I don't have to tell you that I have been talking about Fawad Alam for two years now.

Fawad Alam is one of the many players whose career I have followed closely.

In my previous post about Fawad, I talked about his rise at the U19 and domestic level that led to his inclusion in the Pakistan side and described his prolific domestic run scoring.

In that post I also mentioned how he was one of the most under rated cricketers in Pakistan.

Fawad's recent performances for the Pakistan Academy on its tours to Zimbabwe and Kenya in August and September were exceptional as he ended both the tours as the leading run scorer on either side.

He continued his good run of form in the recently concluded RBS National 20-20 Cup, and has shown glimpses of that in the ongoing T20 Quadrangular in Canada.

I called him the finisher in my previous post and he proved just that against Sri Lanka two nights ago as he smashed an unbeaten 23 off a mere 9 balls to lead Pakistan to a nail biting victory.

On the Academy tours, however, he showed that he can also be the anchor and the team's primary batsman. Fawad batted at number 3 or 4 for the Academy team and with every match looked a better batsman.

He started the Zimabwe tour with scores of 55 and 5* in the Academy's 202 run victory in the first 4-day match and followed that up with a 101 and 9 in the next match, which the Academy also won (by 6 wickets).

In the 3 ODIs that followed, Fawad knocked 4, 68, and an unbeaten 100 in comprehensive victories for the Academy side. By the end of the tour Fawad had piled up 342 runs at an average of 68.40 in 7 innings.

The tour of Kenya started with a 4-day game, in which Steve Tikolo's 170 and 94 had set the Pakistan Academy an unlikely target of 364 with 3 and a half sessions to play.

Fawad was in his element again maintaining his outstanding form while stroking an unbeaten 108 on the last day of the match to lead the Pakistan Academy to a 4 wicket victory on the final evening of the match.

Having hit 3 centuries in his last 5 matches against Zimbabwe and Kenya, Fawad was looking in supreme touch going into the second 4-day match against Kenya.

What one witnessed in that match was a repeat of what two 16 year olds by the name of Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli had done almost 2 decades ago.

Kenya had been bowled out for 209 very close to the end of days play on day 1.

Pakistan's reply began in unconvincing fashion as Khurram Manzoor walked back to the pavilion at the end of the 1st over.

That brought Fawad Alam to the crease in only the 2nd over of the innings.

A day and a half later, as the Pakistan Academy declared on 665-2, Fawad Alam and Raheel Majeed had added 612 runs for an unbroken 3rd wicket partnership, with Fawad on a career best 302 and Raheel on 318.

The Pakistan Academy also ended the Kenya tour unbeaten sweeping the ODI series 3-0.

With scores of 83,14, and 25 in the 3 ODIs, Fawad ended the tour with 554 runs in 6 innings at a remarkable average of 138.50.

In the ongoing T20 Quadrangular in Canada, Fawad did not play the 1st match against Canada. He played the next against Sri Lanka but came to bat at number 9. And in the next against Zimbabwe he just walked out to bat to hit the winning runs.

Though he won the match for Pakistan at number 9 agaist Sri Lanka, I think that is too low for a batsman of Fawad's quality.

There is no doubt in my mind that he needs to bat in the top 6. Not only in 20-20 cricket but in ODIs and test cricket as well.

This is the best time to put Fawad at the deep end.

He has a very impressive first class record and he is at the top of his game at the moment.

The question though remains - how does Fawad fit into the top 6 of a Pakistan line up?

It has been just over a year since Fawad Alam has been part of Pakistan's ODI squad, though he's just played 9 ODIs during this time.

Its only recently - as recent as the Kitply Cup and the ongoing Asia Cup that Fawad has been considered as a first choice in the starting XI.

Fawad hasn't been a regular in the starting XI due to Pakistan's preference in the past for playing a specialist opener or a 4th seamer with Afridi and Malik sharing the spinner's role.

Fawad's inclusion in the XI has come about due to Malik shying away from bowling coupled with the need to strengthen the lower order batting that has weakened due to Abdul Razzak's exclusion and Afridi's lack of form.

