"I can become the all-rounder that Pakistan needs" : Hussain Talat

[Abdullah719]

The current malaise which has afflicted Pakistan cricket has resulted in calls for reforms of the domestic system and questions are being raised about the quality of cricketers being produced by such a system.

The alleged scarcity of talent at the domestic level is worrying as many of Pakistan’s tried and tested cricketers approach the end of their shelf life. The composition of Pakistan teams in all formats is another hot topic at the moment and the lack of a fast-bowling all-rounder has also been cited as a reason for the team's drop in form in all formats.

Whilst it is difficult to say what the future will bring for Pakistan’s cricket fortunes, it is indeed encouraging to see the promise of future greatness in the form of the twenty-year-old Hussain Talat who is lighting up the scene at the domestic level.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Hussain spoke about his struggle to adjust from the Under 19 level to the more competitive domestic level, his experience of playing alongside top names such as Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali in the SNGPL team, hopes of good performances in the upcoming Pakistan Super League and his aspirations to be recognised as a pace bowling all-rounder for the Pakistan team in the future.

Like many others before him, the move from Under 19 level to domestic cricket is something Talat found tougher than he expected, especially as he had been a top performer at the Under 19 level. Although the learning curve was a steep one, the outcome after an initial period of adjustment was excellent as he stated, “I was regarded as a shining light at Under 19 level, but what people have to remember is that the jump from Under 19 cricket to domestic cricket is a huge one and it sometimes takes time to adjust to that level, but I'm happy with my improvements this season and it bodes well for the future. I would say that initially I found the jump from Under 19 cricket to First-class cricket a big one, but now after a couple of seasons in First-class cricket I have found my feet and I'm satisfied with my statistics such as a List A batting average of over 47. It takes time to adjust to domestic cricket in Pakistan as conditions are tough and the pitches are difficult to bat on.”

To be able to play in a team with some top international stars would be a dream come true for any youngster which is exactly what Talat is experiencing in his stay with the SNGPL team, where the opportunities to learn and embellish one’s game in such distinguished company are literally endless.

“I feel that I am in good hands at SNGPL, playing alongside the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez. Playing departmental cricket in Pakistan is very tough as the standard is very high. I've been at SNGPL now for a few years and I would say that I have learnt a lot and have steadily improved as a cricketer.”

The lure of fast-paced cricket played under intense pressure is a good way to judge the quality of up and coming players. The National One-Day Cup for Departments and Regions thus represented an ideal training ground for someone like Hussain Talat. However, what has made the current edition of the premier One-Day tournament very special for Talat is the fact that he has been allowed to play in both editions of the tournament as he explained, “In this season's One-Day Cup, each of the regional teams have been allowed to select five guest players from departments to represent them and I was lucky enough to have been picked by FATA region as well as playing for SNGPL. Conditions have been very tough in the One-Day Cup for regions as the pitches have been very damp and difficult to bat on especially for the top order batsmen.”

The enthusiasm to learn and improve oneself speaks volumes about any player’s future and if Hussain Talat’s batting performances in the 2016/2017 National One-Day Cup where he scored over three-hundred runs is any indicator, Pakistan cricket may have a great future prospect at their beck and call.

“I feel that I have really improved this season in domestic cricket and I've made two centuries against some very good bowlers like Mohammad Sami, Sadaf Hussain, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Asghar. I feel that the reason for my good performances this season is that I have been mentally prepared much better and my focus has also been very good. Credit must go to my senior team mates and coaching staff at SNGPL who have been very supportive. I have really reaped the benefits of a few seasons in domestic cricket and settling into what is required at this level of cricket.”

In a recent interview, Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq bemoaned the lack of a fast-bowling all-rounder who could provide relief to the specialist bowlers and be a viable wicket-taking option for the captain as well. Hussain Talat with twenty-two First-class wickets would like to fit the bill for such an option in the future but as he is keenly aware, he must take on this role with seriousness and work hard to achieve a high level of performance, especially after a change in action due to injury.

