Bari waiting for the clash of ex-keepers

In an era of wicketkeeping greats — Rod Marsh, Alan Knott, Bob Taylor and Jeff Dujon — Kiri ‘‘always held his own’’, says Bari, whose chatter behind the stumps put off many a batsman, Kirmani included.

Right now, Bari anticipates a cracking series, given the emotions, and also given India’s form — at least in Tests. His hopes also stem from his own first series against India in 1978. ‘‘That was the best I played (against India). Not only because of the stars on either side (India had Gavaskar, Bedi, Prasanna and Chandra, Pakistan Imran, Zaheer and Asif), but also because of the quality of cricket we played. In fact that series I value more than anything because of the hundred I hit as nightwatchman.’’

In his third term as chief selector, Bari says there will be ‘‘complete consensus on all matters related to team selection.’’ It is a tough task, made tougher because the team is in the process of rebuilding, but Bari is confident it can be done.

‘‘The key man for me is Inzamam. He needs to lead from the front. He has everything going for him for he is the leading player. I also understand that he needs some time.’’

On the subject of leadership, Bari cites the example of Imran Khan and his time as chairman of selectors in 1992 when Pakistan won the World Cup. ‘‘Imran is the perfect example of a captain leading from the front. I have always believed that if a match-winning bowler is the captain, he can always lead brilliantly.’’