I've come across a number of people who have questioned his inclusion in the side.

I don't blame them as with a frame as small as his, it is difficult to consider him a cricketer. He doesn't look a day older than 16 and doesn't seem the sort that one would want at the crease at the end of an innings.

Don't go on the look though.

Fawad Alam's unbeaten 63 against Hong Kong on Tuesday showed why the selectors and the team management have so much faith in him.

Fawad walked into bat when the score was 135-4 off 22 overs. In the next 7 overs, Fawad watched Misbah, Afridi, and Sarfraz walk back to the pavilion as Pakistan slipped to 161-7.

He then shared a record 100 run 8th wicket partnership with Sohail Tanvir and remained unbeaten at the end of the innings leading Pakistan to a 288-9, something they never looked like achieving.

Ignore the fact that it happened against Hong Kong, with all due respect to them.

A situation like the one described above is tough for anyone, let alone someone who was only playing his 9th ODI.

Fawad batted with responsibility, consolidated when he had to, and accelerated when he had to. He hit only 3 boundaries yet he scored his 63 at a strike rate of over 80.

Job well done I would say.

In 9 ODIs now, Fawad has batted 8 times and remained unbeaten 6 times.

Those not outs have given him a Bevan - Hussey type ODI average of 65.00. And that too with quite a healthy strike rate of 89.65.

He has usually come out to bat at the end of an innings, either during a run chase or while batting first, which explains the not outs.

It has only been 9 ODIs, but more often than not he has delivered.

The game against Hong Kong wasn't the first time that he played the finisher's role for Pakitan.

He did that in his 2nd ODI when he was given a game on Pakistan's tour of India last year. In the 5th ODI between the sides, Fawad came to the crease in the 45th over and remained unbeaten on 32 of only 23 deliveries.

He scored 32 of Pakistan's 45 runs in the last 6 overs of the innings leading them to a match winning total.

So 2 innings does not make one a finisher then does it?

For those still not convinced of Fawad's potential, I'll take them through what made him become a part of Pakistan's ODI plans.

Lets start with his domestic record.

First Class: 39 matches, 2,655 runs at 49.16 with a highest of 151. 19 wickets at 32.68.

List A: 47 matches, 1,398 runs at 46.60 with a highest of 127. 37 wickets at 35.18.

20-20: 17 matches, 268 runs at 44.66 with a highest of 54. 21 wickets at 11.71.

Fawad first showed signs of his talent during the U19 World Cup in 2004. He led Pakistan to victory over India in the semi final with an unbeaten 43 while chasing a target of 169. He had come out to bat with Pakistan in some trouble on 83-5.

His real shot to fame though was the 2006-07 domestic season, at the end of which the selectors were prompted to include him in Pakistan's squad after their disastrous World Cup campaign.

In the Quaid-e-Azam trophy (Pakistan's premier first class competition), playing for Karachi, Fawad was the 5th highest run scorer with 544 runs in 6 matches at 49.45 with 2 100s and 3 50s.

In the ABN Amro One-Day Cup, playing for the Karachi Dolphins, Fawad was the 2nd highest run scorer with 315 runs in 6 matches at 78.75 with 1 100 and 2 50s.

In the ABN Amro Patrons Trophy (first class competition), playing for Habib Bank, Fawad was the 6th highest run scorer with 295 runs in 4 matches at 59.00 with 4 50s.

And then came the ABN Amro 20-20 competition where Fawad Alam starred like no other.

He was the leading run scorer and the leading wicket taker, and led the Karachi Dolphins charge into the final of the tournament.

Even though the Dolphins lost to the Sialkot Stallions, Fawad was the man of the match in the final with an allround performance scoring 54 and picking up 5-27.

He also picked up the player of the tournament, best batsman, and best bowler awards in the same tournament.

Still not convinced?

I am.

Fawad is here to stay and he will only enhance his reputation as Pakistan's finisher.

If this news report from Zee is to be believed, Pakistan's team management has been shaken up and has started to think.

Shocking!

They should have done the thinking before embarking that plane to England.

