Multan win not an indicator of Pakistan cricket

The great Englishman Geoffrey Boycott once said “You are only as good as your last performance”. This statement can be partly mistaken for Pakistan’s performance in the second test match against England.

Whilst the scoreboard may look impressive for the hosts after a dry performance patch for well over a year with annihilating performances in the World cup as well as a home test series loss against Bangladesh. The cricket played by Pakistan so far in this series has not been one to turn their heads in appreciation.

The Multan test where the same pitch hosted two test matches within a space of ten days the battle was always going to be the spin and the turn on a batsman’s nightmare for the Englishmen.

The interesting fact is apart from the 20 wickets taken by the finger spinning sensations of Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali no other bowler in Pakistan’s line up remained a threat. For a country once known for its production of Fast Bowlers suddenly finds it difficult to field a genuine quick who can bowl one bounce into the sidescreen.

Whilst the cricket loving nation celebrated a well deserved win which has uplifted the morale of the players the question remains does the pitch curator play its part in the decider in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan has taken a decision as many would say to rest Babar, Shaheen and Naseem shah while i confidently state they have been well and truly dropped for their below par performances. The real test of depth and talent remains to be seen in the third test and beyond where not all wickets will be taken by two spinners in a test match as well as not every pitch will be as spinner friendly as Multan.

Whilst there are many issues facing the performances and player rifts in the Pakistan camp one positive is the appointment of Aqib Javed as the chief selector of the national team. His appointment is a breath of fresh air given his record of non negotiable selections only on merit, zero tolerance on nepotism, and has a proven track record of over two decades with coaching at all levels from grassroots to international teams.

We can finally hope Pakistan’s merit policy is in safe hands however for how long remains to be seen.