Azhar: Victim of plenty

Azhar broke into the Pakistan side in 1996

A highly talented all-rounder, Azhar Mahmood no longer has a permanent place in the Pakistan team. BBC Sport Online's Kashif Qamar assesses some of the reasons why.

Azhar Mahmood's entry into Test cricket was truly remarkable as he made a century on debut against South Africa in 1997.

It seemed to suggest that Pakistan's conveyer belt of gifted young cricketers had produced another gem.

But since then, his performances have seen many ups and downs and he has found himself on the fringes of the national squad.

After being overlooked for the series against West Indies, the Rawalpindi born player is back on the international scene for next week's Sharjah tournament.

And he is looking to use the tournament, which also features New Zealand and Sri Lanka, to re-establish himself in the side.

Temperament

Azhar has been critcised for giving away his wicket too often in both Test and one-day cricket.

Former Pakistan coach Richard Pybus says Azhar is a very aggressive player, who looks to dominate opposition attacks.

"Sometimes he is, possibly, over-aggressive and simply follows his instincts," he told BBC Sport Online.

"The game of cricket is played in the mind, so obviously, temperament is one important factor to count.

  Azhar Mahmood factfile

DOB: 28/2/75

Tests: 21
900 runs at 30.00
39 wkts at 35.94

ODIs:113
1219 runs at 18.19
108 wkts at 35.88

"You have to be very cool and focussed on the pitch, and despite being an extremely talented player, he sometimes becomes a little impatient."

Azhar insists he is able to contain his natural instincts, if the occasion demands.

"Whatever I do, be it cricket or anything else in life, my natural aggression comes into it," he says.

"Yes, I can be patient, obviously not like Viswanath or Gavaskar, but to an extent that is not harmful to my natural style."

But temperament is not the only reason contributing to his intermittent appearances in the Pakistani team.

Fitness problems have long been a source of concern for Pakistan, and Azhar has had his share of injuries.

"Fitness problems are very common among bowlers, but modern facilities make all the difference for early recovery," said Azhar.

Problem of plenty

"During my injuries in 1999 and 2000, new players performed well, so naturally, they stayed in the team on a more permanent basis."

That, perhaps, is the key factor - the emergence at almost the same time of another all-rounder, Abdur Razzaq.

Abdur Razzaq is technically preferred with both bat and ball

Pybus said: "Azhar Mahmmod is a player of immense talent and in any other cricket-playing country, such a wonderful all-rounder would have his permanent place.

"But for Pakistan, it's a question of choice between him and Abdur Razzaq."

Pybus believes Razzaq is technically more accomplished, both with bat and ball - capable of batting anywhere in the top six, and of proving effective with the new or older ball.

After the New Zealand series, Razzaq will be on his way to England to play county cricket for Middlesex.

And that is a path Azhar would like to follow with a view to developing his game.

"Glamorgan and Kent contacted me but because of my preoccupation with the Pakistan team, I don't think I will be able to play this year," says Azhar.

"Definitely, if I find time within the schedule and am contacted by any county, I would love to play county cricket."

English spectators will look forward to the prospect, but first Azhar must get on with re-establishing himself in the olive green shirt.