We need specialist openers in our team: Sallu

KARACHI: Although Pakistan defeated hosts New Zealand in the T20 series, but a 5-0 whitewash in ODIs and then U19 team’s massive 203-run defeat in the World Cup semi-final are appalling, former chief selector Salahuddin Sallu said on Tuesday.

“We need a good coach for the U19 side just as India have one in Rahul Dravid. Players like Salim Malik, Zahid Fazal, Moin Khan and Ramiz Raja directly made it to the Test side after playing U19 cricket without graduating from domestic first class cricket. So, U19 is an important stage and I think performance of U19 team somewhat depicts future of the national side,” he said.

Sallu said that losing by such a huge margin is concerning.“It was the same pitch where India U19 team scored 272 runs. But our youngsters only managed 69 runs in response. This is something which should ring the alarm bells,” he added.

He said that we need to do something to train our young batsmen.“Younis Khan can be hired to groom the youngsters, while Mohammad Yousuf may also work on their technique. It is time we do something about it to have quality batsmen in future for our national side,” said Sallu.

However, he praised Pakistan U19 team’s manager Nadeem Khan for his administrative skills.Sallu said that experiments with openers also took its toll, adding that Pakistan are yet to see a capable opening pair since Saeed Anwar and Amir Sohail.

“Opening, like wicket-keeping is a specialist job. I think we should take it seriously and pick specialist openers. I think it is time that Shan Masood and Khurram Manzoor should be given a chance,” he said.