Pakistan’s bowling star suffers due to lack of speed

Pakistan cricket domestic star Sadaf Hussain has been waiting for his opportunity to make his return into international cricket and his coaches think that he has the skills.

Pakistan cricket bowling coach Azhar Mahmood believes that Hussain has got the skills but lacks in speed, which is considered a ‘necessity’ in current international cricket.

“We had a good look at Hussain during a camp for future prospects which was held last year in March. He is a swing type bowler who does not have so much pace. The issue is that to succeed in international cricket, pace is a necessity,” stated Mahmood, quoted PakPassion.

Left arm Hussain ranked among the most talented medium-fast bowlers in Pakistan cricket today. Since making his debut in 2009, he has played 75 first-class matches where he has taken 358 wickets.

Mahmood further said that the selectors are looking for players that exhibits bowling, batting and fielding abilities, to get them into international cricket. “There is no doubt about his bowling abilities at all. But if you see the type of structure we are trying to set up in our team, we look at the players bowling, batting and fielding abilities too. Our batting, as we know, is weak so we expect all players to be able to chip in with some runs as well. So, if a player’s batting and fielding is not up to the standard and the pace, as per my judgement, is not that high either then this is a problem,” he said.

“Having said that, it is down to the selectors but I feel that based purely on his performances and statistics, he does deserve a chance for Pakistan,” he added.

Earlier, speaking about his disappointment at being ignored by the selectors, Hussain said, “This is the question that keeps going around in my head over and over again. I have no idea why I have never been given a chance to play for Pakistan. The selectors haven’t answered this question, in fact nobody has.”