FORMER Pakistan Test captain and renowned cricket commentator Ramiz Raja on Sunday expressed confidence that the current Pakistan Test team have the talent and the ability to perform well on the upcoming tours of New Zealand and Australia.

Talking exclusively to Dawn News at Dubai Cricket Stadium, Ramiz said it was a treat to watch captain Misbah-ul-Haq and his teammates draw the recent Test series against England in England. “Specially the Oval Test victory was one of the finest Test wins ever by any Pakistan Test team,” he said. “The current Pakistan team in my opinion have almost every thing in their armour and is a world class side indeed.”

He went on to add: “They have a solid middle-order in the form of Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq as well as a quality wicket-keeper/batsman Sarfraz Ahmed. in bowling we have a good pace attack and leg-spinner Yasir Shah of course is on top of his game.”

The former captain praised Azhar Ali and said despite performing well at number three in the past, he is adjusting well as opener. “Both Azhar and Sami Aslam are looking good and hopefully Pakistan’s opening pair problems are over,” said Ramiz. “Sami looks to be a very mature player who bats in in the classic ‘70s style. However, he should avoid playing across on the straight ball.”

Referring to Pakistan’s ODI team, Ramiz said Azhar is improving as a captain and the team is shaping up well.

Published in Dawn October 18th, 2016