"It is just the start and the players just reached England on Sunday, so they are acclimatising to the conditions. There is no panic but definitely now the option of playing Akmal as an opener and bringing in Fawad Alam in the late order is under consideration" sources in the team told reporters.

I wonder who these sources are.

I heard Intikhab Alam mention the "acclimatising to the conditions" comment and that the players were a bit rusty because they had just arrived in England, but in that same press conference, Intikhab talked of the importance of using regular openers.

So I'm not sure who is thinking of the option to open with Akmal and bringing in Fawad Alam.

Whoever it is, he's some smart ass who needs to be listened to.

I have been talking about including Fawad Alam in the middle order since I don't even remember when.

Fawad is no doubt one of the most talented batsmen in Pakistan who has season after season proven his credential at the domestic level.

With Younis, Misbah, and Malik not in the best of forms, its high time Fawad comes into the mix.

And I hope that this thought is not only under consideration but actually implemented as well; starting with the warm up game against India.

The same source according to the Zee report also said, "The positive thing about playing Fawad at number six or seven is that it adds depth to the batting as he is a reliable and sticky player in any form of the game and he also adds more options to the bowling."

Well about bloody time they realised that!

I cannot believe what I am watching!

And for once, it is a good one!

Pakistan maybe playing a weak team but the series has been an important one for them after facing heavy defeats from stronger opposition. Before the series began there were talks of trying out new faces, especially openers, a keeper, and some pacers. Pakistan granted 3 debuts in the 3 ODIs thus far and you can expect more over the next 2 ODIs.

Nasir Jamshed has thus far impessed in all 3 outings and in the 3rd ODI he showed that he can also play a waiting game and is not only a smasher. Samiullah disappointed in both the ODIs he played, while the 3rd debutant, Kamran Hussain, impressed with both bat and ball in the 3rd game.

With Pakistan securing the series, the PCB have drafted in some more new faces in the squad for the last 2 ODIs. Khurram Manzoor, the leading opener of the ongoing domestic season, has been included at the expense of Salman Butt who failed in all 3 ODIs. Khurram will be vying for the openers slot with Khalid Latif. Sarfraz Ahmed also comes back into the squad as Kamran Akmal is 'rested'.

The last new face to be included in the squad is Wahab Riaz who is the 2nd highest wicket taker this season after Sohail Khan. He comes in place of Rao Iftikhar who had a very disappointing series. Surprisingly Yasir Arafat was dropped after only 1 game as the squad was trimmed to 14 for the last 2 ODIs.

Pakistan will grant atleast 2 more debuts tomorrow with one of Khurram or Khalid partnering Nasir at the top of the order and either of Sohail Khan or Wahab Riaz coming in instead of Yasir Arafat. Both of them could also be drafted into the XI if the selectors decide to include the other instead of Kamran Hussain.

Fawad Alam who has been in the squad for the last 3 ODIs has still not got a game and many people have criticized the fact that he has been in the squad for 2 years now and has only played 2 ODIs. The problem is that Fawad, being a spinner allrounder is a direct replacement of skipper Malik and Afridi, neither of whom can be replaced at the moment. Fawad cannot play instead of an opener nor can he replace one from the middle order. However, he is expected to play tomorrow with probably Afridi rested. I would rather rest Mohd. Yousuf as bringing in Fawad instead of a batsman brings more balance to the side who have thus far relied on only 5 bowlers, 1 of which is a part timer.

If I was chied selector, my XI for tomorrows game would be:

1. Nasir Jamshed
2. Khurram Manzoor
3. Younis Khan
4. Misbah ul Haq
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Fawad Alam
7. Shahid Afridi
8. Sarfraz Ahmed
9. Kamran Hussain
10. Sohail Tanvir
11. Sohail Khan

However, I sense Sallu will instead go for Khalid in place of Khurram and Yousuf instead of Afridi. I hope he grants Sohail Khan a game as I have been dying to see him bowl. Lets wait and watch.

Its been a while since Pakistan has played test cricket.

Quite a while.

14 months to be exact.

