We expect that we were not the only ones who saw Shahid Afridi's announcement that he was ready to play test cricket again as a not so subtle bid to be appointed as Pakistan's captain in all formats of the game.
And lo and behold, only a few days after Afridi's announcement, he has been duly named as captain for the forthcoming Asia Cup and tour of England, where Pakistan will play tests against Australia as well as England. With the last three captains either 'retired' (Mohammad Yousuf), indefinitely banned (Younis Khan) or suspended (Shoaib Malik), then Afridi seemed to be the most logical choice as captain; if indeed logic and Afridi can be used in the same sentence. Unexpectedly, the announcement of Afridi as captain was coupled with Younis and Malik both being named in the 35 man list of probables, subject to their appeals (which presumably will be upheld now) and also a return to the fold for Shoaib Akhtar.
Afridi is prone to the odd brainstorm such as pirouetting on pitches or munching on cricket balls, but at least he seems to really care about doing his best for his country, which isn't necessarily the same for some of his erstwhile team mates if certain videos are anything to go by. Yes, Rana Naved, we are talking about you. It is understood that Afridi insisted on the inclusion of Younis, Malik and Akhtar, which suggests previously unseen maturity and that he holds strong sway with the PCB.
With all the furore currently surrounding Pakistan cricket, maybe the best thing it needs is the excitable Afridi as captain. Don't expect much in the way of tactical astuteness, but there will be plenty of endeavour and no-one will dare take their eyes off the action with Afridi pulling the strings on the field; Afridi doesn't do boring or understatement. Five day cricket represents unfinished business as well for Afridi. He hasn't played a test match since 2006, and now he has an opportunity to prove his abundant talent in the most challenging format of the game.
Whatever happens it is likely to be a memorable summer: Afridi as captain, Younis and Malik sharing a dressing room and even the unexpected icing on the cake of Shoaib Akhtar potentially making another comeback. Akhtar has now made more comebacks than Sinatra and will be hoping to put all the stories of genital warts and liposuction behind him as he eyes up some unsuspecting English and Australian batsmen in his sights.
Afridi is Pakistan's fourth captain since the start of 2009. He will be hoping that his reign is longer, less controversial and more successful than those of his three predecessors - the aforementioned Yousuf, Younis and Malik. Judging from Afridi's comment that "I don't think we should have too many expectations for Test cricket right now but I will try to get our ranking up to where it should be", he doesn't seem to be too confident. The Reverse Sweep wishes him all the luck in the World. He will certainly need it.
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