King Sanga's Century Brings SL Back In The Game

Mohammad Hafeez dropped 2 regulation chances in slip off the bowling from Junaid Khan in consecutive deliveries (the last ball of his previous over and then the very next delivery of his next over). On a placid track, you really have to make the most of what comes your way. These costly misses could come back to daunt the hosts on day 5 if they make it overly difficult for themselves or are unable to enforce a victory from the position of superiority they have got themselves into with a sizeable 314 first innings lead. It was bitterly disappointing for the left arm young pacer, who got the ball in the right areas, made it talk, found the edge and it was spilled not once BUT twice. It was literally unbelievable because generally Hafeez has a decent pair of hands. Also, to add to his woes he nearly dropped 1 in the first innings but managed to hold on in the 2nd or 3rd attempt.

Kumar Sangakkara’s artistry batting was on show. The former Sri Lankan captain stood up and played a blinder at number 3. His off side stroke play is as pleasing on the eye as it can be. His aggressive running to scamper those quick singles also helped him accumulate with fluency and take the pressure of his lesser experience opening partner who was dropped 2/2 as mentioned in the above paragraph. Kumar is always up for a challenge and he won’t give it away easily. He has a fine average against Pakistan and achieved plenty of success against them over the years. I wasn’t surprised a touch to see him perform here. The pitch was still playing well and he tends to step up when the going gets tough.

Further observations

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s captain played a fluent counter attack yesterday and really accelerated the rate as well as injecting some impetus and momentum into the innings with a declaration in mind. Scoring 46 with a SR in the 90s including 4 fours and 1 mighty sixer from the left arm spin of Rangana “the low round arm workhorse” Hearth. He got a rough decision which prevented him from reaching yet another 50+ score as captain which he deserved with his intent and positivity.

Asad Shafiq played a strange hand considering the situation with an unbeaten 26 from over 90 deliveries with only 2 boundaries when the hosts were looking to up the ante, nonetheless with 511/6 on the board we shouldn’t be too fussed and complains about these minor events. Shafiq who was playing only his 6th test would have wanted to cement his place considering the competition he has from Umar Akmal who is currently captaining SNGPL in the ongoing QEA trophy with Misbah on national duty.

Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar average 35 as an opening pair with 2 century stands since last November.

More About TAs 236......

Highest score by Pakistan batsmen since March 2009

2nd highest score by a Pakistan opener

Highest score by a Pakistan opener since Aamir Sohail’s double century in 1992. Aamir of course has highly rated and backed Taufeeq over the years and worked a great deal with him which seems to have paid off big time

4th Pakistan batsmen to spend 700 minutes at the crease in a test match after Hanif, YK and Shoaib Mohammad

He is now 5th in leading test run scorers this year and the highest from Pakistan over taking Misbah. He is behind the likes of Ian Bell, Cook, Dravid and KP who have all played 2 more tests in the calendar year thus far

He has the 7th highest crease occupation per innings per minutes in Pakistan’s proud batting history even prior to this test from Abu Dhabi

Looking ahead: The match is open and Sri Lanka has the potential to save this match if they bat over half the day or more like it up to tea. Pakistan is likely to have to bat again, but will not want to chase more than 150/200. Kumar is the key. As things currently stand Pakistan will be disappointed not to go on and win this, but still there is work to be done. Sri Lanka has had a top day 4 and is definitely still in it. Defeat is not inevitable for them. I would say it would be 53% Pakistan win/42% Sri Lanka draw/ 5% Sri Lanka win in terms of a proportional verdict. It's all set up for a fascinating final day from the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. King Sanga just does NOT looking like getting OUT. I won't be surprised to see Sri Lanka hold on here

Day 2 and Day 3 Review: Marathon Batting Effort From Taufeeq Umar Places Pakistan In A Commanding Position.

Day 2

Score: 259/1 (98 overs)

Looking ahead: Pakistan will be looking to battle through the first 40 minutes of day 3 and then kick on with some steady accumulation and consolidation through the course of the day. Considering the position of strength they have got themselves in a lead of 250-300 should be a minimum they should be targeting and having in mind with the experienced duo to follow.

Player of the day: Taufeeq Umar who batted the whole 90 overs with patience, concentration and top notch judgement against the quicker men as well showing as a neat defence to trap out the spinners. He battled hard and kept at it throughout the day. This was top quality resilience and solid top order batting we witnessed as Pakistan thoroughly dominated the day with only 1 wicket lost in 3 full sessions.

Ball of the day: Only 1 wicket fell, but it’s worth a mention. Herath prevented Hafeez from reaching his 2nd successive test century by trapping him in front just after the lunch break. The slow left arm spinner toiled hard and bowled just over 30 overs in the humidity.

Stats

Taufeeq Umar and Azhar Ali have been involved in 3 100 and 3 50 stands in 8 innings together.

Azhar Ali averages over 40 overnight on 19/10/11 as does Taufeeq Umar.

Taufeeq scored his 2nd century in the space of 4 test innings.

All 3 batsmen registered half centuries during the day.

Azhar Ali 60 (176) needs 60 more for 1000 test runs and reached his 10th test 50 in 26 innings.

Sessions: 3-0 Pakistan

242 runs were added to the overnight total for the loss of only 1 wicket

Day 3

Pakistan 511/6: lead of 314

Sri Lanka 41/1 (11)

Moment of the day: Gul dimissing the Sri Lankan opener for a golden duck on the very first ball of the Sri Lankan innings and trapping him LBW with a moving delivery. Tony Greig who was on commentary at this moment in time with Waqar Younis called it out straight away from where they were sitting. It looked plumb in real speed. It summarised how Misbah’s side were so on top.

Ball of the day: The Sri Lankan left arm pacer W for short getting rid of Azhar Ali with a beauty to deny him his much awaited maiden test century. It was a peach of an inswinger which rattled the stumps and broke a 2nd wicket left right combo stand of 180. Finally Dilshan and company could see the back of one of them.

Player of the day: Taufeeq Umar once again continued from where he left off from to make a double century. He batted for over 5 sessions in total. The opener who former Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail highly rates continued his superb form since resurrecting his international test career against South Africa last November. He covered all the major qualities you look for in a “proper” test opener to add over 100 to his overnight total. It was a pity he couldn’t carry his bat to the end and was run out by a very thin margin.

Looking ahead: Pakistan win=75%/Sri Lanka draw=25%. Pakistan will be looking to get through the big fishes tomorrow and even finish the job off. Sri Lanka will be looking to go into the final day near to Pakistan’s lead with wickets and experience in hand. On a placid track they have the capabilities to avoid defeat in going 1-0 down here. Pakistan are on course for victory, even perhaps by an innings or a brief chase of day 5. I reckon it will be a 10 wicket win.

Sessions: 3-0 Pakistan.

Stats

Taufeeq Umar’s 236 was the highest score by a Pakistan test batsmen since Younis Khan’s triple century at the NSK against the Lankans in the first half of 2009

Azhar Ali scored his 10th half century in 26 innings

Both captains, Misbah and Dilshan were dismissed incorrectly and victims of no DRS

Pakistan have only lost 107 out of a potential 150 wickets in their last 8 tests

Kumar S averages 79 in the 3rd innings against Pakistan

First time since against Sri Lanka in 2009 has Pakistan posted 500 in a test match when cricket was played in Pakistan (24 tests)

2nd time in 3 tests Pakistan have declared the innings

Taufeeq Umar has the 7th highest stats occupation per minutes at the crease prior to this test match in Pakistan’s proud batting history. He gave us an ideal demonstration of why he is in that list here in Abu Dhabi during the first of 6 tests to be played in the UAE this winter. He also has the highest average by a Pakistan test opener since Saeed Anwar. According to many, he was dropped and treated unfairly throughout his career. In the test arena he always had the ingredients required to flourish, although his game was less suited to the shorter formats. The Lahore left handed opener is a gritty and mentally strong occupier of the crease.

Pakistan has won all 9 sessions in this match as far as I’m concerned which the scorecard reflects. The first session on the opening day was a debatable one, but nonetheless Pakistan did control the flow of runs and received a break through before lunch as well as winning the toss and getting to do what they wanted up front.

Further observations: Just a mention that the former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison is also part of the commentary team here which I forgot to mention on day 1. Danny is an individual who comes across as a humorous and enthusiastic follower of the game to say the least.

Quotes

Junaid: "When I went to Lancashire, Wasim used to call me and tell me how to bowl, how to use the conditions," Khan said. "That stint was very helpful. There I learnt how to seam, how to swing the ball, how to bowl a yorker."

Taufeeq: “Partnerships are the key”

Waqar: “Captain and coach trust is very important. The captain and coach should also be good friends.”

Day 1 Review: Pakistan Right On Top Straight Away....

Commentary team: Sanath Jayasuria, Rameez Raja, Waqar Younis, Russel Arnold, Tony Greig were just some of the people involved. It was interesting to hear Waqar back in the commentary box just exactly 1 month after completing his tenure as coach. It was fascinating to hear his insightful views as he has been around the camp. It’s nice to see him going strong and still being involved in the game and more specifically with his country. His passion and enthusiasm for Pakistan Cricket never runs out. I look forward to hearing more from him throughout the course of the series with his knowledge and experiences more than the comical grammatical errors in tone of voice. Tony Greig of course is from channel 9 in Australia and a familiar voice to many.

Pitch and Conditions: As always in the UAE the weather is humid and it becomes a test of stamina as much as it is to do with skill. The conception was the pitch would be a batting paradise once more in the Middle East dessert.

