53 v Australia Sharjah
59 v Australia Sharjah
62 v Australia Perth
72 v Australia Perth
77 v West Indies Lahore
87 v England Lord’s
90 v England Manchester
90 v Sri Lanka Colombo (PSS)
92 v South Africa Faisalabad
97 v Australia Brisbane

India’s lowest test total was against England 42 runs.

No, I am not a Peer it is just a feeling that we express and sometimes it is loud thinking and, sometimes we write or, tell someone and it happens but, that doesn’t make us great. Great is that person who translate our thoughts, thinking and our dreams. Because, it is also his own thoughts and dreams. Those who do that are visionaries and achievers and those who can’t are simple dreamers.

Fawad Alam’s journey has not ended after this century on debut, in fact it has just begun. Now, there is no stopping, no one can stop him except him, no one can drop him and as long as he plays like this he will achieve many milestones. By looking at this kid, the way he talks, behaves and shows respect towards his seniors he will not let this achievement or success get into his head. Unlike others he comes from a very humble background which shows a lot of character and strength. And, he shows his mental strength, determination and grit to perform. Once again, I wish him all the success and good luck.

Either the captain will not play Ajmal/Kaneria, because Afridi, Alam and Malik will provide the spin options. This way no batsman needs to be dropped.

Or if the captain wants to keep Ajmal/Kaneria, Rauf/Razzaq will be dropped. This is of course assuming Rauf and Razzaq are comparable, as Gul and Aamer ought to be automatic selections.

I think it will have to be one of the above two possibilities. Otherwise Malik ought to be dropped. With Afridi returning, this might be a blessing in disguise and we might Malik outside the Test team forever.

Opener 1
Fawad Alam
Younis Khan
Mohd Yousuf
Misbah ul Haq
Shahid Afridi
Kamran Akmal
Rauf/Razzaq
Gul
Aamer
Ajmal/Kaneria

On the basis that Malik is a 30-40 runs player, Afridi’s inclusion provides a bonus. He can score 35 runs consistently in Tests, and he can also pick wickets. If Fawad Alam is having problem opening, Afridi can also be sent to open. Younis should work with these two flexibly. It just seems a much better team than the one we have currently.

If I were the captain, I will just encourage and relax him with words like “do your best but enjoy your game whilst you are out there”.

Theo

Did you notice another masterstroke coming from Younus how he prepared Fawad and sent him as an opener?

Tapping the side of his head with his left index finger, he explained: “It’s all here. If you are strong here, you can play anywhere.”

Were there doubts about risk he had taken? “I can’t think negative. I don’t have doubts.”

As I said above more than 50% of your game is about mental strength. It’s good to know that this guy believes in that.

It was a day to forget the shuffle. It was a day to screw technique, which was perhaps over-rated. It was a day to forget that Fawad Alam had never opened in first-class cricket before this. It was a day to go back to 10.29am yesterday.

With four Pakistan wickets down, a desperately hopeful Younis Khan scribbled on a tape-ball something to the effect of “Fawad Alam will get a hundred.” (For now only this much of that inscription is necessary for this story). Fawad soon got out, and Younis kept the ball away.

It was a day to fulfill a father’s lifelong dream, which he wanted lived through his son. After yesterday’s play ended, Fawad called up his father, Tariq Alam, the man who has taught many moder Karachi players how to play spin, but who himself could never win a Pakistan cap. Fawad was obviously disappointed, having scored just 16 on debut. Tariq told him, “So what if you have scored just 16? The next time you call me – rather just text me, I will call you back – you will have got a hundred.” That Fawad finally got that Test cap was good enough for Tariq.

A great turnaround began the next morning, after the ball got scratched on one side by an edge. Pakistan spotted it, shone the other side, got it to reverse, and ended Sri Lanka’s innings with a deficit of just 150. Unfazed by failure, Fawad came back and scored a century to make sure the good work didn’t go waste this time. When he got to three figures with a delicate late-cut, Younis was batting at the other end. After he had done his sajda, Younis told him he had got something for him, which he would show him in the dressing room.