They played none in 2008 for more reasons than one.

The drought is about to break though as Sri Lanka come back to Pakistan for 2 tests.

A test series involving 2 games has never made sense to me. But in these times, even a series of 1 test match would make sense.

So thank you Sri Lanka.

The selectors yesterday announced a list of 22 probables for the test matches, which will be trimmed to 14 or 15 after a short training camp.

I am not sure what the reaction of the general public is regarding the 22 probables but I was surprisingly pleased.

For once the selectors came up with a list of players, within which I did not have a single objection.

Nor did I think that some deserving player had been left out.

I'm not sure whether I should be pleased with Abdul Qadir, the chief selector, or the newly appointed Pakistan skipper, Younis Khan.

We are well aware that Younis asked for a say in selection, though how involved he was in selecting the 22, I'm not too sure.

Either way, a job well done.

Lets take a look at the list.

Openers: Salman Butt, Khurram Manzoor, Nasir Jamshed.

Salman Butt has been Pakistan's 1st choice opener for some time now and he deserves to be. He has had several successful seasons in both ODIs and Tests.

However, his partner has been the subject of much debate.

The last time Pakistan played test cricket, Yasir Hameed opened with Salman, not with much success though.

Since then Pakistan have tried Nasir Jamshed and Khurram Manzoor in ODIs, both of whom have registered decent performances.

Nasir seemed to have established himself as Salman's partner before an injury gave Khurram a chance who grabbed it with both hands. Though I prefer Nasir at the top as he is more aggressive and had a wider range of strokes than Khurram, but the latter has been in fine touch this first class season.

Khurram is one the leading run scorers this season and he was among the leading batsmen last season as well.

Its good that the selectors are keeping both Nasir and Khurram in mind. In my view, either one will make an able partner for Salman.

Middle Order: Younis Khan, Misbah Ul Haq, Shoaib Malik, Asim Kamal, Faisal Iqbal, Saeed Bin Nasir, Fawad Alam, Bazid Khan

8 batsmen, 4 batting spots, 2 taken.

Thats the story of Pakistan's middle order.

Besides Younis Khan and Misbah, none of the other batsmen can be garanteed a spot in the top 6. Plus with Yousuf out of the picture, its quite a task for the selectors and the captain to fill the gap.

Before Shoaib Malik became captain, he was still trying to cement a place in Pakistan's test team, and not in the middle order but as an opener. Bob Woolmer believed in Malik's ability as a test opener as did Inzamam.

Malik had a successful stint as Pakistan's test opener with several good knocks, however, once he became captain he dumped opening for a place in the already crammed middle order.

Though Malik has been a valuable player in the shorter version of the game, he still has a long way to go to establish himself as a test player.

Faisal Iqbal has been a regular feature in Pakistan's test team and he was long considered as Inzamam's replacement in the middle order. Faisal has a string of good scores in the tests he has played including a match saving 50 in the last test Pakistan played.

However, he has been going through a rough time in domestic games and hasn't played any international cricket since that test match as he is not a regular on the ODI front. Its a good thing the selectors did not forget about him.

Asim Kamal has been on the wrong side of many selectorial blunders. His test record proves that he should have been a permanent fixture for test matches, however why he was dropped despite a string of good scores is beyond me. Recalling Kamal is probably the best decision this selection committee has made.

Fawad Alam has been a regular feature in Pakistan's ODI squad but he hasn't got enough chances to prove himself. For 4 first class seasons now, Fawad has time and again proved his worth as a capable middle order batsman.

Fawad averages more than the likes of Younis, Misbah, and Yousuf in first class cricket and his tour with academy to Kenya and Zimbabwe last season proved his abilities as a reliable middle order bat.

He faces tough competition for a spot in the middle order, however, for me he should be the first one to be pencilled in.

Saeed Bin Nasir and Bazid Khan have been rewarded for being consistent at the domestic level. Both batsmen have more than one successful domestic season behind them and provide able replacements if any of the above are unavailable.