Toss: Misbah won the toss and elected to insert the Sri Lankans into bat due to the moisture in the wicket. It was a brave and courageous decision on the UAE wickets which are renowned to be placid. The man with the best cricketing intellect and decision making credentials in the country certainly got his assessment spot on and thoroughly justified his decision with the performance and backing from his bowlers who responded extremely well against an experienced Sri Lankan middle order. Without a doubt the day belonged to Pakistan who are placed in a commanding position. I can understand why Misbah wanted to bowl first because Pakistan batters tend to be slow starters in new series schedules. Therefore, he wanted to give them more time to have a look and get settled. Also, the other 3 times he has won the toss and bowled he achieved a superb draw and 2 comprehensive victories. He had confidence in his bowlers to get the early breakthroughs and batsmen to chase in the 4th innings which speaks a lot about him and his team. It was a tremendous outside of the box decision from him which many captains would have been very reluctant to do. The results are there for one and all to see.

Team selection: Pakistan left out Wahab Riaz and Abdur Rehman. They decided to play 3 front line pacers. Junaid Khan was the surprise selection and the Lancastrian overseas player was sensational during the afternoon session where he claimed 3 wickets in quick session in his first proper test against a major test force. It was an incredible spell of left arm pace. As expected Shafiq got preference at number 6 with the omission of Umar Akmal. Is Pakistan’s lack of batting a concern? Gul, Ajmal, Junaid, Cheema in the absence of Rehman and Wahab who both can be handy down the order.

Stats

-This is the 7th time in 8 tests Pakistan is in the field on day 1.

-Misbah has won 5 tosses in 8 tests and decided to bowl first on 4 occasions.

-Pakistan has 2 bowlers who are playing only their 2nd test in the current attack.

In other news today Afridi has officially announced his return to international cricket putting an end to the conditional retirement following his removal from captaincy after the ODI series against the West Indies in May. Whether he will be selected for the Sri Lanka ODI series remains to be seen.

Sessions: All 3 belonged to Pakistan. 3-0.

Score Line: Sri Lanka 198 AO Junaid Khan 5/38. Pakistan 27/0 (8).

Ball of the day: Junaid uprooting the stumps and giving the SL keeper the death rattle early in the piece. He was overwhelmed. Pakistan had turned the tables. It was magical viewing.

Player of the day: Junaid Khan. He made a bold statement in his first international match of any kind within Asia and against an Asian team. He wasn’t expected to play by any stretch of the imagination, but Mohsin and Misbah included him and backed him all the way. The Abbatobad youngster produced some excellent deliveries and was having a great time of it. He came out with a 5 for. The first bowler to get one at Abu Dhabi (a venue where it’s only test produced 27 wickets). Adnan Akmal was also worth a mention with 4 dismissals.

Looking ahead: Pakistan batsmen will be looking to get stuck
in, apply themselves at the wicket, work their socks off, dig in long and deep,
pile up the runs, wear out the bowlers and gain a sizeable first innings lead
to put the visitors under pressure. They can afford to take their time. Grit,
application, solid temperament, determination, mental toughness and the ability
to value their wicket and scrap hard for their runs is the strength of the
current Pakistan top 6 which they will be looking to portray again here. They
should be rewarded for this discipline, stamina, patience and sound defences. A
total of approximately 400 will be very pleasing. They’ll be looking to bat to
around lunch time on day 3 and really tuck into this inexperienced bowling
attack. They’ll be looking for a centurion or two.

South Africa V Australia T20 Series Preview

Preview

South Africa will be taking on the Australians in a 2 match T20 series commencing from Cape Town tomorrow to kick off South Africa’s 2011/12 home international season. 3 one day internationals and 2 tests will follow. Sri Lanka will be visiting for 3 tests and 5 one day internationals afterwards around the New Year time. Many of the players from both teams are coming into this tournament on the back of their participation in the Champions League where Mumbai Indians became the 2nd IPL team to lift the trophy in back to back years, despite the absence of their star player in SRT who was ruled out of the competition with injury.

South Africa and Australia have a 3-3 score line against each other in this format of the game. Hashim Amla will be leading the Proteas in a new era with Gary Kirsten taking over as head coach. Australia have been woeful in this format with 7 losses in their last 8 appearances. Cameron White will be doing his level best to get the team back on track in this format with the 4th ICC World T20 championship less than a year away. The 2010 finalists will want to put on a good show after disappointing quarter final elimination in the 2011 CWC where the eventual winners knocked them out in Ahmadabad.

Key Player

Australia

Warner: Winner of the golden bat in the CL T20. He will coming into this game with back to back centuries in this version of the game which is a formidable accomplishment. The explosive left handed opener has the talent and intensity to tee off and get the Baggy Greens off to a flyer early on. There is certainly no shortage of excitement when he is whacking them past the bowler at a rate of knots. The visitors will be hoping for him to set the tone and seize in the initiative early doors with remarkable form and sheer flamboyance.

South Africa

Botha: An experienced bowler in this version of the game with over 90 caps and an economy of below 6. The South African off spinner is a canny customer who fires the ball into the batsmen rather than trying to beat them in the air. His main strength is containment and he tends to run through his over quickly not allowing the batsmen much time to think on his feet. Botha is also a capable pinch hitter down the order who can be promoted up the order to get quick fire runs. A thinking cricketer who is gifted in all 3 departments and has a successful track record in 20/20s. Also, a previous South African captain who will be a useful reference in giving Mr Amla some tips and advice during his first outing in charge.

Conditions/History

7/9 of the times the team batting 2nd has won an international 20/20 at Newlands. The last international T20 this ground hosted was the 2007 ICC T20 WC semi final between Pakistan and New Zealand. The venue is a picturesque sight with the mountain surroundings. On Sunday, in Jo Burg we can expect a high scoring feast with the small ground dimensions. The spectators should get their money's worth. Cricket SAs attendances tend to be high in these day night spectacles.

Prediction

1-1 will be the usual thing to say when it comes to these 2 match series so I'll sit on the fence for this one, however should I pick a winner to whitewash the other that has to go to South Africa who are a prolific T20 team. Yes, they have not shown their potential in ICC events and underachieved by the spook of choking, but in these one off and 2 game series they have by and large had the better of their oppositions.

Match Preview:- Bangladesh V West Indies 2011. Only T20

Match Preview:-
The only T20 game between takes place in between Bangladesh and West Indies on Tuesday 11Th October. The game brings together two teams that are struggling to make a impact in the shortest form of the game, less than a year to the 4Th edition of the World T20 Championships. Under new skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh have a real chance to start getting on winning ways again in home conditions against a team that are struggling for any form. Whereas, The Windies will look to beat a team that had a appalling tour of Zimbabwe.

Probable line ups:-
Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Alok Kapali, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (captain and wicket-keeper), Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Abdur Razzaq, Shafiul Islam and Rubel Hossain.

West Indies
Lendl Simmons, Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Keiron Pollard, Danza Hyatt, Carlton Baugh (wicket-keeper), Darren Sammy (captain), Andre Russell/Kemar Roach, Davendra Bishoo and Ravi Rampaul.

Pitch and Condition:-
The Sher-E-Bangla stadium in Dhaka is usually a flat track that will be of great assistance to the batsman. We can expect a high scoring encounter.

Prediction:-
On paper the West Indies look stronger, but in home conditions, I am going for a win for the Tigers.

Faysal Bank T20 Stats (25th September-2nd October 2011)

An Excited PCT Fan

Pakistan’s 2011/12 international season kicks off tomorrow. Junaid Khan expected to debut in the whites. An 18 day tour of Zimbabwe followed up by a 19 match home itinerary across all formats of the game against Sri Lanka and England in the United Arab Emirates and finally the 11th Asia Cup tournament scheduled for March in Bangladesh to round things off.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2011 fixtures released. Cricket returns to Sharjah after several years.

Predictions

Pakistan vs Zimbabwe

Test: Pakistan wins comprehensively
ODIs: 3-0 Pakistan
T20s: 1-1

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

Tests: 1-0 Pakistan
ODIs: 3-2 Sri Lanka
T20: Sri Lanka

Pakistan vs England

Tests: 1-1
ODIs: 3-1 Pakistan
T20s: 2-1 Pakistan

Asia Cup 2012: Pakistan winners

T20 WC 2012: Finalists

U19 WC 2012: Semi Finalists

Super Over Exhibitions on Finals Day Decides the Course of the Day at Edgbaston 2011

The amount of major 20/20 games which are going down to the wire i.e. super over nowadays is getting unbelievably crazy. I can name at least 4 domestic SFs or finals this year which have been determined by a 1 over slog fest just at the top of my head. Personally, I prefer to see a super over ahead of a bowl out and feel the idea works well to settle a tie, but as we saw yesterday in rain affected shortened duck worth Lewis games sides are usually neck or neck right to the end and therefore a tie is always a chance. Should duckworth lewis be applied in such a short version of the game?

Remember the England/WI pool game incident during the 2010 WT20 where WI won chasing not much inside a 6 over slot having been outplayed for the first half and even the opposition captain acknowledged England were hard done by. Perhaps duck worth lewis is too much of unfair interference in 20/20, especially in pressure games when so much hard work and dedication goes into reaching the latter stages of the tournament. You’d expect something fairer and squarer surely? I don’t buy into the fact that there is no better alternative, the game requires flexibility.

Nevertheless, congratulations to Leicestershire.

2003=Surrey
2004=Leicestershire
2005=Somerset
2006= Leicestershire
2007=Kent
2008=Middlesex
2009=Sussex
2010=Hampshire
2011= Leicestershire

Abdul Razzaq = Best T20 Player in the World

1) T20 WC win with Pakistan 2009

2) ICL win with underdogs Hyderabad Heroes 2008

3) Domestic T20 with Sialkot Stallions 2010

4) Domestic T20 with Lahore Lions 2010 (straight after he transferred)

5) T20 win Hampshire 2010

6) T20 win Leicestershire 2011 (straight after he transferred)

What a player!

