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300 Test Wickets: Why Pakistan must groom a pacer exclusively for this task - Who will be the next?

Who can reach the 300-Test-wicket milestone for Pakistan?

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FearlessRoar

FearlessRoar

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We've had some incredible talent over the years, but surprisingly, no one has crossed the 300-Test-wicket mark since Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis hung up their boots.

Those two legends set the bar ridiculously high - Wasim with 414 wickets and Waqar with 373. But since then, we've struggled to find someone to reach those dizzying heights.

Note the significant gap: since 2003, no Pakistani pacer has crossed the 200-Test-wicket mark

90aB9au.png


So, what's gone wrong? For starters, injuries have plagued our pace bowlers, making it hard to build momentum. Even when fit, consistency has been a major issue. Another concern is Pakistan pacers' preference for T20 cricket.

Initially, I thought Mohammad Amir would end this drought, but he took a different path. Now, I have high hopes for Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah to achieve the 300-Test-wicket milestone for Pakistan. However, they're struggling with fitness and a lack of interest in red-ball cricket.

Khurram Shehzad's injury-prone nature doesn't inspire confidence. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain were never in contention. Currently, I believe Ali Raza can be a valuable asset for Pakistan if the PCB invests in him and grooms him exclusively for red-ball cricket. To reach 300 Test wickets, a bowler needs dedication, focus, and a clear goal.
 
At this rate Test Cricket will be done and dusted in about 5-10 yrs in Pakistan. There are just too many systemic issues within Pakistan cricket setup. Lack of bowlers remotely capable of taking 200 wkts let alone 300+ is just one of the many symptoms.
 
Ali Raza definitely a workhorse type bowler who can keep coming at you , definitely have the potential to reach 300 wkts as he is very young currently and in couple of years he will be ready for test cricket.
 
For a Pakistani fast bowler to take 300 Test wickets, he himself needs to have the desire and ambition to take 300 Test wickets and make Test cricket his priority.
 
Nobody is interested in the country to become a Test phaast bowler, the circumstances are such that everybody has to earn their bread and butter, earlier young cricketers were look after by their elder family members or some sugar daddies in club cricket.

Tiktok PubG Franchise cricket has changed the aspiratins of youngsters
 
Romali_rotti said:
No Pakistani fast bowler from here on will achieve 300 wickets imo. Test cricket will be dead in another 7 years I feel.
Click to expand...
India Aus and English will likely play in 7 years time. BGT and Ashes is high as quality cricket.

The rest will die out.
 
I seriously thought Shaheen would end the drought and complete 200 wickets before turning 25.
But, seeing his role in internal politics, lack of fitness and form, it will take much more time than expected.
Still I'm sure he will be the pacer alongside Naseem who will finish with 250+ wickets in test format.

Shaheen's bowling average of 27. 88 seems to be respectable but when you look his average against top teams, you will get to know that he's is another minnow basher like Babar Azam.

Shaheen's average against top teams
Vs Australia 38.4
Vs England 63
Vs Newzealand 44

Average against weaker teams
Vs Zimbabwe 16.4
Vs Windies 11.27
Vs Bangladesh 19

Pathetic numbers 🤦🏻‍♀️
 
Amir was right all along to have retired during the Misbah School of Mortons. The deal agreed with Mickey Arther made a lot of sense, I think under that deal and regime, he would be close to breaching the 200 wicket mark by now and I still think he is the most skilful bowler available in Pakistan.
 
Pak cricket is finished. We will never compete again in TEST cricket and in a few years time TEST cricket will not even be played in Pak.

What we can hope, but that is just hope that somehow all these mental midgets are replaced and a new fresh crop of players arrives. We might, in a few years time be able to compete in again in white ball cricket. Reality is that the system is rotten to the core and players have a pathetic mindset.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
India Aus and English will likely play in 7 years time. BGT and Ashes is high as quality cricket.

The rest will die out.
Click to expand...

I hope not. We should enjoy the Tests here in England while they last. Nothing beats watching a Test live in decent weather here. Maybe we will be those member pensioners, fast asleep in our suits and ties by the afternoon session.
 
FearlessRoar said:
We've had some incredible talent over the years, but surprisingly, no one has crossed the 300-Test-wicket mark since Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis hung up their boots.

Those two legends set the bar ridiculously high - Wasim with 414 wickets and Waqar with 373. But since then, we've struggled to find someone to reach those dizzying heights.

Note the significant gap: since 2003, no Pakistani pacer has crossed the 200-Test-wicket mark

90aB9au.png


So, what's gone wrong? For starters, injuries have plagued our pace bowlers, making it hard to build momentum. Even when fit, consistency has been a major issue. Another concern is Pakistan pacers' preference for T20 cricket.

Initially, I thought Mohammad Amir would end this drought, but he took a different path. Now, I have high hopes for Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah to achieve the 300-Test-wicket milestone for Pakistan. However, they're struggling with fitness and a lack of interest in red-ball cricket.

