Saqlain for England?

[James]

Saqlain, 31, who has played county cricket for Surrey and Sussex since 1997, has a British passport through marriage and qualifies in April.

"If they [England] call me, definitely I'll play," Saqlain, who played 49 Tests for Pakistan, told BBC London.

Link - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/7190361.stm

Would you select him for England? Over Panesar?

 

[NUFAN]

I would select Saqlain for the one day team for sure.

Not so sure about Test Cricket.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

I'd pick him for both, no question.

 

[Captain Cricket]

Test cricket = Monty.

Bring Saqlain in to take wickets in an ODI. But Monty's economical so that would also work...

 

[Majin]

I'd definitely pick him.

 

[skipper]

Panesar

 

[vic_orthdox]

Nah, wouldn't. Suposedly well past his best.

 

[wpdavid]

One for the "makes a mockery of international sport" pile imo, whatever the qualification rules may say to the contrary. Lovely guy and, in his time, a great bowler, but I wouldn't want anyone who's played for another country to represent England.

 

[Days of Grace]

In the future will there be any English-born players playing for England?

 

[Lillian Thomson]

Don't care how old he is or how good he is, there are no circumstances under which he should ever play for England.

 

[Perm]

Definitely pick him for the ODI side if he's performing. Would be a bit more hesitant about him in Tests though, but he'd be a very good back-up to Panesar.

 

[Craig]

One for the "makes a mockery of international sport" pile imo, whatever the qualification rules may say to the contrary. Lovely guy and, in his time, a great bowler, but I wouldn't want anyone who's played for another country to represent England.

That's a fair point. Surprised we haven't gone down the track of rugby and football in the one country only rule.

 

[Richard]

Nah, wouldn't. Suposedly well past his best.

Exactly. Who out of those who'd put Saqlain in England's Test or ODI team has actually studied his recent performances?

 

[Bijuvnair]

I don't think ECB going to give him a chance..
but I will surely opt for both!

 

[Captain Cricket]

I wouldn't play two spinners on the ODI stage, but for tests it could be worth a try.

 

[Richard]

These days, one spinner isn't often needed in a Test at any of the grounds in England (or South Africa, or New Zealand), never mind two.

 

[iamdavid]

Spose if he does well enough for Surrey then he'll be in the frame, but Lords wouldnt like it, it would take some very convincing performances from Saqlain and prolonged mediocrity from Monty for him to actually be selected.
Must admit I havent seen him bowl since about 2002/03, however he appears to have had alot of injury troubles since then and were he to put a full season together it wouldnt suprise me to see him do very well.

 

[Richard]

In the last 4 seasons, Saqlain has played 12 First-Class matches.

How on Earth is anyone like this even remotely up for consideration as a Test player?

In the last 3 seasons he has played 12 List-A one-day games, conceding well over 5-an-over.

How on Earth is anyone like this even remotely up for consideration as a ODI player?

 

[FBU]

Obviously why Pakistan don't want him. Even Ireland didn't want to keep him.

 

[masterblaster]

I'm a believer of the whole form is temporary, class is permanant ideology and Saqlain at his peak was a terrific bowler, one of the best finger spinners in recent times. Unfortunately, he may have fallen off a bit, but England may benefit from his services in the ODI game. I'd certainly include him in my touring party that's for sure.