Shaka & Racheal,

First of all, I'm of the view that Sami is just going through a lean patch, and that he is most definately a better bowler than he has been bowling of late. He just needs some time to find his form back.

Second of all, I think my earlier post gave the impression that I don't rate Rao Iftikhar, I do, I just think he has been hyped more than it would have been good for him, the result was that he under performed against an opposition like Zimbabwe. He is a promising talent as far as I'm concerned and his career is by no means over.

Thirdly Racheal, I think since the post world cup period our selectors have tried out virtually each and every young prospect that has been named, if not directly into the national side, they've been given opportunities to go and play against other international "A" and academy sides. Nobody should complain in this respect as far as I'm concerned.

ps: this is Rao's profile as submitted by Osman Samiuddin at cricket info: With a high-arm action modelled on Glenn McGrath, Iftikhar Anjum is another addition to Pakistan’s seemingly endless production line of pace bowlers. Iftikhar, however, is more Aaqib Javed than Wasim Akram or Waqar Younis, and his outswinger is considered by many to be just as lethal as Aaqib’s. And as is a prerequisite for Pakistani bowlers, he can bowl reverse-swing when the ball gets a bit rougher, with good control over his yorkers. Iftikhar has performed consistently well in the domestic circuit since making his debut three years ago, taking over 200 wickets on the generally lifeless pitches of Pakistan. It was his stellar performances in the current domestic season that brought him to national attention. Iftikhar led his team – the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited – to victory in the Patron’s Trophy final against WAPDA, taking seven wickets in the first innings and ending with ten in the match. Not surprisingly, he was included in Pakistan's one-day squad for the series against India.