“It's wrong to assume that I am not taking my bowling very seriously. I feel that I am still an all-rounder who takes all facets of the game very seriously. I believe that I am a genuine batting all-rounder. What happened with my bowling was that I suffered a stress-fracture in the Under 19 World Cup in 2014 in UAE and that set me back. I then had to go through a rehabilitation process with the PCB medical staff and then I had to re-model my bowling action. But now I'm back and bowling again and without any problems.”

The advent of the Pakistan Super League in 2016 was a much-needed shot in the arm for the Pakistan domestic game in terms of the opportunities for fame and professional growth that it offered to the local players. For young players like Hussain Talat, the PSL concept presents the best chance to showcase their talent. Whilst as a supplementary player for Islamabad United he could not get any games in 2016, he is looking forward to working with some top names in the 2017 edition.

“The Pakistan Super League was a great learning opportunity for me last year. I was a supplementary player for Islamabad but this year I am part of their squad. To get the chance to work with Wasim Akram and Dean Jones was fantastic and to share a dressing room with Shane Watson, Andre Russell and Brad Haddin was brilliant. I hope to get a chance this time around in the PSL and show that I can perform at the highest level. I hope I have a big PSL this time around. The PSL is a high-profile tournament and a big target for me and after that I hope that the selectors give me a chance for Pakistan 'A' and then if I do well for Pakistan ‘A’ to receive an opportunity for Pakistan.”

The disappointment of series losses in New Zealand and Australia has led to some overly pessimistic pronouncements regarding the future of Pakistan cricket. Thankfully in the talent of players such as Hussain Talat, there is a silver lining to look forward to. Whilst the road is a tough one, Hussain Talat’s attitude shows sufficient promise for a brighter future for Pakistan cricket, “Pakistan cricket needs a pace-bowling all-rounder and I feel that if I continue to develop as a cricketer and work hard and get the opportunities then I can become the all-rounder that Pakistan needs. My performances are there across all formats and I hope for a chance perhaps for Pakistan ‘A’ initially and then who knows, maybe for the senior team”, he concluded.

[moghul]

Haven't seen him and don;t know much about him.

Would like to get some input from the PPers who have seen him playing, particularly if he has any bite in his bowling ?

[Syed1]

He was rated very highly during his u19 days, almost alongside Babar (he is from Babar's batch). However, I don't think he is a batting alrounder, he is more of a proper batsman who can turn his arm over bowling military medium.

[proud_pakistani]

A little off topic but there is constant mention of how poor the pitches are and not good for batting. Whilst the world is making flat tracks we are preparing our batsmen with difficult damp and low bounce pitches. Pathetic planning by PCB and shows why our batting is so far behind the rest of the world.

[saeed5646]

Good interview
So he is in main squad .i hope he gets a game i saw his bowling on tv he is medium pacer with average speed of 130 to 135 kph while batting i have not seen him i heard he is very good batsmen

[DRsohail]

may be he will not get a game as his captain is misbah ......

[Khan Tariq]

Misbah has always played safe. He'll not give him proper chance unless there's any binding of including emerging players in playing eleven.

[Saj]

I watched Hussain when he came to England with the Pakistan Under 19s.

He looked a very impressive but raw all-rounder. He was bowling with good pace and could give the ball a healthy clout.

Seems he lost his way a bit, but is now fighting back to form and fitness.

Hope he gets a chance at the PSL.

[Saj]

Hope he gets a chance at the PSL.

[Bewal Express]

Good interview
So he is in main squad .i hope he gets a game i saw his bowling on tv he is medium pacer with average speed of 130 to 135 kph while batting i have not seen him i heard he is very good batsmen

More in the 120-125 range.

[Rayyman]

There is hype around this player, but I expect him to perform like Bilawal Bhatti.

[Syed1]

There is hype around this player, but I expect him to perform like Bilawal Bhatti.

I'm not in favour of writing off 19-20 year olds before giving them a proper run.

[Rayyman]

I'm not in favour of writing off 19-20 year olds before giving them a proper run.

That's a good opinion. In fact, Talat may end up bowling as well as Hasan Ali has. With the bat, I am 99% sure that he is a hack like Anwar Ali and Wahab Riaz.

[Ellipsism]

There is hype around this player, but I expect him to perform like Bilawal Bhatti.

What hype?

