Pakistan lose Test Series 2 - 1

After injuries and wickets were discussed more than actual performances, the series against South Africa came to an end, with South Africa winning the third test on the 3rd day, and winning the series 2 - 1.

Its interesting that after the third straight series for Pakistan, the positives remain the same, and so do the negatives. Discussing these really does feel like Deja Vu!

Yousuf, Younis and Inzamam demonstrated once again their indispensability to the middle order, and it was interesting that each innings required atleast one of them to fire, and when they did, the results were apparent. However, there were enough instances where none of the three fired, which is why the team lost the series rather than coming out with a winning advantage. Mohammad Asif once again, drug related issues aside, demonstrated why he is one of the leading talents in international cricket. Sending down 125 overs in 6 innings demonstrates his fitness and his commitment to the team. However, one must recognize that this isn't a long-term viable situation, where a fast bowler sends down spinner like overs. Its a recipe for injuries and for disaster.

On the negative side, even though Imran Farhat was just behind the troika in his runs in the series, neither he nor Mohammad Hafeez were able to assert themselves as the key opening duo. This really does leave the doors open for Salman Butt or Imran Nazir, who really just need to assert themselves to gain access to the squad. Yasir Hameed had one good innings, but was again unable to demonstrate a reason to make him a permanent fixture in the squad.

Injuries played a major role in Pakistan's performance in South Africa. Pakistan's two other premiere fast bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul, were unable to play due to injuries, while Shoaib Malik also missed the bulk of the series. Pakistan surely did miss Abdul Razzaq's middle order contributions with the bat, and then his bowling as well. Its been a long time since Pakistan's most talented bowlers were able to take the field together: Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul. Pakistan has to figure out a better fitness regime, or some other means of ensuring that their players become more resilient, rather than being injured more time than not. While Woolmer has been blaming the schedule, and the itinerary, perhaps he should be blaming his own team for being unable to maintain appropriate levels of fitness and training.

Another area of concern which has arisen over the past few months, has been Kamran Akmal's poor showing behind the stumps. While he remains a key member of the squad in spirit, and has shown himself to be a fighter with the bat, it is his ability with the gloves which he has to fine tune to ensure his position in the squad long term.

So at the end of the series, we are left where we were at the start, with no areas being clarified, and only further muddling. And for the next few months, any discussion for the test squad will be put aside to concentrate on the all important World Cup. But I'm sure we'll hear more about that.