2 squads have been annoounced for the tour of SA

Skipper Waqar
By Saj Sadiq
November 29 2002

There were no real major surprises in the squads announced by the Selectors today, although both Moin and Saeed have been ommitted. Faisal Iqbal unproven at one day level is included in both squads along with Mohamed Zahid who has come back after a long term injury.

The selectors opted to go with the flow as the one day and test squads were announced. The selectors maintained their faith in the current group of players who have been performing well in Zimbabwe.

The test squad includes the established but out of sorts Abdul Razzaq who returns from a wrist injury and Wasim Akram is included once gain in the test squad having been ignored since only bowling a couple of overs against Bangladesh before braking down with injury. The pitches will suit Wasim and should he remain injury free he should cause problems for the South African batsman.

The sole wicketkeeper following Rashid Latif's retirement from test cricket is Kamran Akmal and the 5 day matches will be a real test of character for the youngster, who has performed excellently in Zimbabwe.

Mohamed Zahid is a name that many will be pleased to see included. Having had a real nightmare career because of injuries, it's not too late for Zahid to establish himself as a regular. Youngsters Hasan Raza and Faisal Iqbal will also be looking to establish themselves in the Pakistan middle order, whilst the favourites for the opening slots are currently Saleem Elahi and Taufeeq Umar.

The one-day squad has a very familiar ring to it with both Abdul Razzaq and Mohamed Zahid returning from injury. The only real surprise is the unproven Faisal Iqbal being included. Javed Miandad's nephew has been labeled a test player, but I think this is unfair until he gets a proper chance at one-day level. The remaining matches against Zimbabwe will be Faisal's chance to prove the doubters wrong.

Overall the selectors have opted for experience and kept faith with the players who are in Zimbabwe.

In my opinion South Africa is not a place to be touring with too many youngsters and inexperienced players. It would have been a mistake to call up players such as Abdur Rauf, Zahid Saeed or Rana Naved ul Hasan for this tour.

Test squad

Waqar Younis (captain), Inzamam-ul Haq (vice captan), Taufiq Umer, Salim Elahi, Younis Khan, Yousuf Youhana, Abdul Razzaq, Wasim Akram, Kamran Akmal, Saqlan Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shahid Afridi, Faisal Iqbal, Mohammad Zahid, Hasan Raza.

One-day squad

Waqar Younis (captain), Inzamam-ul Haq (vice captan), Taufiq Umer, Salim Elahi, Younis Khan, Yousuf Youhana, Rashid Latif, Abdul Razzaq, Wasim Akram, Kamran Akmal, Saqlan Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shahid Afridi, Faisal Iqbal, Mohammad Zahid, Misbah-ul-Haq.

Tour schedule

3 Dec v NFO XI, Randjesfontein
5 Dec v South Africa A, Benoni
8 Dec 1st ODI, Durban
11 Dec 2nd ODI, Port Elizabeth
13 Dec 3rd ODI, East London
14 Dec v Border Invitation XI, Alice
16 Dec 4th ODI, Paarl
18 Dec 5th ODI, Cape Town
20-23 Dec v South Africa A, Pietermaritzburg
26-30 Dec 1st Test, Durban
2-6 Jan 2nd Test, Cape Town