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The selectors and the powers that be should now be asked to explain why Shahid Afridi was left out and Hasan Raza inducted. Because Raza made those runs in that inconsequential match? In one innings, Afridi would have made more than Raza and even if he had scored 20-30 it would have been a rollicking one. Even the way he gets out is a celebration of exasperation. Why-oh-why-oh-why did he play it like that (read recklessly)?
Sure Raza will not make the team the next time but will Afridi get his chance? Or will someone else waiting in the wings get it? And whatever has happened to Youhanna, oops! Mohammad Yusuf? He seems almost shy. He played some good shots for his 16 (in 13 balls), was looking good, when he played that premeditated swish outside off to a ball he should left well enough alone, the wicket a result of bad selection of shot more than good bowling.
Earlier, Salman Butt and Inzamam made sure the Englanders will have a fight on their hands while some of the others chipped in.
Although it looks like it should be no problem for the England batsmen, who are at least very disciplined and can fight as well, to overhaul the target, this is the last day and their best batsman and skipper is back in the pavilion. Now it is up to the Pakistani bowlers to make a match of it. Actually, it will be a very interesting morning. The morning's play will tell whether England go to the next one one-up or have to start their campaign all over again.
The 174 looks to be no real problem and they have nine wickets in hand. Still, strange things have happened on the last day of a Test match.
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