dhobi_bhai

Let's get this underway.

UAE series consisted of a breath of fresh air. Going from playing several matches a week to one match in 6 months, it was a fresh scene to see the squad in action.

Low points of the series: Terrible fast-bowling attack. There is no other way to say that the attack consisting of Shoaib Akhtar does not instill confidence. It failed in many areas. A 5-mile long run-up and delivering at 138.6 is not a sign that defines 'Shoaib Akhtar'. His effort balls were 146-148. Did he once go past 150? Did he bowl his full quota of overs in any match this series? Shoaib Akhtar, sadly, has become more of a "contained" bowler, someone who can bowl 3-4 overs at the start and immediately have to get replaced by a 3rd seamer.

Fast bowling attack is suffering, Umar Gul is high and low at times. Someone at the other end, someone who is fit to bowl the required quota of 10 overs, would be a good change. It was believed that the captain talked to Shoaib Akhtar before the 4th match and it was evident that he returned with good figures. The question remains, why was he "rested" for the third and crucial match after which Australia gained a 2-1 series lead? Everyone keeps talking about 'fit' Shoaib Akhtar but I really don't see that he passed any of the fitness requirements when his effort balls are in 140's range.

High points: Younis's captaincy is very good, regardless of his batting failures. You can see the effort in the field from him to his fielders, bowlers, and himself. He is constantly chatting with everyone, keeping team on their toes. He is not afraid to show his disgust at a misfield but immediately goes to the fielder and pats him on the back. Younis should have been captain long time ago. The team has a better leader now.

Afridi has obviously come good, in all aspects.

The opening of Salman Butt and Ahmed Shahzad did not start off on a positive note. Two run-outs, false starts. We need someone to take advantage of the power plays, Ahmed Shahzad lacked in that aspect. Give him another series, he may turn out a fine test player than an ODI player. Our opening attack is still in 'bits and pieces' mode.

Thoughts/comments/suggestions/concerns.

AQ

Good analysis... my response and rawaaN tabsarah

Agreed. But can we ever return to our glorious past especially the past of cornered tigers that started after the defeat in 87's semi final against Australia under the captaincy of Imran Khan?

Can these players match the likes of Miandad, Mohsin Hasan Khan, Abdul Qadir, Sarfaraz Nawaz, Shoaib Muhammad etc.? Probably not. Why? because they have that attitude missing in them.!

I've always maintained the view that he is tried and tested and he should be let go... Let him shine in Non-Pakistani games please ... True that he single handedly won Pakistan many matches but he is not capable of doing that anymore; it's a waste of trying him again and again in his 30's ... Why are we even wasting our young blood and not giving chance to people who can probably outlast Shoaib's legacy.

We have to remember, Pakistan strength has always been in Fast Bowling attack, whether it was the famous banana inswinging yorkers or the invention of reverse swing, Pakistan has ruled the world - If history is any teacher, we should keep our eyes open. Imran ruled the Cricketing World when he had a combine attack with Sarfaraz Nawaz. Wasim and Waqar ruled the ground together with Aaqib Javed helping them out as well...

I have noticed, recently Pakistan has lost the combination tactics. We rely on one bowler, either it would be Shoaib or Gul.... we do not make efforts to create pressure from both ends and that hurts the team even if one bowler is successfull, the opponent get away with him by outlasting other bowlers... Pakistan is lacking in that department ...

Pakistan is only wasting its new young talent on these stale bowlers... Gul is good but he needs a "saathi"


How about body language and team discipline? Is that improved as well...

Pakistani team used to fight 'till the last soldier standing' once upon a time... I do not get good vibes seeing this team when they are in crisis. They just mentally lose the game when the going gets tougher...!

What about playing with bat?
We need to hire Shoaib Muhammad to groom our opening attack