Spot Fixing Scandal - A Year On

It’s been exactly a year since the NOTW publications regarding the spot fixing scandal were revealed. It was this weekend last year. A gloomy day at Lords in more ways than one as Michael Atherton mentioned on commentary on the final day of the test series when the players made their way out to the middle on the back of high suspiciousness.

Pakistan didn’t even bother going out to train that morning, the situation got so bad. An unforgettable history which damaged the game and country’s integrity. An all time low for the cricket mad nation.

Since that date the former captain has been providing punditry on television which undoubtedly was shameful and sickening enough considering here was a guy who sold out his country’s name and is able to attract attention and air his views publicly, despite the hot water he was standing in and the damage he has done.

Since then Mohammad Amir has appeared for Addington CC in the Surrey league and faced the chance of having his suspension extended as this was against the boundaries of his ban, however recently he has escaped further punishment, despite the breach. Nonetheless he has been warned severely.

Since that date the trio obviously have never appeared for their country again, received minimum 5 year bans all around which was the outcome of the hearing in Doha in February, been banned from playing domestic and club cricket associated with respective country boards and face an ongoing criminal trial in court which they have been busy preparing for. Could Pakistan cricket get any lower?

However, in perspective there is of course the argument that this was a minor victory for the game in the sense that awareness was raised, realisation began to kick in & serious measures could be adopted to prevent these things from occurring in the future. It was a wakeup call for governing bodies, fellow players, fans in denial and authorities. Hopefully things can only get better from here on in and the the lowest times have past for this beloved game we all so passionately follow.

Mohammad Amir:- One Year On... A fans Journey

27th August 2010, sitting in the stands at Lords was a dream. I had just turned 28 years old that day, and was at the ground to watch my hero's play the game I love more than myself. What i witnessed that day, I wrote in my article, ( http://www.atouchofirishintheglobalvillage.com/2010/10/fight-for-justice-in-england-for-his.html ). The next few months were trying to say the least.

I've supported Amir throughout his ordeal. Petitions, that were posted to the PCB, in person to the High Commission of Pakistan in London to fight for a boy that I believed had not received the support he should have received from the authorities that could have advised a kid better. A kid that came from a poor background had been left in a big world without any real support.

In the past year we have seen the players banned for five years, minimum, and charged by the Met Police for corruption. I have read the entire transcript and there is little doubt that the spot-fixing happened for real. The idea that it was a fabricated story and stitch up doesn't work anymore. Amir was always looked by me as a kid that had got stuck in a big world... until now

They say tough times make people grow up, but has Amir learnt from his mistake? When it comes to your career, you forget loyalties and do whatever possible to help your OWN career, has Amir done so? NO! Amir has had ample chances to come clean to the ICC but has not done so. His shown his loyalty to Salman Butt, but not to his own career and Pakistan Cricket. For that alone, in my opinion, Amir has not done his duty, as a human, as a Pakistani. Pakistan Cricket deserves better than a kid that has not grown a touch in a year. Pakistan Cricket, and its fans deserve better than Mohammad Amir and his ego....

Shoaib Malik:- What Could Have Been‏

Fast rewind 30th March 2011, Pakistan V India 2nd Cricket World Cup Semi Final and after India were restricted to a mere 260, Pakistan had begun their run chase. After a good start from the openers, both openers perished leaving Pakistan 70-2 in the 16th. Young, but talented Asad Shafiq at the crease with nerves jangling and enters a guy oozing class, a guy who is big game player. A man for such occasions.

Enter Shoaib Malik, a man averaging over 50 (4 hundreds) against India in ODI Cricket. A guy who has been there and worn that Tee-Shirt, so to speak. A guy that has the charisma to stride out, punch the gloves of Shafiq and let him know there is no pressure as his here. A man that even when Asad Shafiq gets out that can dictate the game. A man that Misbah can play around and take the team over the line.

Now nothing is for certain but can you imagine how the chances of Pakistan of winning that game would have increased had Malik been available? A guy dropped because he wasn't cleared by the PCB's integrity committee for his overseas assets.

Now fast forward to today and Malik has been cleared. My question is why has it taken the best part of a year? Why have Malik and his family had to go through this for so long looking like some dodgy fraudulent people? Why has the Pakistan public been made to suffer in his loss? And last but not least if its hard for us fans to look at something like Mohali and think of what could have been, then how must a Malik think whilst watching when he knows he should be out there in the middle?

I remember 2009 and the T20 final at Lords, I was in a stand watching and always knew with him there we will win. His return makes me feel happy but still can't let go of what could have been.

Future of Pakistan’s Batting

In order of rating:
1) Azhar Ali: He has only really played 1 format, but test cricket has priority and Azhar has been most effective & successful there out of the under 30 batsmen in the last 10 months or so so he clearly tops the list for me. He has been a true revelation, excellent find and a general breath of fresh air because Pakistan have finally found a genuine test class batsmen who has the capabilities to dig in hard, grind it out, occupy the crease for lengthy amounts of time & close one end up in an age where there have been way too many inconsistent flashy stroke makers flourishing through the ranks from Pakistan. His application, patience, temperament, mental toughness & solid and sound defence is immense. He knows his game plan well & operates within his limits which will inevitably maximise his effectiveness. He has found success from a classical and slightly traditional style of batting. He comes across as a mature, responsible & focussed youngster. He is not fussed about taking his time & getting bogged down and therefore is confidently able to put a price on his wicket & see out patches of play. He is totally at the ease at the crease and unfazed by what is going on around him so rarely gets distracted. He has played 12 consecutive tests without being injured or dropped which is rare by Pakistani tendencies that are known for their inconsistent selection policy. This is a reflection of how well he has performed, impressed and settled.

Technically he looks to get behind the line and cover the movement of the ball, play the ball late, defends comfortably from the back foot against the slower bowlers and typically like many sub continental batsmen uses his wrists to good effect when looking to find the gaps, but ultimately it’s his concentration and sheer determination which gets him through and can frustrate fielders and bowlers to high degrees. He strives/fights hard and works out of his skin. Once he’s in he’s a tough cookie to dislodge and it usually takes a quality delivery to dismiss him. He can hold the innings together and give himself a firm platform to capitalise from. He is controlled, methodical & with an abundance of steadiness. He has been tipped to be groomed as Pakistan’s vice captain as he has cemented his place at the all important number 3 position, but also done it in an admirable fashion. He has captaincy experience from league cricket in Scotland where he has been representing Huntly CC as the overseas professional. He is a good fielder with sharp reflexes which adds to the overall package he brings in the team. He is a bowler turned batsmen as he used to be a front line leg spinner in his younger days and for the record has 2 List A 5fors next to his name. This is a reflection of a quick learner on top of everything else. His style may not be the most appealing or attractive, but nonetheless proper test cricket appreciators cannot speak highly enough of the man who has scored 8 half centuries in his first 23 test innings (all which have contributed to a positive team result). He has been an integral member of Misbah’s test team which has reformed & rejuvenated the respect & fortunes of Pakistan’s test outfit in challenging circumstances and seems to be learning well under his leadership & guidance. However, he is vulnerable against outswingers in the corridor of uncertainty which is an area he can brush up on and improve his judgement. He doesn’t mind doing the hard yards by standing at short leg and getting stuck under people’s noses and taking a few blows for the team which speaks volumes about his attitude, willingness and bravery.

He is the Hanif Mohammad equivalent of this generation. He is a Dravid, Chanderpaul, Kallis, Trott, Michael Atherton style player in how he goes about his approach and business. This is how he should be looked at. Limited in ability or natural talent you can say but he makes up for it by strengthening his technique, temperament, hard work, fighting resilience, game sense & maturity. A lot of Westerners and non-Pakistan journalists and followers of cricket love watching him bat. One of them told he was the one thing which has been instrumental in bringing back their interest for following Pakistan Cricket. He is good to watch in how he applies himself at the wicket & demonstrates the spirit and guts he does. Plays straight and is hungry to stay at the crease for extended periods of time. He has a commanding structure about him with his stance and sturdy approach. A proper student of the game.

2) Asad Shafiq: 4 consecutive boundaries against Tim Bresnan when he was coming into bat at a difficult time and stage on his 2nd ODI , half century in his 3rd ODI, half century on test debut against a top class attack, half century in his 2nd test innings in alien conditions, half century on WC debut, a crucial 46 in a high pressure game against Australia in a low scoring winning cause- we have seen enough of this guy to know he can play and has a bright future ahead! Mohammad Yousuf himself has praised him as one of the finest technically correct young batsmen he has seen in a long time. A very elegant and classy young chap. One that is bound to go far. Nevertheless he has a weakness of playing down the wrong line outside his off stump where he been dismissed a few times too many. Plays the ball late, times the ball sweetly, strong of his legs & superb in the field.

3) Umar Akmal: What immediately comes to mind is amazing hand eye coordination, top notch foot work, quick bat speed, fantastic athleticism, brain farts, ill discipline and temperamental deficiencies, but he is an exceptionally gifted talent and when you say this for Umar Akmal you really mean it with both heart and mind. He is one of a rare kind. He is a dominating cricketer who operates with a fearless and aggressive mindset. He is an extremely efficient and cool headed ground fielder and catcher. He started his international career sensationally well with a century on test debut & one within his first few ODIs against Sri Lanka. He shone in the 2010 ICC T20 WC scoring 50s against South Africa & Australia. He followed it up by a spectacular 31 ball 64 in Edgbaston against Australia in the MCC Spirit of cricket series. He had a quite 2010/11 winter which found himself lose his test spot to Asad Shafiq before regaining his popularity and confidence with 2 MOM awards during the qualifying stages of the 2011 CWC in Sri Lanka. With his elder brother away from the international scene it should be interesting to see how Umar responds and acts in the future. He had a decent tour of the West Indies recently when newcomer Salman was behind the stumps. Maybe county cricket experience will come in handy for him. Bottom line, an adorable talent and one that you try to back to accomplish his potential.

