Pakistan Squad: My verdict

[Zainub]

Pakistan squad for PakTel Cup: 1 Yasir Hameed, 2 Salman Butt, 3 Shoaib Malik, 4 Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), 5 Yousuf Youhana, 6 Younis Khan, 7 Misbah-ul-Haq, 8 Bazid Khan, 9 Abdul Razzaq, 10 Moin Khan (wk), 11 Shahid Afridi, 12 Naved-ul-Hasan, 13 Shoaib Akhtar, 14 Mohammad Sami, 15 Iftikhar Anjum.

My verdict: Pakistan: We've left out Imran Farhat, which I will not argue with since he hasn't done him self any justice, but why Azhar Mahmood? In my first choice eleven I'd rotate between him and Afridi as the second allrounder. But the selectors definitely seem to be following another plan. I can't see why he should have been dropped without even playing a game; I don't even see why he shouldn't have picked earlier in the first place. We could -or rather should- have experimented playing him instead of Younus Khan coming into the Champions Trophy.

Younus Khan's inclusion remains controversial to say the least, his indifferent form has led to many asking him to be dropped. But It is unlikely though IMO that either him, Misbah or Bazid Khan or even the much talked about Rao Iftikhar Anjum will get a chance unless we are looking to rest the first choice players against Zimbabwe, which I do beleive we should. Pressure will be on Moin Khan as he is expected to reproduce the form that led to his recall. It’s anyone's guess if he'll hang around until 2007 so the selectors might well be pondering over grooming Kamran Akmal or Attiquzaman in the near future. I hope he makes a statement in this regard with his performance.

[Shaka]

I think if Rao Iftikhar is the best bowling prospect we have then Azhar should be considered as an alternative. We could do with a genuine 3rd seam bowler but Rao looks ordinairy to me so far so might as well stiffen a weak looking batting line up.

[Rachael]

Zainub: 6 months ago there was a big noise being made about up and coming Pakistani bowlers who were managing controlled medium paced (perhaps fast-medium, but not quick) swing bowling as if they had been brought up in English conditions. We were hearing that unlike Sami and Akhtar they COULD consistently find a good line and length.. and COULD bowl to a plan.. and COULD keep the ball one side of the wicket

I can't recall the names.. but there were several: are any of them in this squad.. and if not.. why not!

[Shaka]

Rachael,

I don't know much about any of these bowlers but I get the feeling that Pakistan supporters tend to over-hype up and coming players when established bowlers hit a lean patch. Iftikhar Rao is a prime example. Although he does get some away swing, he bowls at only around 80mph, doesn't offer much variation and his action looks awkward. I only saw his bowling in the first match against Zim but apparently he bowled a lot better in the 2nd.

[Zainub]

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.

[Shaka]

Originally Posted by Zainub Razvi

Shaka & Racheal,

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

Hi Zainub,

This what i mean about hype: "endless production line" doesn't mean that the line is definitely high quality! Rao has a very weird delivery stride where he seems to twist in mid air, but there's no doubt that the away swing should get him wickets with the new ball if he can pitch in the right areas. Aaqib had a nicer action and was a very competitive cricketer. Agree with you totally about Sami though, he's top quality and will prove it in the not too distant future!

[Zainub]

Originally Posted by Shaka

Hi Zainub, This what i mean about hype: "endless production line" doesn't mean that the line is definitely high quality! Rao has a very weird delivery stride where he seems to twist in mid air, but there's no doubt that the away swing should get him wickets with the new ball if he can pitch in the right areas. Aaqib had a nicer action and was a very competitive cricketer. Agree with you totally about Sami though, he's top quality and will prove it in the not too distant future!

I think I might just be more patient with Rao than you , he's only played two games, and is still only 23 so he can only improve from this stage, I maintain he might be a future option. I do think though just like you that he can improve on his action and follow through I'm actually surprised he's not been told that considering he has been in the first class circuit for as many as three years. Woolmer will work out what do with him. I will not play him though against Sri Lanka tomorrow, may be after we've qualified for the finals I migh give him another chance. Not tomorrow.

[Shaka]

Well, Woolmer rates him so you are in good company. Ultimately though he hasn't made the impression on me as Umer Gul did who I feel would have had a big impact in Australia with his lift and seam. We are going to miss him badly there.

I also liked the look of the opening bowler from the U19 world cup winning side ( not Riaz Afridi). I can't recall his name - tall slim guy?

[Zainub]

See this was my point, we have barely started the discussion an already we've come up with names like Riaz Afridi and Umer Gul, I agree on him though, he is the best talent we have come up with since Sami in the fast bowling department, and it's just a shame he's injuried him self. I'm glad though that Shabbir Ahmed is almost back, the news is that he is targetting the test series against Sri Lanka as his come back series.

On the under 19 player you are talking about, I've heard a lot about Wahab Riaz (he's a lefty) - but I've never seen him so can't tell if he is the same bowler you are talking about. I've checked out our 19 squad for the world cup , and we've listed in addition to Riaz Afirdi and Wahab Riaz the following: Ali Imran Pasha, Salman Qadir and Usman Saeed - all are right arm fast medium bowlers.

[Shaka]

The guy I was referring to was Ali Imran I am pretty sure. The reason I mentioned Gul btw, is because he's one of the few bowlers who I feel have actually justified te hype. In fact I think he has been under-rated. In Australia or England where conditions would suit he could be lethal.

Woolmer also has mentioned having seen Mohammed Irshad and describes him as pretty sharp. Rachael, I think the plan is for Woolmer to gradually have a look at all the options available and make his own mind up which guys are up to the grade. Rao has been given a chance here and I'm sure further down the line others will be too. Whether they justify the hype we will see then!