PAKISTAN’S narrow 0-1 loss in the Test series against Sri Lanka has thrown up some key questions regarding the careers of senior players as well as the selection of the team. Although Misbah-ul-Haq, who lost a series for the first time as skipper, and his charges came back strongly after losing the first Test in Galle by a big margin, the below-par show of seniors like Younis Khan, Umar Gul and Misbah himself hampered our chances of levelling the series. Younis and Misbah, in the twilight of their careers, struggled with the bat throughout. They need to review their techniques. As for bowling spearhead Umar, he appeared to have completely lost his rhythm and was constantly upstaged by the spirited newcomer Junaid Khan with his impressive haul of 14 wickets. The selectors also erred badly in recalling tried and tested fast bowler Mohammad Sami to the ranks as he once again failed to make an impact at the top level.

However, there are several positives that Pakistan can draw from the three-match contest. The welcome return to form of vice captain Mohammad Hafeez and young Asad Shafiq’s coming of age, Junaid’s emergence as the new bowling hope as well as fine performances by batsman Azhar Ali and spinning wizard Saeed Ajmal should give Pakistan some confidence. A word about the hosts now. Despite their series win, the Sri Lankans have not looked brilliant, apart from, of course, Kumar Sangakkara. The left-hander was a thorn in Pakistan’s side throughout the series and his exploits with the bat in recent years have now propelled him to the number one spot in ICC rankings. Also, in Thisara Perera, the Sri Lankans have found a decent all-rounder who should serve them well for a long time to come.