[Ellipsism]

That's a good opinion. In fact, Talat may end up bowling as well as Hasan Ali has. With the bat, I am 99% sure that he is a hack like Anwar Ali and Wahab Riaz.

Lol, he's a batting all rounder.

He bats 5/6 for SNGPL and has a highest score of 144* in List A cricket.

[Barragan]

I'm sure Ammad will be selected ahead of him.

If Ammad does well, then he may not get many chances and will have to sit out.

I saw a bit of him playing for Lahore and he hit some nice sixes against the spinners, but don't think he can do that against the pacers.

Who knows, he may improved since.

[Anis10]

That's a good opinion. In fact, Talat may end up bowling as well as Hasan Ali has. With the bat, I am 99% sure that he is a hack like Anwar Ali and Wahab Riaz.

Quite the opposite, he's a proper middle order batsmen

[Brilliance]

That's a good opinion. In fact, Talat may end up bowling as well as Hasan Ali has. With the bat, I am 99% sure that he is a hack like Anwar Ali and Wahab Riaz.

I tell you for sure that he has improved his batting a lot. He is definitely not a hack

[Saj]

There is hype around this player, but I expect him to perform like Bilawal Bhatti.

Hype, what hype? Show me?

[Rayyman]

Hype, what hype? Show me?

Enough hype for him to get an interview.

and

"it is indeed encouraging to see the promise of future greatness in the form of the twenty-year-old Hussain Talat who is lighting up the scene at the domestic level."

[Shafi]

I was looking forward to see any future prospect from Amad Butt, Hussain Talat and Shadab Khan, but since Misbah is the captain he will prefer Ajmal ahead of Sadab. He will be lucky to get 1 game. Either of Amad or Hussain will get chances due to rule of playing emerging players otherwise all 3 players would be benched.

[mhraja]

I hope he get the game today. But how IU are going even if he is selected he won't be utilized much.

[Square Drive]

So far he has performed as expected under Misbah. Doing a very good job on the bench.

[saeed5646]

So far he has performed as expected under Misbah. Doing a very good job on the bench.

he is on bench from last PSL to this PSL 2 Man what a waste of talent

[JibranAnsari]

Really sad that he is not getting a chance , hope he gets a chance in the next game.

[LordJames]

Really sad that he is not getting a chance , hope he gets a chance in the next game.

Who would you drop from the current side to get him in?

[Square Drive]

Who would you drop from the current side to get him in?

Asif Ali.

[arehaan]

I think Islamabad surely has some very good young players on the bench who should be given more chances. I guess we might see him opening once Billings departs.

1. Hussain Talat
2. D. Smith
3. B. Duckett
4. Misbah
5. Watson
6. Brad Haddin ( No other wicketkeeper)
7. Shadab K.
8. Amad Butt
9. M. Sami
10. Ajmal
11. Irfan

I guess this is a very good combo of young and old

[Markhor]

He's playing now for IU.

[Abdullah719]

Looks good against spin.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Need to say him against pace, after a nervous he has been very good though , also seems to have a brain.

Interesting to see how his bowling is , I know some here are saying he has added some pace recently.

I know it's not his natural position but he looks like a guy who could potentially play at 6 for Pakistan given how well he plus spin.

[Big Mac]

Looks good against spin.

Before the PP hype machine goes into overdrive, can we also remember that he almost perished to spin twice in the first couple of overs as well?

[Abdullah719]

Before the PP hype machine goes into overdrive, can we also remember that he almost perished to spin twice in the first couple of overs as well?

I didn't see the first couple of overs.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Good too see a young player who knows how to take singles and appears to be a good yet overeager runner. Imagine him batting with rizwan

[mhraja]

He looks good, hope IU goes far so we can see more of him and Shadab.

[Big Mac]

I didn't see the first couple of overs.

Was an inch from being stumped and lobbed a terrible slog sweep up in the air which landed just over KP's head. Looked pretty poor against Zulfi baba.

I'm not saying he's a bad player, he's done really well after he calmed down a bit but we always do this. If some chacha had played this exact innings the narrative would be "He was lucky" but because he's 20 there is at least one person saying he should be in the Pakistan squad on the basis of four or five overs.

