_akhbar.jpg)
Razaullah, along with young Azan Awais, was the highlight of Pakistan’s otherwise dismal Test tour of England. Of course, Mohammad Abbas also had a decent series, but one expects it from a senior member of the team.
Flown to England -- along with six other players -- to bolster the Pakistan team after Babar Azam’s men had lost the first two Tests tamely, Razaullah somehow managed to do just that, especially with his batting in the second innings at Edgbaston in Birmingham. He hammered a 63-ball 81, studded with nine sixes and four fours.
The 21-year-old has been showered with praise from all around, and deservingly so. He lit up an otherwise dull series in which batsmen struggled to really get going in difficult conditions. Razaullah showed that he is game to play at the highest level.
However, some of the accolades seem to be going overboard; he is being compared to Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, he is already being called a star, and one former Test cricketer even said Pakistan have found an all-rounder for the 2027 ICC World Cup.
The youngster certainly has the potential, but it’s a long road ahead. He has just played one Test (only 8 first-class matches prior to that). Razaullah was flown to England to strengthen Pakistan’s pace attack. Yes, he impressed everyone with his pace. Even though he had figures of 4-148 off 23 overs in the first innings, he still has a lot to learn about fast bowling.
He bowled 5 overs in the second innings and gave away 39 runs without taking a wicket. He created a lot of excitement with the bat, but his primary role is and should be fast bowling. My request to the Pakistan Cricket Board selectors, team management and decision-makers is to have ‘mercy’ on the youngster; let him grow as a top fast bowler, provide him all the support in adding his name to a long list of fast bowling greats that Pakistan have produced.
Razaullah still has to learn a lot -- about his body, fast bowling, the art of taking wickets in Test cricket and being a team man. His main focus should be on his primary role in the team, which obviously is fast bowling. The team management should be very clear in its plans for the young fast bowler. Pakistani batsmen need to pull their socks up and do their job well. If need be, Razaullah can come in and put the icing on the cake with the bat too.
It is absolutely vital that the team management and selectors understand that Razaullah is not an all-rounder -- yet. We have seen cricketers in the recent past losing their way just because of such a thinking. Everyone started labelling them as “all-rounders” and they struggled to perform in either department. I am sure nobody wants that to happen to this latest young talent.
The precision cuts and polishing make a diamond precious, otherwise it remains just another stone. Razaullah certainly has the talent and ability to shine, but for now let him earn his stripes.
