“It makes no sense that after being picked for the full series in the one-day squad after such a big gap he should decide to retire after playing the first match”.
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Even with the change to ODI regulations, the game is now heavily geared towards a batting assault in the final 15 overs.
The second ODI between Pakistan and England takes place in Abu Dhabi on Friday from 10.30am live on Sky Sports 2 HD.
“Every game they play, every spell – the conversation with Reece Topley, before he went out, was “every ball you bowl, every spell you bowl, you can learn and get better from it”. “We need improvement in rankings as well as want to build the team for the future”.
And despite this loss of an important player, Pakistan continue to remain favourites to win the second ODI with bookies offering 3/4 for their victory.
Younis Khan batted with Pakistani greats Muhammad Yousaf and Inzamam-ul-Haq before they retired from worldwide cricket.
“We had two very competitive series in which we have seen a lot of youngsters produce a few unbelieveable performances and although this series will be different the platform will hold us in good stead”, said Morgan.
But chief selector Haroon Rasheed argued that Pakistan would need his batting experience against England.
Farbrace admitted England could look to boost their seam attack, but they are likely to stick with Adil Rashid despite figures of 0-60 from nine overs.
One bowler sure to be retained is 21-year-old left-armer Topley, of whom England clearly have high hopes.
England’s total of 216 proved a feeble one as Pakistan, despite slipping to 41 for three, reached their target of 217 in convincing fashion but Morgan said England were in with a chance had they added more runs in the middle order.
“It’s quite a contrast coming from the cold back in England”.
Akmal is in hot water for bringing Pakistan cricket into disrepute after his allleged behaviour at a dance party, while Ajmal criticised the ICC’s testing procedures of suspect bowling actions, which he has been suspended for.
Akmal was not included in a 16-man squad for the three Twenty20 internationals against England later this month as the PCB is investigating reports he may have brought the governing body into disrepute by his attendance at a “dance party” in Hyderabad.
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“White-ball cricket is something he prides himself on”.
