Ramiz Raja slams Pakistan’s strategies for upcoming tour

Pakistan former captain turned cricket commentator, Ramiz Raja, has slammed the strategies of cricket selectors for the upcoming tour of Ireland and Eagland.

Addressing his fans on social media, Raja said that he is unable to understand why fast bowler Wahab Riaz was dropped out of the 25-members Test Camp for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England.

“I ask why Riaz is not picked, as he was among the most impressive bowlers in the Pakistan Super League, bowling over 150kph and reversing the ball. So if there is no Yasir Shah at the disposal, who will take the wickets? I believe the next best choice for Pakistan was Riaz, which they missed out on,” said Raja.

Pakistan squad for Ireland & England tour

Speaking about the batting line, Raja questioned the decision to introduce Azhar Ali as the opener alongside hard hitting batsman, Fakhar Zaman, who will be making his Test debut. “Ali shouldn’t open the batting, because if he gets out early it will create a lot of pressure on the amateur looking batting order, so he should bat at number three”

“Meanwhile, trying out Zaman as an opener in English conditions is a bad idea, because Zaman’s batting is weak under the seam friendly conditions offered in England, if we want to introduce Zaman as an opener he should be used in the local Asian conditions first,” he added.

Pakistan, under the leadership of skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, will play against Ireland, which will be their first-ever Test against Pakistan from May 11 to May 15 in Dublin. Pakistan will then play two Tests against England at Lord’s from May 24 to May 28 and Headingley from June 1 to 5.