4) Zain Abbas: Uncapped player. In his teens. Multan based lad. Left handed opening batsmen and therefore unsurprisingly with the role model of Saeed Anwar. Has had an outstanding start to his domestic career where he completely caught the eye and took everyone by storm with his consistent performances in both the longer and shorter versions of the game.

5) Babar Azam: Uncapped player. In his teens. Cousin of the Akmals. Inspired by AB from South Africa. Represented Pakistan at the U19 WC in New Zealand at the age of just 15 where they reached the final. He scored a century in Pakisan’s opening match of the tournament against the West Indies. Has a good cover drive. He is serious and passionate about his cricket. Occasional off break bowler to go along with a safe pair of hands in the field. Definitely one for the future.

6) Ahmed Shehzad: 2 centuries at the age of 19 and a T20 international half century against New Zealand which came in Pakistan’s highest ever run margin victory last December. Has brilliant hand eye coordination, reasonably good foot work & makes full use of a strong bottom hand to generate power in his strokes. He is stylish & naturally aggressive. An excellent outfielder too. A confident and slightly cocky character. There is no shortage of ability for sure. He has recently been dropped from the tour of Zimbabwe on disciplinary grounds.

7) Azeem Ghumman: Skipper of the 2010 U19 WC team. A cricketer from the Hyderabad region with the role model of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Has captained Hyderabad in domestic competitions. A batsmen who is bound to play for Pakistan at some stage. He possesses a healthy FC average. He is a strong cutter and puller & extremely ambitious which always helps the cause. Technically and temperamentally pretty sound. Relies on timing and placement. Short chap in stature. Communicates well in English.

County Quarter Finals This Weekend

Joke of a performance from world number 1. They were beaten comprehensively yet again. They are in danger of losing their number 1 ranking very soon. Stuart Broad is on fire and the top of his game with both ball and bat. What a revelation he has been considering he was a doubtful starter at Lords after his unimpressive performances during the first half of the summer where he struggled for form and rhythm. What a spell with the 2nd new ball from Broad to get England back in the game. Top day of test cricket at Trent Bridge. Highly eventful action packed drama. Swann took an absolute battering. The no1 spinner was taken to the cleaners. Dravid was steady and solid as ever to get his 2nd century of the tour. Adjusted well to opening the batting and demonstrated immense concentration & technique. In 37 tests as captain Strauss has had 19 victories and 13 draws. Michael Vaughan is England's most successful test captain with 26 victories in 51 tests. Strauss at the age of 34 is on track to over take him in terms of the most wins registered. His record as captain includes back to back Ashes triumphs in 2009 and 2010-11.

There is a bit of a break between now and the 3rd test. In between this time there will be the County 20/20 quarter finals this weekend. Pakistan Players participating include Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Rana Naved, Umar Gul, Azhar Mahmood, Imran Tahir, Naved Arif. Personally I reckon Kent will go the distance. They have a well balanced unit. I think there is a very good chance 4 south based teams will make the Edgbaston finals day on the 27^th of this month. The standard in this division is of a high quality.

Pakistan bowler’s performances in the County T20 Cup 2011. Group stages finished.

1) Wahab Riaz–19 wickets-average: 19, economy: 8
2) Saeed Ajmal-16 wickets-average: 11, economy: 6
3) Abdul Razzaq-16 wickets-average: 22, economy: 7
4) Rana Naved-15 wickets-average: 14, economy: 7
5) Shahid Afridi-14 wickets-average: 12, economy: 6
6) Azhar Mahmood-13 wickets-average: 28, economy: 7
7) Umar Gul-12 wickets-average: 21, economy: 9
8) Junaid Khan-10 wickets-average: 15, economy: 6

Junaid Khan : A Unique Prospect! by Ahsan Akhtar

Junaid Khan is the latest pace sensation of Pakistan, With fast Bowlers, from Pakistan, there is always something that strikes you, But this latest product of the pace mill in Pakistan is unique in his own way.

He may not be as quick as Akthar, or may not have the accuracy of a Mohammad Asif, He may not be as sharp as Umar Gul and he may not strike you with the reverse swinging ability of someone like Wahab Riaz. What he is actually, is a mix of all of them. A touch of Pace, swing and seam, line and length and reverse swing.

Junaid's normal speed is around 85-87Mph (Yes, if you talking about Pakistani fast bowlers 85-87mph is only average). Coupled with ability to bowl out-swingers to right handed batsman and the ability to bowl absolutely dream like yorkers, shown at the death in a county match against Northants.

He may not strike you like the impact made by, other left armers like, Amir and Wahab riaz but he will continue to be steady and graph will go onwards and upwards. He announced himself when he wrecked the Ireland top order, his figures in that match were 4/12.

He went wicket-less in first three games against West indies, considering that you would imagine that his average will be high but it does come as a surprise that his average is just 24.14, in his short International career thus far. He was praised by Micheal Holding, even though wicketless, shows that the potential of the boy is immense.

During his present county stint, for Lancashire, and performing admirably well in matches he was praised by the like of Nasser Hussain, Atherton and Bumble, with the later stating "He is bowling in Akram mode". For a new-comer like Junaid khan this will go down as a huge huge praise but also comes with the added of pressure of living upto the tag of a Pakistani great, of which I'm sure he will do in due course.

Wishing All The Very Best To Junaid Khan

All Time pakistan T20 Team by Imran Asghar

The first ever Twenty20 International game took place in Auckland, in February 2005, as the Mighty Aussies beat rivals New Zealand by 44 runs. Pakistan had to wait until the following year, in August, against England for a 5 wicket win. As T20 cricket is still fairly new to the game, I woke up this morning with a thought of whom are the best T20 Pakistan players? Then my mind switched to something new, if I had to name a all-time Pakistan T20 team who would be in my team. So I selected 11 players that would have been the best 11 to participate in the shortest format of the game for Pakistan.

My all time Pakistan T20 team is as follows:-

Saeed Anwar
The stylish opener, along with Sri Lanka's Kalu and Jayasuriya, gave limited overs Cricket a new breath. Where keeping wickets in hand was the key, they made sure batting at a strike rate of around 100 would give the team the perfect start. Anwar would make most people's Pakistan's Test line-up let alone any limted overs team. A easy choice.

Aamer Sohail
Aamer was again a elegant left hander, that had the ability to match Anwar shot for shot. Somewhat a loose canon, when it come to emotions on the pitch, no one could deny, he was a match winner of the highest order.

Zaheer Abbas
Zaheer was regarded the Asian Bradman and for no other reason that he had magic in his batting. The ability to play a long innings or a cameo that even Sir Viv would have been proud of. In my opinion, he is a must.

Inzamam-Ul-Haq
Inzi, as we all love to call him, for me is the greatest Pakistan batsman. Inzi had the natural ability to do anything that he wanted, apart from run fast (a little sarcasm). Again, like Anwar, a guy I would pick in any Pakistan line-up, in any era.

Mohammad Yousaf
Yousaf was a guy that had the ability to play a long innings, aswell the know how to accelerate at the right time. The ability to time a perfect chase is something not many have and he was one of the best. Ive selected him ahead of Javed Miandad, for the reason of his hard hitting, when and if required.

Kamran Akmal (WK)
Nowhere close to being the best keeper in Pakistan's history, he is the most exciting batsman though. This was the tough choice, as I'm a admirer of Moin Khan's hitting. Kamran's ability to bat anywhere from 1-8 makes him a dangerous player, that deserves his spot in T20 ahead of Moin, Tauseef, Bari and Latif.

Imran Khan (C)
Do I really need to justify his inclusion? In my opinion, not just Pakistan's, but the greatest all-rounder the world has seen(Yes Sobers Included). A fast bowler and more than just a handy batsman. Imran was, and always will be the King.

Shahid Afridi
What would a T20 team be without the guy who was born to play it missing? Mr Boom Boom, on his day, can win a lost game with pure super hitting, but his ability of picking up wickets while not going for much runs is his main strength.

Wasim Akram
With Waz it can be strongly argued that he is the greatest Left Armer ever (Australian Alan Davidson, his only competition). Akram was the king of swing and more than usefull with the bat. One of the first names on any team sheet, in any era.

Waqar Younis
The other half of the two W's, was as fast as you can get. Even though reverse swing was invented by Sarfraz and then taken over by Imran, not many have had the ability to bowl it at will. His yorkers, at the death would make him near impossible to play.

Saqlain Mushtaq
The inventor of the doosra, Saqi enjoyed bowling in the fielding restriction and death overs. The ability to attack and pick up wickets made him near impossible to play. For me a guy that would contest Qadir in a all-time test spot let alone a automatic choice in any Limited overs side.

So that was my team, feel free to comment and give your input on a all-time T20 team, opinions always vary.

Saqlain Mushtaq & Azhar Mahmood:- A Pakistani's Salute

In the last few weeks, we have read and listened to alot about the saga of Shahid Afridi and the PCB. Most 'Lala' fanatics have been enraged with anger with the treatment of their hero. I've always put my point through that I ain't a member of 'Team Afridi', 'Team Misbah' or 'Team PCB', I'm in the side of Team Pakistan. As long as Pakistan is winning I couldn't care less who is in the team and who isn't. Saying that there is two names I'd like to talk about and their treatment by the Cricket Board and some fans.

Saqlain Mushtaq was a class player. The inventor of the 'Doosra'. He revolutionised the art of off-spin bowling. Saqi picked up over 200 in 49 Test Matches and was the quickest bowler in ODI history to get to 100, 150, 200, 250 wickets. He finished up on 288 Wickets in 169 games. But stats were not what Saqi was about, he bowled a attacking line, during Fielding restrictions and death overs. In Test Cricket where off-spin bowling was primarily used to contain at one end this man made it into a wicket taking option. The biggestest compliment a off-spinner can get is praise from Muttiah Muralitharan, whom regards Saqlain has a mentor and a hero.

