Pakistan pick squad for South Africa

As expected and reported, Shoaib Akhtar and Shabbir Ahmed have been left out of the squad, as has been Shahid Afridi. One hopes that the Pakistani team will not have to suffer due to the absences of Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi, the only two real match winners in the squad. Perhaps rightfully so, Shahid Nazir has been retained, but the come back for Mohammad Sami really does bother me. His form has not been substantial in any way, and in fact he has struggledeven in the first class realm. Taking Asim Kamal, Faisal Iqbal and Yasir Hameed along in a squad of 17, really doesn't give any confidence to the current squad, and gives no certainty to any of the players.



My Starting XI:



Mohammad Hafeez

Shoaib Malik

Younis Khan

Mohammad Yousuf

Inzamam

Faisal Iqbal

Kamran Akmal

Umar Gul

Shahid Nazir

Rana Naved

Danish Kaneria

Technorati Tags: pakistan, cricket, pakistan cricket board, selectors, shahid nazir, shoaib akhtar, shabbir ahmed, mohammad sami

Afridi out, Nazir out; Sami and Kaneria in.

Have the PCB's selectors lost their minds? For the upcoming ODI series with the WI, not only have they left out Shahid Afridi, they have also dropped Shahid Nazir, Faisal Iqbal and Samiullah Niazi. Mohammad Sami and Danish Kaneria have been retained, while Rana Naved, Rao Iftikhar and Abdul Rehman have been retained.

I find this selection policy inexplicable. Faisal Iqbal and Samiullah Niazi have been kept on the fringe of the squad for months now, as has been Abdul Rehman. I can understand any of them being left aside, yet what about Shahid Nazir? He has bowled consistently, with control and has made the ball dance on many occasions. 11 wickets at 29 a pop, and only at around 3.3 an over, any one would think would be enough to be retained for the squad. I recognize the need to give Rana Naved another try, specially given his prior form, but Mohammad Sami? Rao Iftikhar? This is hardly rewarding and consistent of the PCB. And truly, when does the PCB intend to give Iqbal, Niazi and Rehman a try? When will the youngsters be blooded? When will they be given a chance?

This space and I have always been a big fan of Shahid Afridi, and many a time have been almost too forgiving of his many lapses. Yet, he is perhaps the only player on the Pakistani side, outside of Inzamam who in ODI cricket is a proven match winner and a difference maker. Yes, his form has been poor. Yes, he has not made a difference for some time. Yet, I would contend that a drop during the Test series with the WI was enough of a wake up call. He cannot be left to languish, he is too good for that. Kamran Abbasi does agree with me. I find some solace in the thought that the squad is only named for the first ODI, and can be changed for the latter matches. Shahid Afridi must play.

Pakistan dismiss England, 300+ tp win

Pakistan recovered reasonably well, to dismiss England for 345, giving them a score of 323 to win on the final day. Sami and Shahid Nazir bowled well, and now the batsmen will have to see what they can do. Already behind 1-0 in the test series, the mindset of the Pakistani squad will be of primary importance. They don't want to be caught with the mindset which lead the Indians to defeat multiple times against Pakistan.

Pakistan behind the eight ball.

Pakistan isn't having much luck in England. An increasingly toothless bowling attack, injuries to batsmen and now finally decisions going agaainst them today.

Pakistan got a reasonable start to the day, by having England lose three wickets just before lunch. Things could have been more dire for England but Kevin Pietersen was given not out off a clear edge to the keeper. In typical Pietersen style, England were quickly taken past the 250 mark just after tea. Pietersen retired hurt ater being dropped at mid-wicket. Umar Gul was able to dismiss Chris Read and Hoggard to leave England at 347 for 6.

What was missing all day was some one to actually bowl in an incisive manner to the English batting squad. Pakistan having dropped Afridi and Razzaq, were really let down by Sami and Kaneria who really were not able to demonstrate any probe to their bowling. Shahid Nazir bowled well, but with minimal results to be at 1-62 off 22 overs. Pakistan need to work hard to get England out for a score below 400, and then their batting stars have to really show up and perform.

Its not going to be easy.