Khurram Shehzad's injury-prone nature doesn't inspire confidence. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain were never in contention. Currently, I believe Ali Raza can be a valuable asset for Pakistan if the PCB invests in him and grooms him exclusively for red-ball cricket. To reach 300 Test wickets, a bowler needs dedication, focus, and a clear goal.
Click to expand...
There should be an option of "No one". Don't see it happening anymore.
 
Need to stop overhyping bowlers after 1-2 memorable spells. Also, need to improve the pitches too.
 
I do not think any Pak bowler will ever take 300 wkts again but then same is likely true for WI, NZ, SA (Rabada will be last) as well.

Over the next decade we will likely see international whiteball cricket dwindle towards WCs and WT20s with global leagues and cros

Test cricket will dwindle into boutique series for Aus/India/England and maybe some pastiche World XIs
 
The one who looked capable of doing so was never given a chance to play... Yes, I am talking about Mohammad Abbas!
 
Pakistan barely plays 15 test in a 2 year cycle. You need about 75-80 Test matches to reach 300 wickets. I don't see any Pakistani pacer consistently playing test for 10-12 years.

Hence the answer will be NONE!!
 
I'm not sure how much longer we can keep blaming T20 leagues for the lack of quality Test pacers when other nations face the same issue yet are still producing decent options.

It's down to the board to manage the workloads of our pacers. T20 leagues have nothing to do with PCB playing our seamers in every bilateral white-ball series and ensuring they never play domestic FC matches. The lack of qualified coaches who understand biomechanics, poor pitches and negligent medical care all pre-date T20.

Firstly let's identify the skillset needed to take wickets on these dead flat pitches. We need guys who are:

a) Physically robust and capable of consistently bowling min. 20 overs/innings without a significant dropoff in pace.
b) Less dependent on movement through the air and more on hitting the surface hard with high release points. Sorry but these low slingy Hasan Ali types are gonna do jack.
c) Adequate pace - not necessarily express but minimum of 135kph at the very least.
d) Capable of bowling dry when situation requires. Pakistan in all formats constantly concede at least one boundary ball an over making it impossible to build pressure.

We've had 26 selectors in the last 3 years yet nobody can tell us what the selection criteria is when picking pacers, whether any profiling work is done, or what parameters the selectors are given.

There's technology now where umpires can literally wear a device that allows you to track release points, pace, seam, spin etc like ECB's iHawk. Sri Lanka, our Brothers in Chaos, have just invested in an Analytics Department. And there's ample fitness monitoring technology. PCB are not cash strapped like Zimbabwe. Instead of wasting money on useless mentors, spend on things that might make a tangible difference.
 
Kianig89 said:
Nobody is interested in the country to become a Test phaast bowler, the circumstances are such that everybody has to earn their bread and butter, earlier young cricketers were look after by their elder family members or some sugar daddies in club cricket.

Tiktok PubG Franchise cricket has changed the aspiratins of youngsters
Click to expand...
Every cricketer around the world will have the franchise lollipop in front of them. The big issue for Pakistan is there’s hardly any money playing domestic cricket or even in terms of the PCB’s retainer, match fees, etc. Pakistan is poor, the board’s finances are questionable at best, PSL while it pays ok is nowhere near IPL or other leagues. Until
Pakistan can become a “rich” board we’re never goona produce a 300 wicket test bowler. We also need to prioritize FC cricket. When’s the last time any of our top batters played domestic FC games? Babar hasn’t been anywhere near the domestic circuit apart from some white ball, he doesn’t even play county which used to be somewhere serious Pakistani batsmen went to hone their skills.
 
Markhor said:
I'm not sure how much longer we can keep blaming T20 leagues for the lack of quality Test pacers when other nations face the same issue yet are still producing decent options.

It's down to the board to manage the workloads of our pacers. T20 leagues have nothing to do with PCB playing our seamers in every bilateral white-ball series and ensuring they never play domestic FC matches. The lack of qualified coaches who understand biomechanics, poor pitches and negligent medical care all pre-date T20.

Firstly let's identify the skillset needed to take wickets on these dead flat pitches. We need guys who are:

a) Physically robust and capable of consistently bowling min. 20 overs/innings without a significant dropoff in pace.
b) Less dependent on movement through the air and more on hitting the surface hard with high release points. Sorry but these low slingy Hasan Ali types are gonna do jack.
c) Adequate pace - not necessarily express but minimum of 135kph at the very least.
d) Capable of bowling dry when situation requires. Pakistan in all formats constantly concede at least one boundary ball an over making it impossible to build pressure.

We've had 26 selectors in the last 3 years yet nobody can tell us what the selection criteria is when picking pacers, whether any profiling work is done, or what parameters the selectors are given.

