salman Ali Agha’s role as a spin-bowling all-rounder, could also allow Pakistan to include a specialist spinner like Faisal Akram.

Sadiq suggests that playing five regular bowlers, including a spinner such as Faisal Akram, would be beneficial for Pakistan.

The 21-year-old left-arm wrist spinner, who recently picked up 13 wickets in his last five List A matches, has shown the ability to challenge even the most established batsmen.

Third question: Third pacer?

The final question pertains to Pakistan’s pace attack. While Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are definite choices, the management must decide between Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain as the third pacer.

Mohammad Hasnain has shown impressive form lately, taking 17 wickets to top the wicket-takers list in the Champions Cup and continuing his streak with nine wickets in his last four List A matches.

Whereas, Haris Rauf brings the experience of having played in the Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars, which could work to his advantage as Pakistan prepares for the opening ODI in Melbourne. This familiarity with local conditions might make him a more appealing choice, though Hasnain’s recent performance provides a strong argument for his inclusion.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Wasim Akram believes conditions in Australia are always challenging, and the series won’t be easy for Pakistan. According to him, winning even one ODI in Australia would be a significant achievement for Pakistan.

Hasan Raza shared similar sentiments, stating, “Whenever the Pakistan team tours Australia, they don’t seem very confident in either their batting or bowling.”

However, Sadiq believes Pakistan’s new white-ball captain, Rizwan’s hands-on leadership will inspire the team, saying, “Rizwan is a shrewd captain. His body language keeps the team energized, and his leadership experience is crucial.”

Rizwan-led Pakistan needs to address these three questions before the first ODI if they aim to beat Australia on their home ground.