Saqi was ousted from the ODI team soon after the 2003 World Cup, in preference of Shaoib Malik being the spinner. Malik is a very good batsman but to pick him ahead of a player of Saqi's calibre in regards of bowling was beyond imagination. The next year, at the age of 27 Saqlain made his last Test appearance for the National team in a Test match against India in Multan. He had figures of 1-204 but when Sehwag and Sachin are in the form that they were in that match it can be hard on a flat surface. He went on to play extremely well for Surrey, Sussex and the ICL for Lahore Badshahs.

The second person is all-rounder Azhar Mahmood. Azhar was a very talented right arm seamer. More than just usefull he made a impact on the world stage. I remember watching his test debut back in 1997,as he got a Hundred on debut with a brillaint 128 not out against a solid attack of South Africa that included Alan Donald, Shaun Pollock and Kallis. He also got a unbeaten 50in the second innings, as Pakistan batted out day 5 in a drawn game. Azhar was one of the key players in Pakistan's 1999 World Cup final reaching team. In him and Abdul Razzaq possessed the best all-rounders in World Cricket. Azhar had the knack of picking up crucial Wickets and finished up on 123 ODI scalps. In 2007, Pakistan were knocked out by minnows Ireland in a game where Pakistan were outplayed. As a result of the defeat Pakistan had to make changes and made Azhar the scapegoat, He didn't represent the National side again.

Azhar then made a successful return to County Cricket, where for Surrey he, along with Saqlain, is regarded as a legend. Only when you walk through the Oval, do you realise how highly regarded the duo are. He is now having a impact on the Kent team with great effect.

We have made a noise about Afridi, like we did when Younis Khan was axed but these two Legends were treated in a sickening way. Truly disgusting way to axe a player to have wore that Green blazer with such pride.

Saqi and Ajju bhai, you have gone but will be remembered in my heart forever!!!

Wahab Riaz - Pakistan's Next Big Superstar!

Wahab Riaz’s selection for the tour of England last summer was a controversial & questionable one. There were common lines like: he has connections, he hails from a rich background/family, he only took 14 scalps in the 2009/10 season and so forth. Generally there were eyebrows raised as he was not one of the most deserving or impressive performers within the domestic circuit. To further add to his woes & negative like reputation he was widely suspected for involvement in the spot fixing scandal with his jacket exchange outside a London restaurant captured by the News of the World. He was receiving overwhelming abuse from his own supporters contingent during the 2nd One Day International at Leeds in September where he was serving 12th man duties. A few hours before the 4th ODI at Lords he got caught up in a physical altercation with England’s Jonathan Trott. The level of dislike attached with him was staggering.

However, putting this aside Wahab has put all of these analogies behind him, overcome the speculations and negativity previously associated with his image, won many diehard supporters including myself, experts who sing his praises, people even going as far as saying he will be the “next big superstar” figure from Pakistan by simply letting his continuous heroic performances do the talking on the field to impress one and all. Full marks must be credited to Wahab for the manner in which he has fought, battled and responded to wet slap his doubters, haters & critics all within 1 full year of representing his country & that too at a relatively young age of 25. There were days in September where he was experiencing nothing but hell, but now he living the dreams of dreams by emerging as one of the best & most exciting finds in the international area with an extremely bright future ahead. The left arm sensation has surely done his fellow countrymen proud. I for one certainly know he has done me proud.

What a roller coaster journey he has gone through which includes:

1) First innings 5 for on Test debut at the Oval in a winning cause. This was Pakistan's first test match win on English territory in 9 years.

2) Leading wicket taker in the Faysal Bank Twenty20 tournament for Lahore Lions who won the tournament in October 2010 after Sialkot Stallions had won the competition for 5 years running previously.

3) Magical spell at Hamilton in a test played in January this year where Pakistan bowled out New Zealand in a single session, won a match in 3 day and went on to have a margin of victory of 10 wickets.

4) 30* in international T20 game on 26/12/10 at Eden Park which was Pakistan's highest score in that particular match.

5) Leading ODI wicket taker with 8 scalps in 3 matches against New Zealand in early 2011 which gave Pakistan their first ODI series win in New Zealand for 17 years.

6) 9 wickets in 5 LOI matches against West Indies which was the most by any Pakistan player from the touring party as they won the ODI series 3-2.

7) Arguably taking the catch of the CWC tournament against Canada on 03/03/11. Also, the game changing catch of Eoin Morgan he took at the Oval in the 3rd ODI at deep square leg last September.

8) 5/46 in Mohali semi final when his place in the team ahead of Shoaib Akhtar was questioned from all corners but he ended up going on to be the star of the show against a potent World Cup champion batting line up in one of the biggest sporting spectacles ever seen as far as media hype, revnues and excitement is concerned.

9) First two performances for Kent CCC now. In the first match he smashed an unbeaten 32* from 15 ball batting at number 6 in a spectacular match winning assault on the Glamorgan bowlers. Then he followed it up by taking 5/17 in just 3 overs including a hattrick against Gloucestershire in a stump cart wheeling exhibition of left arm destruction.

Simply admirable! You will run out of superlatives to describe what he has gone through & achieved. Personally, I believe he is Pakistan’s best pacer of the current generation & held this thought before the World Cup too. He has potential to overtake many other fast bowlers who have been relatively successful for Pak since the retirements of the 2 Ws. We are with you and behind you Wahab! May our milkshake loving tweeter experience all the success & happiness he is capable of ahead. An iconic and talismanic personality in the making.

T20:- A Team For The Format

With all due respect, I rate T20 Cricket as exactly what it is, the third child of Cricket. I prefer Test Cricket any day and even rate 50 over Cricket higher in regard. One thing that has bugged me is that nearly every side haven't made a side that is specific for the shortest version of the game. A good Test or ODI player will not necessarily become a a hit in T20 and most definitely the other way round, a class T20 player might be a disaster in Test Cricket. As a Pakistani supporter, I will now choose my T20 team, that I would like to see playing in the Fourth edition of the World Cup in June next year.

Imran Nazir:-
Imran is a explosive batsman that is tailor made for 20 over Cricket, He opens the batting at a brisk pace and has a good track record in the format. He averages at 32 runs with a strike rate of above 160.

Mohammad Hafeez
Well what a turnaround he has in his return to International Cricket over the last couple of years. Not just a opening batsman that can bat through 20 Overs, his also a quality off spinner.

Shoaib Malik
Former captain Shoaib Malik has been out of the team recently, for non Cricketing reasons. Malik is one of very few players that can bat 20 overs at a very good strike rate. A Match winner full stop.

Umar Akmal
Umar is a raw talent and the ace in the pack. Once Umar gets going there ain't bowlers good enough to stop him. The sort of man that will win you matches from the jaws of defeat.

Hammad Azam
Hammad is a former U-19 all-rounder. He comes with youth full energy and the ability to become a World beater. Would pick him for raw ability and potential alone.

Abdul Razzaq
Do I need to say much about the Razzler? He can open the bowling and as a batsman in full flow can bat at over the strike rate of 200. A must!!!

Sarfraz Ahmed
Sarfraz is a specialist Wicket-Keeper and as a batsman has come leaps and bounds. Most Pakistani's will understand how costly a keeper can be for the team, after all we are long sufferers of this problem.

Rana Naved
One of the best T20 bowlers in World Cricket at Domestic level. He also has a good record at International level but has been out of the reckoning for some time, again due to non-cricketing reasons. As he has never been charged, can't see why he should miss out.

Wahab Riaz
The new 'Darling' of Pakistan Cricket. Naturally a very quick left arm bowler. Has the ability to swing it away from the right hander and reverse the old ball. In my opinion, if he learns to swing it back in to the right hander, he will become the best bowler in the world. Also he has shown glimpses of good aggressive batting, not least in yesterdays game against Glamorgan, where he got 32 not out from 15 balls to steer Kent to a great win.

Umar Gul
Gul has not performed to his best for some time. But saying that this is his format. He can bowl the yorker at will and is key for any Pakistan team.

Saeed Ajmal
Ajmal is again, like Gul and Wahab, a match winning bowler. The offspinner, bowls a excellent doosra and is one of the best bowlers in the game today.

If you add the likes of Babar Azam, Navid Yasin, Abdur-Rehman and Junaid Khan to this squad then Pakistan have a team of World beaters. In this line up, they have eleven match-winners that can win a game single handingly. Potential winners, in my opinion.

Ive left Shahid Afridi out purposely, as a result of the 'retirement issue'.