“I saw the ball and read one by one. Fawad Alam … debut … 100 … signed by Younis bhai,” said Fawad. “To know that the captain believed so much in me is an indescribable feeling.” He duly carried that ball with him in the bag and would not let anybody take it away even for a second.

So much of this story is difficult to explain, yet so much is easy to understand. Despite a mountain of runs in domestic cricket, he has stayed only on the fringes of the Pakistan team. So many times he has heard that whole “You are a very good cricketer but we don’t have place for you yet” message.
During the recent ICC World Twenty20 Fawad wasn’t getting a look-in and had to warm the bench; then he got a chance in four games but didn’t once bat and only bowled one over, which cost 15, in Pakistan’s semi-final victory. According to Intikhab Alam, Pakistan’s coach, Fawad didn’t let any disappointment show. “He never loses his focus. He never shows frustration. He stays ever dedicated,” said Intikhab.

For the man himself, just being in the Pakistan squad was special. “To be with Pakistan team was big enough for me,” said Fawad said. “When young I used to watch Younis bhai play, Yousuf bhai play, Shahid bhai played. They are such big players, it was enough the be with them.”

Cut to Colombo, after a disastrous collapse in Galle. Salman Butt felt low on confidence before the start of this Test and the team couldn’t have put much faith in him either. Therein, finally, came Fawad’s opportunity. But it came with a risk: Fawad would have to open.

“It wasn’t a gamble,” he said. “The coach and captain called me to their room on the eve of the match. They told me they were not playing a gambit here, they had faith in me. This is not a sacrifice. If a man dreams of doing something – and more than me it was my father’s dream to see me wearing a Test cap – he should be prepared for everything.”

Tapping the side of his head with his left index finger, he explained: “It’s all here. If you are strong here, you can play anywhere.”

If it was a gamble, Younis tried his best to leave as little as possible to the cards. From the time Pakistan arrived in Colombo, he had told Fawad that he was going to open. During the nets he spent hours with Fawad, bowling at him with the new ball. “He told me from the off that if I open the innings, I will make it to among the best. He gave his own example, how he had moved up from No. 7-8 to No. 3,” said Fawad. “He told me he knew I would do well. When the captain is taking so much interest in you, you also feel you must have something.”

It’s a different story altogether but this shows definite shades of Imran Khan in Younis. Yet what remains unanswered is how Fawad managed to score a century despite such a pronounced shuffle that got him out on 16 yesterday. “If you want something so badly, you have worked towards it with complete honesty, you eventually get it,” he said.

And how did he regroup after such a start to his career? Were there doubts about risk he had taken? “I can’t think negative. I don’t have doubts.”

But this was not a day to ask these questions. This was a day to believe, like Fawad did.

Now, when he made his debut, they threw him in the deep sea considering he won’t survive in the stormy sea and a failure would mean – the end of his career – he still managed to play very well in the first innings albeit 16 runs yet it was the second highest score in that total of 90. But, playing in the second innings is always an added pressure, and if it is compounded by a lead of 150 runs is even worst. I wrote above that “Steel when tempered with fire becomes even more stronger.” Fawad Alam proved that. I doubt anyone has ever achieved this feat, scoring a century on debut in second innings and that too on a foreign soil?

Hanif Mohammad’s 337 against West Indies in the second innings is still a record. I doubt anyone ever broke that record or will break it, because playing in the second innings require guts, skills and stamina. Both these players have proved that you don’t have to be an “Incredible Hulk” to play such innings. It requires skill and temperament and Fawad Alam’s cool temperament has helped him in achieving this feat.

