January 22, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 21, 1426

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

FAISALABAD, Jan 21: The Pakistan team management sprang a major surprise on Saturday by replacing pace bowler Rana Navedul Hasan with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq in the playing XI for the second Test against India.

Razzaq, who played the last of his 37 Tests against West Indies in Kingston more than seven months ago, was forced to miss the home Test series against England recently because of a nagging elbow problem before returning for the five One-day Internationals.

The 26-year-old was hospitalized with typhoid earlier this month. The national selectors took everyone by surprise when they recalled Razzaq for the short training camp for the India series before including him in the final squad.

However, the think-tank of skipper Inzamamul Haq, vice-captain Younis Khan and team coach Bob Woolmer must have valid reasons for leaving out the industrious Naved.

But the cynics have different views. Most of them were of the opinion that the decision to include Razzaq in the first place had considerably reduced Pakistan’s bowling options in batting-friendly conditions at Iqbal Stadium.

The main cause for concern is the fact that Razzaq’s bowling has fallen away of late. He used to pick up useful wickets with his sharp medium-pacers, especially in the early part of his Test career.

Razzaq, who is good enough to command a Test place on the basis of his batting, has only bagged 23 wickets in the last 10 Tests at 43.91, which is inferior to his career average of 37.59.

With big question marks over Razzaq’s current fitness and his inability to bowl long spells, Pakistan have obviously adopted a defensive approach which could hurt them in the end.

At the other side of the coin, Naved made a lasting impression in the two Tests against England and looked the most improved Pakistani bowler this season.