Pakistan in West Indies 2011:- review

T20-West Indies won
ODIs- Pakistan won 3/2
Tests-Drawn 1/1
Overall: 4/4=unsatisfactory
 On Tests: We were missing Younis Khan. No Pakistan player had played in West Indies before. We only lost by 40 runs in the 1st test which is not comprehensive or such a significant area of concern. This same West Indies team beat back to back Ashes w...inners at home in 2009 so they shouldn't be underestimated. The only thing we missed out on was a chance at creating history by finally winning a test series on Caribbean turf, but overall it was a very respectable result IMO.
Outcome of 2nd Test
A comprehensive victory in the end. Pakistan have squared the series in St Kitts. Misbah Ul Haq has not lost a series as captain in 3 successive Test series contested. Pakistan have only lost 1 out of their last 5 test series contested with the defeat against England in August 2010 (3-1) under the leadership of now tainted Salman Butt who is currently serving a 10 year ban for spot fixing activities. The mission to win a first Test series in the Caribbean may not have been achieved, but the comeback was a tremendous effort. Overall, a disappointing tour ends on a high note. Incidentally Misbah's men become the first team to win a Test match at this specific venue which has traditionally been renowned for its flatness.
Now Pakistan will travel to Ireland for 2 one day internationals on the 28th & 30th of May respectively. The squad is the same, but with Younis Khan joining up with the team which will be led by Misbah Ul Haq. After the brief series Shahid Afridi will be staying in the UK to play in the Friends Provident Twenty20 cup for Hampshire who are the current defending champions of the county title. Afridi will be leading the Karachi Dolphins later in June during a super8 domestic 20/20 competition and therefore is expected to return from county duties mid way through that tournament.
Pakistan's next major cricketing assignment will be a tour of Zimbabwe in September which consists of 1 Test, 3 ODIs & 2 T20s. In between this time there will be the Sri Lankan Premier league from the 19th of July-4th August from Colombo, the stadium where Pakistan achieved some happy memories during the sub continental Cricket World Cup earlier in the year when they defeated Sri Lanka, Canada & broke Australia's 34 match undefeated winning streak. Several Pakistani players have signed up for the tournament which looks to be an exciting hit for all concerned. The same stadium is also set the stage the final of the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 tournament which Stuart Broad's England will be looking to retain.
Saeed Ajmal has been phenomenal throughout the series. West Indies have been totally answerless, clueless & puzzled against his mysteries and variations. He beat the edge with sharp turn and bounce on countless occasions in his spells where he created attacking lines & difficult angles for the batsmen to read him. Still hard to get your head around how he only played in 3/8 World Cup matches & wasn't preferred in the starting line up to start off with. A classy dedicated individual like him is bound to get you the results when you stick by him & utilise his gifted powers wisely. In short, a tour to fondly remember for the Faisalabad born off spinner. He demonstrated his classiness throughout & regularly had the batsmen guessing which made fascinating viewing.
Stats
After 17 Tests and 35 innings, Pakistan declared the innings. Last time they declared was against Sri Lanka in Colombo (SSC) in 2009.
Tuafeeq Umar's 135 was 2nd highest score by any Pakistan batsman in past 2 years [since May 23, 2009].
In 11 Test innings as captain, Misbah-ul-Haq has scored 632 runs at average of 90.28 with 7 fifties and 1 century. And guess what, all of this came after age of 36. With 412 runs in 2011, Misbah is now also leading run-getter of this year.
First time there have been two centurions in a single Test Match for Pakistan since the 2009 home series against Sri Lanka.
Congratulations to Saeed Ajmal for reaching 50 Test Wickets and being awarded MOTS for 17 wickets in 2 tests. Outstanding performance, but there was some controversial talk regarding his action this morning which Michael Holding brought up, however it is widely accepted that the doosra cannot be bowled with a total clean action so let it be. Well bowled Idone!
Overall Pakistan have kept their lead over West Indies in Tests overall with a 16/15 stance having played 46.

Misbah Is The Most Successful Pakistan Test Captain Since Inzamam
Test Record since 2007 World Cup & Inzy retirement under different captains. Considering Pakistan have never really been considered a top tier side for a considerable amount of time even a draw would be regarded as a positive achievement. Here is the record under the different leaders during this period of time. As you can see Misbah Ul Haq has the best record out of all the others who have had the chance to lead the nation since October 2007:
Malik: Played 5, won 0, , lost 2, drawn 3 (40% losses)
Younis: Played 5, won 0, lost 2, drawn 3 (40% losses)
Yousuf: Played 6, won 1, lost 4, drawn 1 (67% losses)
Afridi: Played 1, won 0, lost 1, drawn 0 (100% losses)
Butt: Played 5, won 2, lost 3, drawn 0 (60% losses)
Misbah: Played 6, won 2, lost 1, drawn 3 (17% losses)
Certainly signs of significant progression & rare stability BUT yet he gets continuously slated, intimidated & criticised at every given opportunity just because he is taking over ODI captaincy from a popular commercial figure in Pakistan whose performance, leadership & conduct was under the scanner? The current captain has restored the integrity, credibility & fortunes of the team since his much needed come back with his stature, calm flowing presence, leadership qualities, wisdom & remarkable personal form across both Tests & ODIs. Surely he deserves to be treated with honour, respect & praise head & shoulders above the rest instead of being treated like filth? Truly the saviour of Pakistan Cricket when it was at one of its lowest points imaginable with ongoing hardships, unfavourable results & international isolation. Taking over when the team had lost 10 out its last 15 last test matches was always going to be an uneasy challenge where he was completely up against it, however his presence has been like gold with reality being refreshingly different.
We should wish him well in ODIs now. His ODI form this year has been stupendous with 7 half centuries in 15 innings to go along with meaningful contributions of 35, 37 & 43* all during this year in positive results (12/19) wins. He has captained Pakistan in one ODI previously and beat India in 2008 when he was stand in skipper. Age should not be a barrier. Imran Khan captained when he was 40. This is more of a short term move for the next 18 months at best where there will be tournaments taking place as well. 18 months is a long time in Pakistan Cricket & having one stable deserving leader across all formats might just be a policy of utter genius from the PCB chairman. Personally, I feel the results will do the talking & the appointment will certainly work out from a team angle which comes before any individual personality. He has all the characteristics of a fine captain which former Pakistan Coach Geoff Lawson reiterated in October such as the ability to extract the best from other members of the team, father a healthy team atmosphere which is controversy free & lead with composure, increasing responsibility, guidance, cool headed thoughtfulness as opposed to reacting over emotionally, tactical awareness & cricketing intellect. The ideal package to have as captain. It has reflected in the results. Now time for it to be challenged in the shorter formats further. As followers of Pakistan Cricket let's get behind him. The dependable fellow Misbah is the man!

The Answer To Pakistan's Batting Woes.

It's a misconception that Pakistan don't produce good batsman. The names of Hanif Mohammad, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yousaf and Younis Khan are known around the world and are well respected. Infact each and everyone of these names would make any team in any era. So why are the current bunch of players failing to live up to the names above? Are there technical issues? or is a mental thing? what is the answer to the problem? everyone has a opinion, and this is mine.

The present young bunch with names like Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Ahmad Shahzad and Umar Akmal have been inconsistent to say the least. These guys have the talent to make it big and establish themselves in the folklore of Pakistani Batting greats but have been exposed to International Cricket without the right preparation. Many calls have been made for a Batting Coach to be installed to solve the problem, but I don't think that is the correct way of going about the issue. Each and every name I've named needed to be coached from u-15 and academy level by professional and expert coaches. That is the time to tinker and make any adjustments to any issue the player might have. Then you move onto U-19 and A team level, we need the best coaches to work with them so these players are not exposed badly at the highest level.

Two names, come to my mind, Inzamam-Ul-Haq and Saeed Anwar. Both have played the game in the modern era and are looked up to by most young players. They both had fantastic records and will be able to get the batsman ready for the big stage. For me, they will be able to get batsman technically and mentally ready for seaming track's in England, Bouncy in Australia and spinning in the sub-continent. These are the two people in my eye that can save the present bunch and then help out the likes of Babar Azam, Usman Sallu, Naved Yasin and Zain Abbas(thanks Maaz for the preview of a exciting player)to make the transition from A team level to first team without much hassle.

The talent is there, we need the right approach and the right men to help out at the correct level.

The Loss Of Pakistan's Cricketing Heritage!

As Pakistan lurched to a somewhat humiliating loss to the West Indies you couldn't help but be dismayed by their lack of respect to their cricketing heritage
A heritage that has somewhat been lost in the current age with fans being in awe of the Pakistani players natural talents and flashy shot making.Which is duly justified for its truly captivating,but behind the mastery of this for the likes of Javed Miandad,Zaheer Abbass and Inzamam ul Huq forgotten is the true grit and fight of these players.Even outside of these greats the lesser players like Mudasser Nazar and Mushtaq Mohammad to name but two again epitomised the characteristic of the cornered tiger moniker that is often attached to Pakistan.
And it must be said throughout it's cricketing history always embraced.......
This more than anything taught in 1958 by the man regarded as the father of Pakistan cricket in Hanif Mohammad.Who like most of Pakistan's batsman had the flash and the pizazz with his invention of the reverse sweep is testimony to this.
Though more than anything he cast in stone the true meaning behind success and respect in Test cricket for the future Pakistan players to follow.In regards to grit, concentration,fight and persevering no matter what the situation.
A day in Bridgetown,Barbados saw to this legacy in a situation about as dire as you'd get on a cricket field. In regards to being 473 behind on the first innings with three days still to play....
Put down your glasses guaranteed defeat in those circumstances........................!
Though this is where the game was popularised from a splinter sport in Pakistan to the hysterical following it has today.In a stay of over 16 hours at the crease that reaped a remarkable 337 against an attack that had the fire of Roy Gilchrist,the swing of Eric Atkinson and the class of spinners Collie Smith and Alf Valentine. Topped with the precocious youthful talents of Garfield Sobers. So you can see he wasn't playing against mugs to ease the pressure of in this cauldron like situation.In prevailing against these overwhelming odds. Hanif treated every ball as though it was a loaded grenade and saw his side to a draw that must go down as one of the most remarkable in the games history.
One of the truly inspirational individual acts in the games history that in truth gives me chicken skin recollecting on it...
Though in this age where batsmen struggle to bat out a mere session, let alone a day. The inspiration is indeed lost and the message with it.Even more condemning as you watched the Pakistani batsman go down like nine pins with little or no fight in England last year and now against a West Indies Team that hadn't won a Test in two years.
Disturbingly strange in a way when you think of the cultural reverence of Pakistan people in general to the teachings of their elders.And this is no different in cricket with lessons passed on from old to young like Chinese whispers.You only have to think of the generational passage of reverse swing for Pakistan's fine pacemen.
So why can't the current Pakistan batting youth see the relevance in Hanif's lead to restore their sagging image on the World scene?For you don't need the highest talent to show the same application and concentration that this innings embodied.Even if they wanted further proof they only had to look at their chief destroyer recently in Darren Sammy.A man that is universally slated for his lack of talent,but forging success through adhering to the basics of the game.
It seems apparent that the current breed of Pakistan player pays homage to the sexiness and flash of Shahid Afridi and his like,rather than the old school teachings of Hanif Mohammad.Buying into the relative ease of the formers example,rather than forging hard and struggling to adhere to the difficulty of the later and the substance it represents
So with the ignorance to their heritage that Hanif forged in stone for all to follow.Sadly with it the current breed of players will burn Pakistan's image to the ground and leave it in ashes
How Hanif must have his head in his hands in mourning over this in his Karachi home!