When he smashed those three sixes in a row against Sri Lanka in Toronto and won the match for Pakistan, he silenced most of his critics who assumed that he is one of those players who cannot hit big sixes. How many players have hit a six on their debut when they are on 92? Nervous nineties are famous and even big players like Tendulkar get stuck in the nineties and got out so many times. But, Fawad Alam was in a hurry to complete his 100 before the end of the day as if he has to catch a train.

BRAVO, Fawad you have made so many Pakistanis proud today and your family must be celebrating today in Karachi and distributing sweets in the Mohalla streets. You have done your job but, don’t stop here go ahead break more records there are three more days of cricket remaining in this test match. I wish you all the LUCK for a double hundred on debut.

Afridi answers fans’ questions

(Q) I’ve heard that you are going to play for NSW, Australia. Is it true?
(Akil)
(Q) Will you be playing with New South Wales?
(Mohammad Adil)

Shahid Afridi: I have not been contacted by New South Wales yet. I will decide on joining the team once an offer is made.

(Q) Do you feel more comfortable as a bowler or as a batsman?
(Sachin)

Shahid Afridi: As a bowler, definitely.

(Q) What happened between you and Kallis in the semi final?
(Ahmed Omair)

Shahid Afridi: Yeh pyar mohabbat ki baatain hain, kya bataoon? All I can say is that these things happen in the heat of the moment.

(Q) Are you now going to take some time to train our youngsters for the future?
(Farhan)

Shahid Afridi: Yes I definitely will. I am in talks with the City District Government Karachi to acquire a plot where we can have a cricket ground and practice pitches. I think it is my responsibility to share my experience and knowledge with young cricketers. Hopefully I will start something soon.

(Q) Will you take on the captaincy of Pakistan T20 and win us the next world cup?
(Oops)

(Q) Would you be willing to take up the T20 captaincy if PCB offers it to you? Do you think you are mentally ready for this position of responsibility?
(Usman Malik)

(Q) If you were offered the captaincy how would you react?
(Yaqoob Ahmad)

(Q) What do you think about becoming Pakistan Team’s Captain for One day and T20 games?
(Nazar Abbas)

(Q) Questions are being raised that the core of the responsibility shown in Afridi’s batting in the semi-final and the final was to do with Afridi aiming to get a hold of the captaincy. Is it true you had to show that you are a responsible player so you would be considered by the selectors for the role of Pakistan’s Captain?
(Shahmeer Rafiq)

Shahid Afridi: Obviously, I will be very happy to accept it. It will be a big responsibility but I am ready to take it, if offered. I will have to take it if Younis doesn’t continue.

(Q) With the next T20 world cup again around the corner after only 10 months, what are your plans for that? As an individual and as whole team?
(Zaheer)

(Q) What is your choice for top 11 for T20 world cup for next year? Would you want no change in the team, or would you prefer the faces of Asif, Imran Nazir, Rana Naved?
(Najib)

Shahid Afridi: It all depends on how the players perform from now on until the next year. Whichever player is performing and is fit, should be considered. I cannot claim who will be in the side eight months from now but yes, I would love to be a part of the team and do it all over again.

(Q) Do you think test cricket should be done away with, since it has lost its popularity?
(Ikram Kapadia)

Shahid Afridi: Absolutely not. Although I do like the idea of four-day Test matches.

(Q) I am a batsman, I always play good when I am imagining batting, but I always mess up when I play in reality. What should I do to improve my batting?
(Atif)

Shahid Afridi: (laughs) I think you should keep on imagining.

(Q) I would like to know what kind of bat you use regularly. It says Malik on your bat, Is it really a Malik bat or they just sponsor you? Also, what do you look for when choosing a bat? You prefer light weight bat or heavy? Short handle or long? What is the ideal weight for the bat?
(Imran Razaq)

Shahid Afridi: It is a Malik bat. My bat selection depends on the pitch and playing conditions. I usually pick heavy bats for sub-continental pitches as they are flat and lighter ones in England, etc. For me, the ideal weight is 210-220 ounces.

(Q) I am from India. Congrats for a superb show in the recent T20 world cup.