How many times have you guys been burned by talented youngsters who were hyped to the stars only to turn out to be trundlers or brainless hacks?

[Abdullah719]

Was an inch from being stumped and lobbed a terrible slog sweep up in the air which landed just over KP's head. Looked pretty poor against Zulfi baba.

I'm not saying he's a bad player, he's done really well after he calmed down a bit but we always do this. If some chacha had played this exact innings the narrative would be "He was lucky" but because he's 20 there is at least one person saying he should be in the Pakistan squad on the basis of four or five overs.

How many times have you guys been burned by talented youngsters who were hyped to the stars only to turn out to be trundlers or brainless hacks?

It's natural to get excited about a young player who performs well but I agree that people don't need to get carried away, the Ghulam Mudassar thread is an example of that. People are expecting him to come and start bowling at 150 clicks straight away, come on.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Was an inch from being stumped and lobbed a terrible slog sweep up in the air which landed just over KP's head. Looked pretty poor against Zulfi baba.

I'm not saying he's a bad player, he's done really well after he calmed down a bit but we always do this. If some chacha had played this exact innings the narrative would be "He was lucky" but because he's 20 there is at least one person saying he should be in the Pakistan squad on the basis of four or five overs.

How many times have you guys been burned by talented youngsters who were hyped to the stars only to turn out to be trundlers or brainless hacks?

I said potentially could play at 6 for Pakistan there's a big difference . Plus he is coming off a superb domestic season, he isn't some wannabe afridi like awais zia.

If this guy can bowl half decently and play pace then it's not as if he is up against great competition. Will be interesting to see how his next games go

[Madplayer]

Good prospect.

But need to see more of him against pace bowlers.

[Rayyman]

Looks great. My favorite player now!

[Brilliance]

Brilliant innings today. Though looked nervous early on. He has a good technique. One to watch out for.

[Big Mac]

I said potentially could play at 6 for Pakistan there's a big difference . Plus he is coming off a superb domestic season, he isn't some wannabe afridi like awais zia.

If this guy can bowl half decently and play pace then it's not as if he is up against great competition. Will be interesting to see how his next games go

It's OK, I wasn't talking about you. ;)

He's done enough to get a few more games, really hope he learns and goes from strength to strength.

I know the overarching narrative is Misbah hates youngsters but Islamabad United is the best place for kids like Talat and Shadab because they have the chance to pick the brains of guys like Misbah, Haddin, Watson, Badree, Wasim, Deano. Golden opportunity to learn ways to train, keep fit, prepare for games etc. and I hope they don't waste it.

[JibranAnsari]

how is his battiing style ? Batting against pace and spin?

[AFM]

Before the PP hype machine goes into overdrive, can we also remember that he almost perished to spin twice in the first couple of overs as well?

What are you talking about? Clearly the next Lara

[shah_1]

I missed the innings but score looks good.

[saeed5646]

how is his battiing style ? Batting against pace and spin?

sangakara type batting style .he did not face fast bowling much neither quetta does have lol

[Rayyman]

how is his battiing style ? Batting against pace and spin?

Organised. Good technique. Bat speed great. Wristy. The only flaws I saw were mentally weak and lack of balance.

[shah_1]

He did excelling well in the recent List A tournament so chance to pick him for WI tour

[Brilliance]

how is his battiing style ? Batting against pace and spin?

He is a CLH. He didn't face pacers much as Sarfi started with spinners at both ends. Though he played a good late cut for 4 off Parera.

He looks a very good player of spin bowling. Hit some fantastic shots against spinners both on and off side of the ground.

[JibranAnsari]

sangakara type batting style .he did not face fast bowling much neither quetta does have lol

Organised. Good technique. Bat speed great. Wristy. The only flaws I saw were mentally weak and lack of balance.

He is a CLH. He didn't face pacers much as Sarfi started with spinners at both ends. Though he played a good late cut for 4 off Parera.

He looks a very good player of spin bowling. Hit some fantastic shots against spinners both on and off side of the ground.

Thanks Guys , Good news this and apparently he can bowl as well.

[Big Mac]

Thanks Guys , Good news this and apparently he can bowl as well.

Yeah but I don't think we'll see him bowl today because Islamabad have got six bowling options in today's XI.