Wicketkeepers: Kamran Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed

Kamran's batting has time and again come to his rescue. I will be the first one to admit that he has played many match saving and match winning knocks for Pakistan in test cricket, hence it has been difficult to drop him despite his troubles behind the stumps.

However, if he is persisted with then the likes of Kaneria and Afridi will leave every match with 2-3 wickets less than they should have had.

Its time for change and Sarfraz Ahmed's recent batting form suggests that he will be upto the task for Pakistan. For his form behind the stumps, there is no comparison - he is leaps and bounds ahead of all keepers in Pakistan.

Spinners: Danish Kaneria, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi

I believe Afridi can be a valuable addition to Pakistan's test team. I have more faith in his wicket taking abilities than Kaneria's, but Kaneria for a long time has been Pakistan's number 1 spinner.

No matter how much I would like to see Afridi play test cricket, I don't see it happening.

Kaneria has been weighed under a lot of expectations. With the premier fast bowlers suffering from a variety of problems, Kaneria has had to bear a huge burden.

He has not exactly let down people, but he hasn't done as well as had been promised by him or of him.

Ajmal remains a potent option for ODIs and a decent back up for the tests.

Fast bowlers: Umar Gul, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Abdul Rauf, Mohammad Talha, Yasir Arafat

Pakistan's pace bowling looks weak without Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, however these 6 are the best pace options available to Pakistan.

Its going to be a tough task for Younis Khan in his first assignment as full time captain of Pakistan.

Finding an opening partner for Salman, filling in the gaps in the middle order left open by Inzamam and Yousuf, blooding a new keeper, and choosing your first choice pacers is going to be one hell of a task.

And this only gets you the 11 for the game. Leading them on the field, making plans for the Lankans, and executing them will be quite a job.

I don't have high expectations and I would urge the Pakistan public not to have many either.

Consider this as the start of a new age and be ready to see a new look Pakistan team take the field. Give them time and they may get you the results. If you don't, they may never get enough chances to get you the results.

My Test XI: 1. Salman Butt 2. Khurram Manzoor / Nasir Jamshed 3. Younis Khan 4. Misbah Ul Haq 5. Asim Kamal / Faisal Iqbal 6. Fawad Alam 7. Sarfraz Ahmed 8. Sohail Tanvir 9. Umar Gul 10. Danish Kaneria 11. Sohail Khan

I highly doubt that Younis Khan or anyone in the Pakistan team management reads Well Pitched, but one may be fooled to think otherwise if they had read this post yesterday.

Pakistan open their ICC World Twenty20 campaign today against the hosts, England, who face an unglorious exit from the tournament on its third day.

What a Sunday for the English.

I'm not sure how badly bruised they are and how badly the British media has hurt them, but I do fear a severe backlash on the Pakistanis tonight.

On the flip side, the Dutch victory should have given Pakistan a wake up call, which should hopefully make them set things right tonight.

By right I mean the following:

1. Open with Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad.
   
   
2. Bring Fawad Alam into the XI. Bat him at 6 following Younis, Malik, and Misbah.
   
   
3. Do not send Afridi to bat in the top 6.
   
   
4. Play Mohammad Aamer. Give him the 1st over.
   
   
5. Give Gul and Tanvir an over with the new ball. Only 1 over each.
   
   
6. Bring a spinner on in the 6th over. Preferably Afridi. Let him bowl with Ajmal, Malik, Alam for as long as the spinners can keep a hold on the batsmen.
   
   
7. Bring on Gul and Tanvir at the death.
   
   
8. Younis: be a bit more flexible on the field.
   
   
9. If you win doing this, hire me as an analyst or something.

Having said that, I have absolutely zero confidence in Pakistan following any of that.

They will probably open with Salman Butt and Shehzad, they will not play Fawad Alam, they will not give Aamer the new ball, they will not bring a spinner in the first 6, and the same new ball bowlers will bowl the first 6 overs.

But I don't doubt their ability to win the first game. The English are down and out and Pakistan should pounce on the opportunity.

Though following the above 9-point strategy should get them into good shape for the tougher games ahead.

In just about 4 hours Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take the field again for the 2nd test match of their series.