We have a well-balanced World Cup team: Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu

“The selectors had a difficult task on hand after Mohammad Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal were banned from bowling. However, the selection committee, headed by Moin Khan should be praised for coming up with a well balanced team,” Sallu said.

Sallu cited his own experience and said that job of selectors was not a bed of roses as they have to reach consensus with coach, captain and other stakeholders before announcing the team.

“Many thing have to be taken into account, namely the playing conditions and weather Down Under during the tournament and each player’s capabilities to perform in those particular conditions. Moreover, the form and fitness of a player and whether he fits well to make a combination with other teammates, need to be considered. And after doing all the homework, a consensus need to be reached with other stakeholders, who may hold other opinion,” he explained.

Sallu said that Mohammad Irfan have bright prospects in World Cup as his tall height will enable him use the bounce at Down Under pitches. Moreover, wicket-keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed and all-rounder Shahid Afridi were both capable of going for big shots.

“Haris Sohail will also be another all-rounder for us after Shahid Afridi. He played brilliantly against New Zealand in UAE,” he added.

Sallu said that Pakistan cricket team need to work on its fielding while preparing for the World Cup. “Fielding is very important in contemporary cricket as it complements the bowling. Good fielding from a side boosts the morale of its bowlers during a match,” he said.

Sallu hoped that Team Pakistan would put some impressive showings in Australia and New Zealand and would not let down enthusiastic fans back home and around the world.