Australia v Pakistan: build-up

[Maranello]

Correct

[Beny]

Saw some footage of Aktar bowling on the news. It was simply News camera angles but I was able to see from over the batsmen's shoulder. Shoaib looks bloody dangerous. Nice and Quick.

[Beny]

When the facts change, I change my mind . . . What do you do, Sir?

Look for new facts that represent my mind.

[Zainub]

Pakistan spearhead Shoaib Akhtar in action against the Western Australian second XI in Perth. Akhtar took 1-22 off five overs. (Courtsey Fox Sports)

Pakistan grind out lead
PAKISTAN were 7-235 in their first innings at stumps on the opening day of their tour match against a West Australian second XI at Perth's James Oval today. Younis Khan was unbeaten on 132 and Danish Kaneria was with him on two in reply to the home side's first innings of 158 all out.Matthew Petrie was the pick of the WA bowlers, claiming 4-26.Mohammed Sami (3-19) and Shoaib Akhtar (1-22) terrorised the WA top order in this morning's opening session, which was reeling at 4-18 before a 70-run stand between Luke Ronchi (66) and Scott Meuleman (32) gave the innings some credibility. Pakistan had slumped to 3-37 in reply, but steadied to lead by 77 runs at the close of play

Full report here

Hmm, not an ideal batting display I would think, with the next highest score after that century being a mere 29, and that too coming of the bat of Mohammad Sami. Well played to Younus Khan though, good to see him make runs at the number 3 spot. The others ought to do better next time. This is a handy lead though. And if the tail can stick around we might extent it to over three figures, and that would be a nice boast for the bowlers.

[Occasional Fan]

Cricinfo's score card shows 198 runs to Pakistan between tea and stumps. That's not hanging about! And 235-7 at stumps after being 33-3 is also not too shabby. Seventh wicket stand of 77 makes a bit of a difference.

[Zainub]

Hmm, that's very interesting, the Fox Sports scorecard didn't show as many details. But that's intresting that we managed to score as many runs as you say in a single session. May be I was too harsh, I guess you can't call this a bad display, and I didn't, (I actually used the word ideal for this very reason) but what was a concern for me was that Yasir Hameed, Imran Farhat, Yousuf Youhanna and Shoaib Malik, all in my books specialist batsmen and yet the highest score between them was just 11, the rest didn't even get into double figures, as a matter of fact 2 didn't even got off the mark. They should be looking to improve on that. But then, you have to be fair to these guys, this is just their first outing, and they will take time. I'm willing to be patient. You're right OF, not bad, but not good either, lets hope it gets better.

For the others here's the link to the cricket info scorecard

[Zainub]

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes the team have only a very slim chance of winning their forthcoming Test series in Australia. "I have been there some 10 times in the last 20 years and I know how tough it is going to be there. "In the past we went there with better and more experienced sides and still struggled," said Wasim. "Pakistan has a lot of talent and ability but they lack experience and the fast bowlers are struggling." Full report here

[Beny]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/com...E11088,00.html

SHOAIB Akhtar has fired the first shots in the resumption of his five-year war with Matthew Hayden by declaring Justin Langer a greater threat to Pakistan this summer.

Claims that Hayden is not at his best. I would agree, however his best is averaging 70+ in a calander year. His 'Bad' form this year resulted in an average of 44. Personaly I could live with that.

I think this may be a very good battle.

[vvvrulz]

Haha, at least someone has the nerve to sledge back at the Aussies publically. I'm a fan of Shoaib in that regard.

[Zainub]

What will be interesting to see how Hayden responds to that, hopefuly for us, not with another barage of runs...