World Cup 2015 Express: Missing in action: Pakistan all-rounder

Abdur Razzaq not only made you wonder how one man’s spelling can change so many times but he was also a player with the ability to dazzle on his days. Azhar Mahmood was that rarity in sub continental all-rounders with an enviable record on the pacy pitches overseas.

How many from this lot can bowl seam and bat? None.

They have become like India in this regard. MS Dhoni’s hair has greyed and his hairstyles have changed but one thing has remained constant: his lament for a guy or two who can bowl fast and can bat. Now Misbah-ul-Haq too has joined in on that rant.

All-rounders important

The all-rounders had somehow propped up various Pakistani teams over the last few years, offering the luxury of balance, allowing the likes of Shahid Afridi the space to breathe and be his true self — a spinner who can bat. Mohammad Irfan, left-arm quick Wahab Riaz, and beefy Sohail all can bowl fast but don’t do much with the bat.

In the recent past, they at least could turn to Mohammad Hafeez, opener and pretty decent spinner, who can not only turn in a few overs but also had the ability to take vital wickets. His absence is the last of the big blows to Misbah, who is left wondering how to balance the team.

“With these restrictions in the field now we are not actually getting the balance right because you need a fifth bowler, so that’s why sometimes you just have to sacrifice another batsman,” Misbah said. And they try to play Umar Akmal as the wicketkeeper and leaving many sighing about the absence of Sarfraz Khan, their best keeper.

For his part, Misbah tried to keep a lid on the tensions within the camp on Friday. “There’s no real panic with the batting. Ahmed Shehzad did well in the last game, Umar Akmal and Haris Sohail have been doing well of late. Its unfortunate that they had one bad game (versus India), Haris got bogged down and then out. It’s not like Haris is not reading the ball well or anything; he was playing well and then got out. There’s no reason to panic.”

Mirror image

Misbah does have a point. All said and done, Pakistan should be able to beat this West Indies team.

It’s shocking how Pakistan and West Indies have started to mirror each other so much. Trouble within the team? You can pick either of the two. Problem between the team and the board? Again, you can go either way. Fielding sucks? Choose one blindly. Fast bowlers aren’t what they used to be? Take your pick. One big hitter who doesn’t always fire? Easy.

Both teams have also been reduced to selling memorabilia from the past.  Akram’s “balls of fire” from ‘92, Miandad’s six in Sharjah, Viv Richards walk to the middle, Clive Lloyd’s stooping walk on the field, and Brian Lara’s orgasmic whiplash square drive. We live in the times where nostalgia appears to be the biggest industry worldwide. (They are now trying to sell us the 90’s. Seriously?) Nostalgia can be soothing on an odd day of hurt and pain but when that becomes the default mode of operating then it’s trouble. Who better than Pakistan and West Indies to know that?