Dean Jones urges Pakistan to utilize Asif Ali’s talent

SYDNEY: Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to utilize the talent of right-arm batsman Asif Ali in their national team.

Dean Jones took to Twitter and said, “I have known Asif for a long time. I know what makes him tick. He can also be used as an opener.” He further said, “Asif Ali can do various roles, not just as a banger at the death!”

I have known Asif for a long time.. I know what makes him tick. He can also be used as an opener… trust me.. he can do various roles.. not just as a banger at the death! https://t.co/RlL6q3X8EK

— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) June 12, 2020

Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur also agreed with Dean Jones on Asif Ali’s talent. In a tweet, he said, “Totally agreed with Dean Jones in this regard.”

@captainmisbahpk @Mickeyarthurcr1 @iRashidLatif68 https://t.co/nmEtEYR5S6

— Abdul Rehman Sahi (@ARehmanSahi) June 12, 2020

Asif Ali played for Islamabad United under the leadership of Dean Jones in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Asif has represented Pakistan in 18 ODIs and 24 T20Is with a strike rate of over 128 in both formats.

Asif last played in series against Australia where Pakistan lost 2-0. He has been excluded from the 29-member squad for the England tour.

Earlier on June 12, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced a 29-member extended squad for three Tests and three T20Is against England to be played in August-September.

The series is being played in accordance with series SOPs in the wake of COVID-19 and all players will remain in England from start to finish.

Under-19 batsman Haider Ali has been included in the squad. Fast bowler Sohail Khan has returned to the team. Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Imran Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shoaib Malik, and Wahab Riaz have been named in the squad.