Pakistan Vs West Indies. Test Series Preview

Preview-West Indies versus Pakistan Test Series
After the World Cup and the circus IPL, finally the purist get to immerse in a Test series.This 2 Test series between the West Indies and Pakistan hasn't the high profile as some of the more recent series.Though is intriguing by closeness between the two sides due to the incompleteness in their respective Teams.So with this in mind it should be a very tight series.


Here is my look at it starting with the host the West Indies


West Indies
Sadly for not only the Caribbean fans,but cricket fans in general the Windies have been beset by their Team being ravaged by players missing the Tests for the Indian Premier League.Then further undermined by the continued incompetence of their Board and not helped by the responses from their players.Leaving the Team in a mess.Arguably they start the Test series with their two best players in Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo counting their riches in the IPL.


My Team
The Team has many question marks with Chris Gayle leaving a gaping hole at the top of the order.The candidates to partner Lendl Simmons at the top were the veteran Devon Smith,who has previously struggled at this level of the game.Then the precociously talented youngster in Kraig Braithwaithe with Smith being preferred.Veterans in Ramaresh Sarwan and Marlon Samuels are back as is Shiv Chanderpaul after his conflict with the WICB.
Promisingly in the Team was the selection of the fine young leg spinner Devendra Bishoo,but tempered by Braithwaite being left out
This would be my Team


Simmons,Samuels,Sarwan,Bravo,Chanderpaul,Nash,Baugh,Sammy,Roach,Bishoo,Edwards


Key Men


Kemar Roach
This promising young quick showed he is starting to mature into a fine young bowler as seen in the Test series in Sri Lanka last year.Then backed it up with a very fine bowling display in the World Cup.The Pakistani batting without the class and steel of Younis Khan has talent,but lacks temperament.Though countering this is outside of Roach is the lack of class in the West Indian bowling-made worse with Dwayne Bravo not playing.So the Pakistani batsmen despite their inadequacies might be able to be a factor.This won't be the case if Roach bowls as he can and probably is one of the key factors in the series


Lendl Simmons
The Windies without Gayle are very fragile at the top of the order.The form of Simmons in the Odis recently showed that he is indeed an improved player from the one that had been found out in Tests recently.If he can indeed perform well at the top of the order. It will be a huge factor in the Windies not only being competitive,but having a chance to win


Darren Bravo
Every time you see this guy bat you drool at his potential greatness.Which has lead to him being unfairly labelled the 'Next Lara'.There is no doubt that he has the potential to be the next very fine West Indian batsman,but let him be the first Darren Bravo before comparing him to an icon! Though if in this series he can start to turn some of that potential into performance.The effect on the series will be huge


XFactors-Devendra Bishoo and Shiv Chanderpaul
The Windies lack class in their bowling,but in Devendra Bishoo they have a young leg spinner that to date has shown immense promise.In this series against the Pakistani's who aren't renowned for their temperament in the longer form of the game.He could be like a hot knife through butter with his refined bowling
Shiv Chanderpaul -throughout his excellent career Chanderpaul has been renowned for his shyness and unwillingness to talk as much as anything.Though in the wake of his recent treatment by the Selectors he has been akin to a Town crier.
So with the talk over now.....it's time to walk the walk Shiv.....
Whether he can will be crucial in the series


Pakistan
The Pakistani Team has been ravaged by the loss of their bowling Kingpins in Mohammud Asif and Mohammud Aamer and then further weakened by the loss of their batting supremo in Younis Khan.As always with Pakistan the Team is loaded with talent,but the key question being whether they have the temperament for Test match cricket.Plus outside questions over their batting is the queries over the effectiveness of their bowling without Asif and Aamer.Then always their fielding or incompetence in it will be huge in how they go

My Team
The loss of Younis Khan is huge in this series for it means that the Pakistani Team will be without it's best player and a man who can help guide the youngster at the crease.The bowling is workmanlike without having a key strike bowler and will try to make spin be a key factor in the series.
Keeping this in mind this will be my Team


Taufeeq,Hafeez,Azhar,Misbah,Shafique,Umar Akmal,Salman.Gul,Wahab,Ajmal,Tanvir


Key Men
Azhar Ali
This young number three batsmen has all the makings of being the next very fine Pakistani batsman.For he is very unlike the rest of the young Pakistani batsmen being a player built around temperament and technique,rather than flashy stroke play.In this series against a rather weak West Indies bowling line up the table is set for him to dominate


Wahab Riaz
This young left hand quick in his brief career has shown when he gets it right is one very dangerous bowler.In the World Cup in his dismembering of the legendary Indian batting in a high pressure match.You swore his was the sequel to Wasim Akram with his pace and lethal swing both traditional and reverse.
If he can replicate that the Windies batsman will be supremely outclassed


The Pakistani Spinners
In the Odi series the Pakistani initial dominance was built on the back of their spinners and the West Indian batsmen struggles against them.Here in the longer form of the game with the hosts batting looking very fragile.How the Pakistani spinners go against them will be key to the outcome of the series


XFactors-Pakistan's Temperament and Fielding
There is no doubt that in the shorter form of the game where flash is a key component Pakistan are very fine competitors.Though here in Test cricket where everything is about substance in regards to the success of Teams.No one will doubt the talent in the Pakistani side,but that only gets you so far with temperament in all regards getting you the rest of the way.To not only be competitive,but also to be victorious.
This will be the key for Pakistan in this series
Fielding-Throughout their history bar on a few brief occasions,Pakistan's fielding has been tantamount to a joke.Here in a series that promises to be tight it could be the deciding factor........


Prediction
This 2 Test series has draw written all over it due to the closeness of the Teams due to their inadequacies.Though the key difference between the two is Pakistan's inadequacies is born through players being talented,but yet to be factors in Test cricket.Whereas the West Indies have many in their line up who have been tried and failed at Test level or who just aren't up to the standard demanded.Unless of course their Team is improved by the return of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo during the series
Keeping this in mind I think Pakistan will win 1 nil (1 all draw if Gayle and Bravo were playing)


Man of Series-Azhar Ali
I think this young Pakistani batsman will dominate in this series against a weak (bar Roach) West Indian bowling line up

Are these players Test Class?

As a series of Tests are about to start in every side there is one or two players that the fans know have talent and have even been in awe of their abilities on the occasions they have performed.Though sadly despite all this these players make you pull your hair out for they always tantalise and tease rather than being known for consistency
So can these maybe men become the players their Teams need?

Australia:
The Aussies after years of dominating have suddenly been challenged and slated.So they are forced with the prospect of having ageing veterans,young players who aren't up to it and players in the Team that are constant disappointments.They need quality in all departments,but here are two players that are a constant cause of consternation

Phil Hughes
This precociously talented opening batsman when he burst onto the scene by scoring twin hundreds in South Africa against an attack containing Steyn,Morkel,Ntini and Kallis.It wasn't just the runs he scored but how he scored them that had the Aussie fans drooling.The sensationalist Press labelled him as 'The Next Bradman' such was his fanfare and belief in him being the real deal....
Though sadly for Hughes everything after his exceptional debut series in South Africa has been downhill with his next series in England in the Ashes seeing him being exposed to having a weakness outside off.Which was duly exploited with him struggling and dropped.Then after he has been in an out of the Team and in the current Ashes series where he played 3 Tests he again struggled mightily with the same weakness being exposed.
Test Future-Yes-In time
Hughes is the man that Australia so need,but at present isn't Test class because of his looseness outside off.Though this is more a failure of the Coaches in Cricket Australia who have failed to address his weakness.The fact that he is young at 22 and in his junior career known for his determination and work ethic.If Cricket Australia get the right Coach that addresses his issues he should be a long term player for Australia.In the interim he should spend time in first class cricket honing his technique till it's adequate for Test cricket

Mitchell Johnson
This guy when he performed in South Africa with both bat and ball showed himself to be the most devastating player in the game.Though since he has done his best to emulate Steve Harmison from England in regards to being such a tease with both bat and ball.His bowling which is most coveted by the Aussies is very one dimensional with him rarely if ever swinging or seaming it.He just relies on the natural angle that he gets as a left armer.So he was rendered impotent by the English tactics of just letting him go in the knowledge of his inability to swing it in.Then picking off his bad ball which are often for he is erratic.
Test Future-No-Too many chances
In his career he has shown an inability to improve his technique in regards to swinging the ball so is very one dimensional and has been worked out.So time for Australia to stop reminiscing of his devastation in South Africa and live in the now and discard him


Upcoming Youth-Nic Maddison (opening batsman),Josh Hazelwood (fast bowler),Shaun Marsh (batsmen),James Faulkner (bowling allrounder),Luke Butterworth (bowling all rounder)


India:
The Indian's are on Cloud 9 after their World Cup win and continued excellence in Tests.Though their side is desperately in need of some quality in the bowling ranks.Then there is a place in their batting line up in question.Here are two who could fill these needs


Ishant Sharma
In 08/9 series against Australia in India he was the answer to every Indian's prayers.A fast bowler who got it into the 140's with swing,seam and menace.Though after this his promise turned into a false dawn with him disappointing more often than not.To the point where he went through a period where he lost his pace,swing.seam and basically everything and was just a gift to batsmen.
Test Future-Yes-Just needs guidance in the mental side of the game
His age is with him being only 22.Though it seems apparent that he has great skill,but suffers with the mental demands of the game.A good idea would to have a past player or Coach closely mentor him.Plus he needs to be properly managed so as to not play too much cricket and burn out.He showed glimpses of late of a return to form,but the tour to England where conditions will be to his liking will be a huge judgement on his future in Team India

Yuvraj Singh
In the wake of the World Cup win and his huge role in the victory there will be huge pressure to include Yuvraj in the Test side.For as he has done on occasion if he can replicate his devastating batting in Test as he does in Odi's then his benefit to India is huge.Plus his useful spin could be a factor too.
Test Future-No-Hasn't the technique/temperament for Tests
Though he is one of the most devastating players in the shorter forms of the game he hasn't the technique to last in Tests.Especially in conditions away from India.Plus he hasn't the mental toughness either as shown to how offended he was to the 'waterboy' taunts in Sri Lanka last year.


