Pak v SL: 2nd Test match

[Shaka]

I said earlier in this thread that any team would want Shoiab malik in their team because he can defend resolutely when the situation rquires and also has the capability to smash quick runs when the opportunity presents itself. We saw both sides of his game today, as he was far and away the most composed bat out there (despite previously being labelled an ODI specialist). He carefully worked the score to within reaching distance then finishe the match in style blasting 22 off the final over to bring up his 50 and win the game.

Unfortunately this does shed some of the other batsmen in a lesser light. For the 3rd time in four innings the specialist batsmen failed to cash in on a good track and collectively they failed to show the required application. For this reason alone, both Taufeeq Umar and Asim Kamal will have to make the test squads for Australia. Youhanna's place is not in doubt with his record (especially after winning the ICC trophy crunch game against India) but Yasser Hameed is a worry. He only looks comfortable playing aggressively but I can't see such an approach working in Australia. Imran Farhat probably did enough to secure his place with a couple of fifties but neither of these two ever give the impression they are in to stay.

Kaneria was great. On a wicket which didn't turn much he got very decent figures against a team who are no mugs against spin bowling. His career continues on it's upward curve.

[Milo]

Shaka, I think Taufeeq must open. Yasir Hamed should only play if they can put him in at 3. He is a liability as opener - his technique is not compact enough to see off the new ball. In Australia, against McGrath and co, you must ensure that your best batsmen (Inzi and Youhana) are not exposed too early. Can Shoaib Malik open? You praise his defence - can it stand up to the new ball?

[Shaka]

Milo, Shoaib Malik has opened in ODI matches but in reality he is by nature a middle order player. Yaaser Hameed, Imran Farhat and the others are more technically gifted players but simply don't have his application or willingness to dig in. Malik's defence is fine on a subcontinent wicket but he's still unproven at test level abroad. Even going in at 3 is asking a lot from someone who's natural spot should be around 6.

I can't see Yasser being asked to open in Australia, he's got plenty of shots but no patience. For me he only looks effective when in 'Sehwag' mode, when he tries to play more cautiously he looks uncomfortable and invariably gets out when frustrated. Neither is he prepared to leave wide balls alone. In the first innings he was out lunging forward to an away swinger which started a yard outside off stump. There was just no need to play a shot, that too a defensive one. He finds too many unnecessary ways of getting out, despite his decent record so far.

[Milo]

OK then Shaka, are we looking at this team then?

Taufeeq, Farhat, Yasir, Inzamam, Youhana, Shoaib Malik, Razzaq, Kamal, Shoaib, Kaneria, Naved/Sami - take your pick (assuming that Shabbir and Umar Gal are not fit).

[Maranello]

Shabbir will probably be fit, at least that is what everyone is working towards - I would rather have him instead of Rana Naved or Sami.

Taufeeq is not currently in the squad, and knowing Pakistan's selection chaos, may not even be picked!

Younis Khan would be preferred by Woolmer to anyone else at no.3 at the moment...

[Shaka]

I think Younis Khan has done enough in this game to justify his selection, but I have always thought he should bat at no 3 otherwise he shouldn't play. Shabbir will definitely be going to Australia and with the bounce he generates I think he can definitely get wickets assuming he gets his radar right. This doesn't always happen but he almost always bowls some absolute pearlers in every spell. He could quite easily nick out a couple of wickets with the new ball against any sid in the world.

Taufeeq is back on the runs trail in domestic cricket. Whatever his shortcomings Taufeeq has always been one of those to stand up to be counted in tough situations. That should be the first quality required for any batsman going to Australia.

[Maranello]

Yes and Taufeeq was the only batsman who played very well when Pakistan last played 2 Tests against Aus a couple of years back, so I'd have him and Farhat opening.

My team will be:

Taufeeq, Farhat, Younis, Inzi, Youhana, Shoaib Malik, Razzaq, Akmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir, Kaneria (12th man: Yasir Hameed for being the best fielder of the lot!).

If one of the batsman fails or gets injured, Asim Kamal should be the first-choice replacement.

For the bowlers, the replacement should be Sami and Naved.

There... that's your 15 man Test squad all selected!!

[Shaka]

Originally Posted by Maranello

My team will be:

Taufeeq, Farhat, Younis, Inzi, Youhana, Shoaib Malik, Razzaq, Akmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir, Kaneria (12th man: Yasir Hameed for being the best fielder of the lot!).

If one of the batsman fails or gets injured, Asim Kamal should be the first-choice replacement.

For the bowlers, the replacement should be Sami and Naved.

There... that's your 15 man Test squad all selected!!

I'd go along with that, my only question mark is against Razzaq's effectiveness as a 3rd seamer. But as Sami's form with the ball has also been patchy Razzaq's ability with the bat would probably swing in his favour. Added to that he can get the ball to leave left handers and the Aussie batting line up has plenty of those.