Perfect series before the World Cup

Well done PCB, selection committee and team management in utilizing the last series before the World Cup in best possible way and taking all the daring steps for the future. All experiments done, all monkeys (off the shoulder) tested and all such arguments and theories put to rest that could have effected the team moral and unity in the future.

Now just have to apply the conclusions and learning of this series into the World Cup and not to repeat these experiments there. A few long term take aways of the series:

1. Younus and Asad Shafiq can watch the World Cup anywhere except Pakistan dressing room.
2. M Hafeez can still be kept in the team only as a batsman as well.
3. The inclusion of Fawad and Suhaib in the WC is now a no-brainer.
4. Haris Sohail is here to stay and can be very handy with the ball; can provide an able support to our spin trio of Afridi, Ajmal and M Hafeez even if the two get cleared to bowl. With Fawad and Ahmad Shahazad also being able to bowl, that makes more than enough howling options for the tournament.
5. Misbah can continue as the captain. Afridi’s appointment as a captain is not going to turn it around for Pakistan just for the sake of it.
6. Afridi CAN play sensibly if enough incentive is on offer and when is motivated and handled properly. Keep the ear plugs on.
7. Irfan is fit enough to go the distance. Wahab and Tanvir can fight for a slot and then Anwar, Bhatti and Junaid can fight for the rest of the slots for the pacer(s).
8. We still need to find a batsman who can bowl medium pace instead of spin for the pitches where 4 pacers are required. Bhatti and Anwar simply aren’t that reliable in batting to fill that slot. Not even Tanvir.
9. Sarfaraz is settled in the team and no need for Umar Akmal to keep wickets. He can be used both as an opener as well as “batting power play specialist” when required.
10. The same support staff and management can continue till the World Cup. No need for any changes there.