Pakistan vs Australia ODI series: 5 Talking Points

#4. Another chance for Umar Akmal

Umar Akmal gets another opportunity to prove himself

Few players in contemporary cricket have been as irritating as Umar Akmal. Supremely talented, this batsman has consistently disappointed Pakistani fans with meager returns and a tendency to throw his wicket away.

On top of that, his attitude has also been questionable. The beneficiary of endless opportunities provided by the selectors, he gets one more go in the Pakistani team. The reason for his return may not just be the belief of selectors in his ability but also their desire to have a reserve wicketkeeper-batsman in the squad.

With questions being raised about Sarfraz Ahmed’s form, Pakistan would want to have a back-up option. If Akmal can gain some form, he would be kept in the team to be that reserve player.

However, a player of his caliber shouldn’t be relying on part-time wicketkeeping to keep his place in the side. It is tempting to say that this is his last opportunity to achieve what his talent promises in international cricket. But, due to the vagaries of Pakistan’s cricket management, one can never be sure of the future.