Ramiz Raja suggests new opening pair for second South Africa Test

Former cricketer wants Azhar Ali to open the innings for Pakistan

PHOTO: AFP

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja believes that veteran batsman Azhar Ali should open the innings for the national side, ahead of the second Test against South Africa.

Pakistan’s opening pair, Abid Ali and Imran Butt, failed to impress in the home side’s seven-wicket victory in the recently concluded Karachi Test. Imran scored 9 and 12, while Abid could only muster 4 and 10 in the two innings of the first Test.

“I think Azhar Ali should open the innings for Pakistan because he is usually coming in early while batting at number three. His big innings, triple century in Dubai [against West Indies] and 200 against Australia [in Melbourne], have come as an opener,” said Raja while speaking on his official YouTube channel.

“This will add solidity to the batting lineup and reduce pressure on the middle-order,” he added.

Raja, however, did not clarify who should be dropped or demoted in the batting order to make way for Azhar at the top.

The second Test will begin on February 4 in Rawalpindi.