I didn’t know for sure but I heard Imran Khan talk about Pakistan using 17 openers since Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail. Still we aren’t really settled. Before writing further, let me remember some names after the two greats mentioned above. Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Taufeeq Umar, Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Nazir, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Ali Naqvi, Shadab Kabir, Zahoor Elahi...

I can’t remember more, but Imran might just be right, .sigh . . .

It’s a wonder, really, how we have not been able to find a consistent opening pair.  I guess we have been under the shadow of too much experimentation.

Let’s try and identify the future of Pakistan’s  openers. From my point of view, openers should have the following characteristics for both one-dayers and Test matches. They should have excellent technique and should be well coached. They should be able to handle the new ‘moving’ ball and should be mentally strong.

The job description of openers should be ‘keep your wicket intact - take care of the new ball rather than score runs’. Your best players should have the most overs in a match. In this regard, current opener Imran Farhat does not qualify, no matter how many 50s he scores. I don’t ever remember him getting out to a quality ball. All that comes to mind is him succumbing to a stupid rash shot.

Mohammad Hafeez may not have the best technique but he does hold a spot in the one-day side, being an all-rounder. He is also OK in the opening spot although they could always replace Afridi and get a genuine batsman.