The Yasir Shah punt!

Yasir Shah, initially came into the Pakistan team as a utility cricketer, one who could bowl, bat a bit and field like a man possessed (that is what they said). The series he debuted in against Zimbabwean, the lasting memory was a brilliant catch rather a ripping leggie. Saeed Ajmal was in his pomp and ICC lenient on the 15 degree ruling. Yasir Shah, went into the wilderness that is Pakistan domestic cricket.

Fast forward 3 years, ICC suddenly decided that the method they employed to check bowling actions wasn’t good enough. A bunch of ‘dosra’ bowlers found that they are no longer loved by the game they have dedicated their lives too. Saeed Ajmal’s loss was an opportunity for Yasir Shah, which he took with both hands. Similarly, in World Cricket, finger spinners were replaced by wrist spinners. It became the T20 league rage. Pakistan initially struggled trying out Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz and Yasir Shah in different combinations. While, the earlier two had some success, Yasir Shah’s ODI performance were simply put poor. With PSL 2 came Shadab Khan. The boy, could bowl, bat and field. Had all the tools to be a success in modern day international cricket.

Now after a couple of years out of the ODI cricket, Yasir Shah has been brought back. Perhaps, the selectors, coach and captain decided ‘ek se do bhalay’. The success of Yadav, in England is testament of the fact that pitches in England offer some spin (granted this series started late). Yasir Shah, has had success against and in England. He has been out of the team for a fairly long time, which might have given him time to work on those googlies, faster ones etc. Fooling the batsmen from the wrist is essential, as with one spin, batsmen can line up and swing from their hip. Even half hits, go for sixes. In the 1st ODI, Shadab rang through the lower order of Zimbabwe. Perhaps, we may see Shadab and Yasir bowl in tandem in at least couple of games.

Even if the experiment fails, team Pakistan should be strong enough to overcome Zimbabwe and the man from Swabi will get some match practice ahead of a busy test match season. If its a success, and Yasir Shah shows some new toys with the bowl, Pakistan will go in a lot strong in the 2019 World Cup.