[Syed1]

Man I was massively impressed with him. Granted I only watched the second half of his innings when he was in full flow and oozing with confidence. PP'ers tell me he was very streaky and nervous when he first came out to bat. However, that is expected.


I see this lad has potential. Select him for Windies tour and keep him around the squad. He will learn alot more by just being on the bench of the national side than hitting dibbly dobbly medium pacers around in domestics.

[Red Devil]

Really impressive innings. Looked like a very solid and technically compact batsman.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

It's OK, I wasn't talking about you. ;)

He's done enough to get a few more games, really hope he learns and goes from strength to strength.

my apologies then

Thanks Guys , Good news this and apparently he can bowl as well.

dibbly dobblers was what he is known,not even part time standard originally but i have heard people hear say he has added to his pace. If he can ball a few respectable overs in odis that would be a great boon to have.

[Deception]

Man I was massively impressed with him. Granted I only watched the second half of his innings when he was in full flow and oozing with confidence. PP'ers tell me he was very streaky and nervous when he first came out to bat. However, that is expected.


I see this lad has potential. Select him for Windies tour and keep him around the squad. He will learn alot more by just being on the bench of the national side than hitting dibbly dobbly medium pacers around in domestics.

Not the west indies tour i would select him for U23 tournament coming up in march.

[Hamza_]

Not the west indies tour i would select him for U23 tournament coming up in march.

Our national team needs players

[Brilliance]

Not the west indies tour i would select him for U23 tournament coming up in march.

That should be for the youngsters who didn't get a chance in PSL the likes of Saud , Saad , Zeeshan etc.

We have couple of slots open with Sharjeel being suspended and Hafeez might as well not get selected for LOIs . Also Azhar in ODIs is a big liability. So there are 3 slots to be filled and not many contenders out there . So Hussain should be one of the selections. Plus he is already off a big OD tournament where he amassed many runs and scored two good centuries.

[Syed1]

That should be for the youngsters who didn't get a chance in PSL the likes of Saud , Saad , Zeeshan etc.

We have couple of slots open with Sharjeel being suspended and Hafeez might as well not get selected for LOIs . Also Azhar in ODIs is a big liability. So there are 3 slots to be filled and not many contenders out there . So Hussain should be one of the selections. Plus he is already off a big OD tournament where he amassed many runs and scored two good centuries.

Fakhar
Babar (have to push him to open and take the bull by the horns)
Hussian
Haris/Malik
Sarfaraz
Umar Akmal (one final series to make or break his career, not a fan though, he will fail no doubt)

That's a good batting line up

[Deception]

Our national team needs players

Everything has a process brother, shame on misbah and Co for benching such a good young confident player.

[Speedster777]

Well played

[last_knight]

Everything has a process brother, shame on misbah and Co for benching such a good young confident player.

Pak Domestic Cricket is like a dirty pool, where you regress. Too muddy to make a progress.

No promising youngster should be asked to play in Pak domestics for more than 12 months between age 18 to 23.

Get them into county cricket. They will develop understanding of their game and potentials. Also this helps in better character building.

[Bewal Express]

Use the T20 games in the Windies to blood 5 or 6 youngsters. Nothing to be gained by taking Kami, Tanvir, Malik etc

I would like to see these players:
Shadab
Fakhar
Zeeshan Malik
Asghar
Maybe Talat

[Watsupdoc]

Needs to improve his fielding!

[mz123]

Fakhar
Babar (have to push him to open and take the bull by the horns)
Hussian
Haris/Malik
Sarfaraz
Umar Akmal (one final series to make or break his career, not a fan though, he will fail no doubt)

That's a good batting line up

Please no, we won't get anywhere with this...

[Rayyman]

Lol.
Mohammad Sami getting M.O.M. over Talat.
Sami: 1/33
Talat: 56 (39)

Misbah probably told them not to give him M.O.M.

[Syed1]

Lol.
Mohammad Sami getting M.O.M. over Talat.
Sami: 1/33
Talat: 56 (39)

Misbah probably told them not to give him M.O.M.

Yeah if Talat was given the M.O.M Misbah would be forced to play him next match. This way Misbah can say to him sorry kid you played well but team requires someone else who is much older.

