Shahid Afridi Reborn

[Shaka]

Quite a remarkable turnaround in this man's career which has seen more highs and lows than a Miami roller coaster. Started off his career by hitting the fastest ODI century (37 balls) in history as a 16 yr old - a record which stands to this day. Yet after the last World Cup it seemed there could be no way back following a long list of reckless failures as an opener against the new ball. Woolmer's arrival saw his re-introduction as primarily a bowler but Afridi quickly showed that he meant to make an impact as a late order batsman as well. A successful comeback has been crowned by a magnificent series of displays in the VB series against quality opposition. I think cricket fans everywhere will be the winners, he's an entertainer of the highest level and at ODI level as good a match-winner as any around these days. Great to see him back.

[Zainub]

Spot on Shaka, couldn't have agreed more, Woolmer's the perfect coach for Afridi. I've been just as delighted by Afridi's progress, since his return to the side last year in the one-day series vs India, he's been a very important (and in form) player for us, with both bat, ball as well as in the field - he's one of the few better fielders we can boast of.

Afridi's bowling has never let us down in my opinion. He's always been been a very smart bowler in one-day cricket. It's difficult to get him away when he's bowling top spinners at quite some pace. He can get you playing bat shots, and that's why I've seen him taking lot of his wickets that are catches in the point and cover region or bowled/stumped trying to hit down the ground.

In the past, it was his batting that was a worry. He's always been one of the most powerful hitters of a cricket ball in the world, but he's lacked in the past consistency, and many a times common sense and patience, now though things seemed to have changed for the better.

I think it has helped him no end the fact that he's now got a much more well defined role in the side, he knows that his primary role is to bowl 10 overs for 40 or less and take at least 2 wickets, and then if he gets the chance dash a quick 30-50 in the death overs - that's given him much more liberty to go for his shots and play his natural game.

[Shaka]

Yes, a tribute to his allround ability wouldn't be complete without a mention for his outstanding work in the field. A measure of how well he is bowling these days is that the Aussie batsmen still haven't managed to get a hold of him after playing against him in half a dozen games now.

Fianlly I think we should mention that other great attribute...his infectious enthusiasm for the game. Like Michael Clarke, he always seems to play with a big smile on his face and it's great to see cricketers who enjoy the game.

[Zainub]

I couldn't have agreed with you more Shaka, I really couldn't have. Part of the reason why he's such a good fielder as is that he actually enjoy's his fielding just as much as he dose his batting or bowling. Always trying to entertain the crowds, one way or the other.

In every team, there is one guy that gets the most ribbing from his team mates, rumor has it that he's the one in our team. And he's quite popular amongst the masses too you know, even in Australia it seemed to me.