Upcoming Youth-Varun Aaron (fast bowler),Virat Kohli (batsman),Cheteshwar Pujara (batsman),Amit Mishra (leg spinner),Ravi Ashwin (off spinner)

Pakistan:
The men in green have been cut to their bones through losing the stars in their line up in Mohammud Asif and Mohammud Aamer.Also they have a batting line up in transition with more young players inserted.Though the key question with Pakistan is never ability,but more so temperament.For which they struggle with mightily in the longer form of the game.Here are two who could have a marked effect on their side


Wahab Riaz
The loss of Mohammud Asif and Mohammud Aamer has basically ripped the heart out of Pakistan's bowling.In Wahab Riaz we always knew he was a strong big hearted performer as seen in the Pakistan A Tour in Australia a few years back.He had pace and could swing it with the benefit of being a left hander.In his 5 Tests he has shown potential to be a factor and then other times where he's been erratic and been flayed
Test Future-Yes
His ability to swing the ball coupled with his pace means that more than likely he will be a very fine bowler in Tests for Pakistan


Umar Akmal
This young batsmen has all the talent under the sun as seen in New Zealand where he more often than not flayed the Kiwi bowlers all over the park.Though after he struggled in Australia then in England showed a disturbing lack of mental aptitude and heart
Test Future-Yes-In time if he tightens up and mentally matures
Akmal is a difficult one for he has such talent,but is so mentally weak.In Tests talent only gets you so far and the rest is mental.So on this basis its hard to have faith in him being a long term Test player.Though on his side is he is only 20 and mental toughness might come with more maturity.So based on this we have to err on the side of believing in him


Upcoming Youth-Babar Azam (batsman),Raza Hasan (spinner) Anwar Ali (fast bowler)Umar Amin (batsman)Hammad Azam (allrounder)

South Africa:
South Africa is always a Team that has threatened to dominate Test cricket,but always falls a bit short.Though they are not that far away with most aspects of the game covered with excellent options.These two could take them to the top of the Test tree


J.P.Duminy
We saw him in Australia in 08 be a good imitation of Brian Lara with how he played.He had everyone abuzz with thoughts of what he could be and then he is also a more than useful part time spinner.Though since he was found out by spin and had questions of mental frailty put on him.Duly being discarded from the South African Team
Test Future-No
It's very difficult judging Duminy with just how good he looked in Australia.Though since he has struggled and his inability to play against off spin is very difficult to overcome.Plus queries on his mental side makes him a player that might struggle with Tests in the future


Imran Tahir
This leg spinner has been in more places across the Globe than most of the 17th Century explorers.Though at 32 has yet to play Test cricket which poses the automatic question as to why?His first class record is very impressive and the fact that he is a leg spinner makes this even more puzzling.Then you see he spent a lot of his career in Pakistan and start to understand in part why....
Test Future-Yes-Few outside Asia are good against spin
He looks like the South African version of Australia's Colin 'Funky' Miller and like Miller I expect him to be just as successful.Especially in a South African side with the pressure exerted through their bowling might.


Upcoming Youth-Rilee Roussouw (batsman),Wayne Parnell (fast bowler)

Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan's had a Team to challenge the very best when they had Lasith Malinga playing.Though his retirement from Tests has left them short of quality in bowling to be a factor in the longer form of the game.Though these two could still make them a dangerous Team


Angelo Mathews
This young Sri Lankan is lauded for his potential both as an all rounder and a leader.Though up until now he has been adequate with bat in Tests,but struggled mightily with the ball.In Tests so far he has yet to have a break through performance to back up all the hype about him.
Test Future-Yes
Mathews is only 23 and every time you see him you feel he has a presence.So it's only a matter of that he starts to be a huge factor in Test cricket with both bat and ball.Then ultimately as a leader

Ajantha Mendis
The call around the cricket World is that the 'Mendis Mystery' has been solved.....
I don't share that view for id agree that the Indian's have solved him,but the fact that the Kings of spin the Indian's struggled against him initially shows his potential.For Indian's as a rule maul any spinner.
Test Future-Yes
The fact of Mendis is in his 15 Test career he has played only 4 against non Asian opposition.So that automatically makes it hard when your a spinner.I still think he has a role to play in Test cricket for the non Asian players won't find playing him particularly easy.Especially in Sri Lankan condirions as we saw with the West Indian struggles against him recently


Upcoming Youth-Dinesh Chandimal (batsman/keeper),Suranga Lakmal (fast bowler),Suraj Randiv (spinner),

West Indies
The Windies has been beset by players being lost to the IPL and general incompetence from their Board.So been hard to have a competitive Team be assembled in these circumstances.Though still amongst the gloom there are promising players


Devendra Bishoo
This young leg spinner was a revolution in the World Cup and then recently in the 5 Odi series against Pakistan.It made you automatically think can he be a factor on the Test scene as well
Test Future-Yes
I think Bishoo will turn out to be a very fine Test bowler for the West Indies.He is a lovely traditional leg spin bowling with his main intention being to get wickets.Plus along with his leg spinners bag of tricks he has the accuracy that is so crucial with being a factor with his difficult craft.For many leg spinners often let the pressure off in overs with loose balls.Bishoo isn't one of these.

Lendl Simmons
This young attacking batsman had one visit to Test cricket a few years back but was found to be wanting technically.Though on his return to the International arena in the recent Odi series against Pakistan he showed he has worked hard on his game and dominated.
Test Future-Borderline-but yes on his work effort and willingness to improve
I still have doubts about his technique and temperament in the Test arena with him being flashy and flash doesn't last long in real cricket.Though with the obvious work he has put into his game and the confidence he is showing he deserves a chance to see if he is up to it.Plus he is a determined lad and you can never underplay that in sport


Upcoming Youth-Kraig Braithwaithe (batsman),Darren Bravo (batsman),Jason Holder (fast bowler)

England
The English are still celebrating their mauling of the Aussies in the Ashes.Though the questions we all ask after seeing that is are they that good or made to look good by a very weak Australian side?These two players could help strengthen their Team


Ravi Bopara
The man who is touted to be the favourite to take Paul Collingwood's place at number 6.Who in his previous visit to Test cricket a few years ago struggled with the demands.In a sense he is a similar player to what Paul Collingwood represented for England at 6.A batsman that can bowl useful medium pace,but unlike Collingwood lacks his renowned grit.Also suspect against swing bowling.Which is never good when you are an English player!
Test Future-No
There are many in England more suited to the number 6 spot than Bopara.


Stuart Broad
The pin up boy of English cricket with ability in spades in regards to both bowling and batting.Given a huge recommendation with his appointment as T20 Captain.Though can see the boys ability aren't sold on his mental aptitude.He seems to be a churlish little boy in a mans body and to me that my stifle him from turning potential into consistent performance
Test Future-Yes but needs a KP type shake up
The boy has got most things given to him to easily so I would favour him being dropped for the Sri Lankan Tests.This to show that he is not irreplacable and needs to grow up.For with his ability and maturity added he has the potential to be one of the best players in World cricket


Upcoming Youth-James Taylor (batsman),James Hildreth (batsman,Chris Woakes (all rounder),Danny Briggs (spinner),Jade Dernbach (fast bowler)

New Zealand

Tim Southee
Ive watched this lad since he was 17 and even then from a technically point of view.He is such a beautiful natural swing bowler.That has struggle with the expectations,but as seen in the World Cup is slowly starting to mature.Also a very decent lower order batsman
Test Future-Definitely!
I can see him being the next great Kiwi bowler and good enough with the bat to get a few hundreds


Ross Taylor
This lad has all the ability in the World to be a very fine Test player,but then just lacks the temperament.Hopefully with the leadership bestowed on him in 2010 in Odi's it will make him be more mature.
Test Future-Yes but will never be what he could be
On his ability should be one of the very best but hasn't the mental aptitude to make this a reality.So will be on occasion a great player,but more often than not just serviceable bordering on frustrating


Upcoming Youth-Kane Williamson (batsman),Hamish Bennett (fast bowler)

Bangladesh
The Tigers are symbolic by their youth in the Test arena.In terms of having talent,but very little temperament.Though these youngsters might make a difference


Jahurul Islam
I saw him in England in his debut series and he looked like a player that paid homage to the technical side of the game.Plus it seemed that he had a nice temperament.
Test Future-Yes in time
Though initially he hasn't got the runs on the board.He shows that he has what is needed in Tests cricket in term of technique,temperament and grit


Shafiul Islam
This slippery fast bowler in the World Cup showed that he has the ability to lead the attack.Showing he has skill to swing and seam the ball at decent pace
Test Future-Yes
Shafiul should be the long term leader for Bangladesh's young attack and can mature into a very decent bowler


Upcoming Youth-Noor Hossain (leg spinner),Suhrawadi Shuvo (spinner)