da aposte e ganhe： Pakistan’s failings with the bat in Melbourne have prompted the teammanagement to send out an SOS for Younis Khan
Osman Samiuddin at the MCG28-Dec-2009
A final decision on Younis Khan could well depend on how Pakistan perform in Melbourne•AFP
Pakistan’s failings with the bat in Melbourne have prompted the teammanagement to send out an SOS for Younis Khan. The former captain, who haskept a low profile since he abruptly relinquished the leadership inNovember, is believed to be keen to respond and may even arrive in timefor the second Test in Sydney, due to begin on January 3.Pakistan were dismissed for 258 on an unusually docile MCG track, and onlyUmar Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq batted with any authority against adisciplined and bustling Australian pace attack. That continued a run ofpoor performances in Younis’s absence on the New Zealand tour, wherePakistan relied heavily on Umar as they drew a three-Test series 1-1.But the team management has been keen on getting Younis over since before theMelbourne Test began. After the opening day at the MCG, they called upIqbal Qasim, Pakistan’s chief selector, and said they needed Younis. Sincethen it is believed there may have even been direct contact betweenMohammad Yousuf, the Pakistan captain, and Younis.”They have been very keen on getting Younis over and they called up IqbalQasim after the first day to make the request,” a board official toldCricinfo. “A request needs to be made in writing and the selectioncommittee will discuss and weigh up the pros and cons before the decisionis made.”Younis gave up the post after losing an ODI series to New Zealand in AbuDhabi, claiming that he had “lost command over his players.” It came aftermonths of reported unhappiness within the team over his leadership. Hewent underground immediately after, only to resurface suddenly whileattending a PCB coaching course in Lahore and then turning out,unimpressively, in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy final for Habib Bank.Subsequently there emerged a possibility that he may arrive in time for theODI series, but the frailty of Pakistan’s batting has apparently sped upthe process.Younis’ poor form – also a factor in his decision – remains a concern,however, and the selectors are keen for him to play at least one game ofthe local Pentangular tournament, which is due to begin on January 1,before he comes to Australia. Since making a triple-hundred on a lifelesstrack in Karachi in February, he has scored 131 runs in four Tests. His ODI form has also been wobbly.But his experience and track record at No.3 – a particularlytroublesome spot for Pakistan in recent Tests where they have tried fourdifferent batsmen in four Tests – is thought to be crucial in Australia.Not only was he Pakistan’s leading scorer in the last Test series here, heenjoyed a successful stint with South Australia last season.”Younis has been contacted and there is a chance that Yousuf has alsocontacted him directly,” said the official. “He has said that he is fitand ready to go, but will stand by whatever process the selectors put inplace for his return.”That process would appear to depend on how Pakistan ultimately fare inMelbourne. A loss could mean that there is a “70-80%” chance of Younismaking it in time for Sydney. If they somehow escape with a draw he couldarrive in time for the final Test in Hobart, having played at least onePentangular match in the interim. The call-up would also entail a currentmember of the squad returning to Pakistan, and it could possibly be one of thefast bowlers.A final decision could also be taken as early as tomorrow, depending onthe situation of the Test.