[Abdullah719]

Misbah-ul-Haq "Hussain Talat played really well coming in on his debut game in the PSL & scoring a fifty. That's a plus for us" #PSL2017

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) February 24, 2017

[Saj]

Finally got a chance from the geniuses at IU.

It only took them 7 matches to give the lad a chance which isn't bad by Pakistani standards.

[Chief Destroyer]

First impressions are good.

[proud_pakistani]

He was very impressive in my opinion. What I really liked in his technique was the fact that he showed balance and resolve to play in his strongest areas. He can only get better from here.

[Major]

Terrible fielder. Not even an athlete.

I dont care about ones batting if we cant field properly. Bad fielding alone could cost you a century

[Rayyman]

Terrible fielder. Not even an athlete.

I dont care about ones batting if we cant field properly. Bad fielding alone could cost you a century

He is a good athlete. Fielding technique is poor though and needs more practice. Same thing as Hasan Ali.

[Boi]

Terrible fielder. Not even an athlete.

I dont care about ones batting if we cant field properly. Bad fielding alone could cost you a century

He made a couple of decent sliding stops on the boundary and took a catch so he isn't that bad of a fielder. yeah that four he let through his hands was inexcusable but need to see more of him in the field to judge whether he really is poor or that was just an aberration.

Was impressed with his batting though.

[todfod 11]

how is his battiing style ? Batting against pace and spin?

hussain talat > 20 x (umer amin+ haris sohail+ sohaib maqsood+ hafeez)

he is pretty good , well built very fit good technique. babar and him batting at 3 and 4 will be like jayawardena and sanga.. if he keeps his head still and do not diluge in cheating aka sharjeel too much much attituse aka selfuzad

[todfod 11]

Terrible fielder. Not even an athlete.

I dont care about ones batting if we cant field properly. Bad fielding alone could cost you a century

blame the domestic coaches and PCB for that.. You talking as if rest of the youngsters are just next to jonty rhodes. I would prefer safe hands rather then fancy dives any day..

[MMHS]

Terrible fielder. Not even an athlete.

I dont care about ones batting if we cant field properly. Bad fielding alone could cost you a century

I don't think he is a poor athlete, neither poor fielder.

I actually watched the full match & I think, he is quite decent on line, safe hands with good & strong arm. That misfielding was a technical flaw that he (most PAK fielders) developed from poor domestic system. It was not that he was struggling to reach the ball or too heavy to bent down, rather it was due to the fundamental fielding mistake - taking eye off the ball before you have grabbed it. Also, you have to blame Irfan for that boundary - he didn't cover the 1st fielder. These days fielding is a collective effort, Irfan was jogging behind the first man, who happened to be 10 metres inside the line. There was always a tight 2, may be Talat's mistake would have costed one more; Irfan made it 2.

I have seen his movements on boundary, catching technique, sliding, off the ball chasing speed .... quite decent. Also, he is not like recent standard PAK youngster - that's 30 years officially; at his age, 3 months under Arthur & Rixon, I think he'll be among best PAK fielders which includes Sarfu, Sharjeel, MoHa, Amir, Umar & few others in starting XI.

[hur rizvi]

Thanks Guys , Good news this and apparently he can bowl as well.

Remember him bowling at 75/76 mph in U19 days. I Wonder what pace he bowls now

[Syed1]

This lad has absolutely no trouble rotating the strike which is a welcome change from the collar-up shuper ishtaars who have grown up smashing it in the nets but can't find the gap to save their lives.

Was looking forward to his innings today but unfortunately oldie Smith ran him out.

[ataullah]

Looks like a modern batsmen with good strike rate. Doing well in under 23 Asia cup when other batsman struggled. Get him in I see and groom him rather than letting him rot in domestic

[Sports_Psychologist]

A perfect solution for our no 6 problems.

Ahmed Shehzad
Kamran / Fakhar Zaman.
Babar Azam
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Shoaib Malik / Haris Sohail
Hussain Talat
Shadab Khan
Imad Waseem
Sohail Khan
Hasan Ali
M Amir

A perfect line up that has the ability to win tough matches against solid modern sides.