I heard that Sir Vivian Richards is your favorite player and idol, Is it so? Else, who is your favorite?
(Rehan Khan)

Shahid Afridi: I think Viv Richards is every cricketer’s idol. But there are so many cricketers that I admire like, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Saeed Anwar.

(Q) How does your ball for the righ-handed batsman move in the air and hit the stump. Can you do it with the new ball?
(Syed Hasnat)

Shahid Afridi: I can’t really explain in detail. It just happens. I prefer bowling with a slightly old ball. Not one that is completely rugged. A 12-over old ball is perfect for such bowling.

(Q) If you die today, how would you like people of Pakistan remember you?
(PK Malang)

Shahid Afridi: I would like them to remember me as the craziest cricketer that ever played for Pakistan.

(Q) How do you see Fawad Alams future? Don’t you think that he should be in Pakistan playing 11 on a more regular basis with his first class average of 56.75.
(Faizaan)

Shahid Afridi: If they keep sending him to open a Test innings, I don’t see him going to far. But seriously, I think he is a very talented and committed young cricketer. The captain and coach need to use him at the right positions in the batting and bowling line-ups. He should be given more chances to prove his worth.

(Q) I was wondering how did you come up with the new celebration (the one you do after taking a wicket)?
(Ahsan)

Shahid Afridi: The celebration has been there for a while. If you followed the Dubai series, you would have seen me celebrating this way. It didn’t change much for the T20 World Cup.

(Q) For someone who has (rightly) lamented being left out of Test matches in the past, what was the logic behind making yourself unavailable for the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka? Seemed like a perfect opportunity to bury, once and for all, the debate about your place in the side for the longer format…
(Ali Hasanain)

(Q) Why did you opt out of the Sri Lanka tour? Was it your choice or forced on you? How do you see Pakistan’s chances in this series in all forms – tests, ODIs and T20? Will you be joining the team at some stage?
(Rahat Jalal)

Shahid Afridi: It was my own decision to opt out of the Test series because I felt I wasn’t fit enough to last the entire series. I didn’t want to be a part of the team and not play the entire match or get injured during the series. I always want to give my 100 per cent and I felt I wouldn’t have been able to do it. I will join the team for the ODI series and Twenty20 match, InshaAllah.

(Q) Will you play Test cricket in the coming months? Pakistan need a quality leg spinner in the test line-up.
(Babar Baig)

Shahid Afridi: Yes, I will play Test cricket in the future. I have no plans of quitting it yet.

(Q) Are you planning on doing something for the displaced people? The IDPs from Swat, Dir and Buner are burning in scorching heat with nothing to eat, while our multi-millionaire heroes are showered with huge prizes worth millions.
(Bilal)

Shahid Afridi: MashAllah, I have been able to collect Rs1000,000 for the people of these affected areas and I plan on going there to distribute the money and goods myself.

(Q) What you are doing for the people of Swat? Can you arrange a game for them?
(IQ)

(Q) It would be really nice and brotherly if you and the rest of the Pakistan team go to visit the IDP camps and take the T20 World Cup trophy too.
(Hasan)

Shahid Afridi: If I were the captain, I would definitely take the trophy there or even arrange an exhibition match.

(Q) Is it possible for you to name a cricketer who you think can replace you in the future.
(Masroor Cheeda)

Shahid Afridi: I can’t say for sure but maybe Fawad Alam.

(Q) What has caused this amazing transformation in your batting method?
(Saad)

(Q) What made you batting the way you did in T20 World Cup finals?
(Mahmood)

(Q) How did you manage to control your instincts?
(Khalil Qureshi)

Shahid Afridi: I just wanted to win the match (semi-final and final) for my team and I prayed and hoped that I can help them and it just happened. I didn’t control anything. It just happened. He (God) did it from up above.

It’s a century outside Pakistan and that too in the 2nd innings. I wonder how many players have achieved that.