There's technology now where umpires can literally wear a device that allows you to track release points, pace, seam, spin etc like ECB's iHawk. Sri Lanka, our Brothers in Chaos, have just invested in an Analytics Department. And there's ample fitness monitoring technology. PCB are not cash strapped like Zimbabwe. Instead of wasting money on useless mentors, spend on things that might make a tangible difference.
Click to expand...
Nassem got injured prior a World Cup playing in SLPL!. What a joke and he's not the same bowler now
 
can you please add an option for none. i dont think we are going to produce any 300 test wicket bowler from existing stocks or anytime soon. few reasons:
a) psl/t20 league culture, no incenstive to put hard yards, play long first class seasons, fitness for 4/5 day, etc.
b) kookabura bowl even in home tests, doens't really help fast bowlers after initial 15 overs or so
c) not as much reverse now based on tactics used during games, extra cameras, etc.
d) lack of tests Pakistan plays each year, this year is an exception
e) no more test minnows that we play that also help boost stats (in the 90s era bowlers were able to feast on playing Zim, Srl, Nz, etc., now we are not even able to beat Bangladesh, let alone boost stats)
 
SpiritOf1903 said:
Nassem got injured prior a World Cup playing in SLPL!. What a joke and he's not the same bowler now
Click to expand...
PCB should've denied the NOC. What the heck was the point of playing LPL in hot and humid Sri Lanka when there was the Afghanistan series, Asia Cup and World Cup literally in the next two months or so.

But they made the situation worse by continuing to play him through injury.

That's why I said we can keep blaming these leagues but it's up to the Board to properly manage the workload of our pacers. However our Circus Board is incapable of even basic common sense.
 
Pakistan need to play at least 13 - 15 Test Matches every year , then only they will have 300 Test fast bowlers.
 
I feel like current Pakistani players are distracted by social media and franchise cricket. That probably prevents them from being consistent.

Anyway, Shaheen can still come back strong and end up with 300+ Test wickets. He is young.
 
the only world class test quality pacer Pakistan have produced in the last 25 years is Mohamad asif. let that sink in. its not a new phenomenon, Pakistani cricketers are less athletic, dumber and a part of a weaker system than thirty years ago, so there is no hope.
 
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem are very good bowlers. Had they been managed carefully and not played every gully-nukkad type games they would have had great returns. I still feel they both still have that 1-2 great match winning performances left in them. Also the wickets provided by Pakistan board/management very punishing for any kind of bowler.
 
The issue isn’t with the players or selection. Pakistan has produced plenty of pacers capable of reaching 300+ wickets. The real challenge lies in the lack of a strong sports medicine department that can accurately diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate fast bowlers after injuries. What’s also needed is a dedicated fast bowling contract to attract and retain talent for the longer formats. The talent is there and will continue to emerge, but the key is sustaining it long enough so it doesn’t break down or fade away after injury.
 
Abbas was the only one who could have done this but we discarded him due to a lack of pace. Ironically, overrated bowlers like Shaheen and Naseem both bowl around Abbas's pace after bowling 15 overs in the match.
 
No Pakistani Pacers has taken 200 test wickets since Waqar Younis .

Shaheen Afridi was hyping by Pakistan fans to achieve this milestones but he is now become trundlers and already discarded form test team .

Who will be the next pacer from Pakistan to take 200 test Wickets?
 
@Nikhil_cric @Rajdeep Shaheen hype is already down so who is going to take 200 test wickets for pakistan ?

I don't think anyone can achieve this feat atleast for next 5 years so may be someone can achieve around 2040.
 
I dont think any Indian pacer will take 300 again after Ishant and Zaheer.

Shami may not play enough tests, not sure how much more Bumrah has in him.

We are witnessing the end of an era for test match cricket all around the world. Some countries declined faster than others but the overall trajectory towards tests will be the same for all countries eventually.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
I dont think any Indian pacer will take 300 again after Ishant and Zaheer.

Shami may not play enough tests, not sure how much more Bumrah has in him.

We are witnessing the end of an era for test match cricket all around the world. Some countries declined faster than others but the overall trajectory towards tests will be the same for all countries eventually.
Click to expand...
Bumrah will definitely take 300+ wickets.

He Has already taken 190 wickets and after this series he will cross 200 wickets.

He still can Play 4-5 more years and 100 more wickets is not a big problem for him.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
I dont think any Indian pacer will take 300 again after Ishant and Zaheer.

Shami may not play enough tests, not sure how much more Bumrah has in him.

We are witnessing the end of an era for test match cricket all around the world. Some countries declined faster than others but the overall trajectory towards tests will be the same for all countries eventually.
Click to expand...
+1

Having said that, Eng and Aus players will get 35-40 tests just in Ashes if they play well for 10-12 years. Root debuted 12 years ago and he is probbaly going to play 40 tests against Aus. Then India is playing 4-5 tests with Eng/Aus. Top class Eng/Aus players should be able to play 80-90 tests. 3-4 wickets per test and they have a path to 300-400 test wickets.

This is assuming others are not playing that many and 10-12 years is not that long time for anyone debuting in early 20s.
 
Devadwal said:
Bumrah will definitely take 300+ wickets.

He Has already taken 190 wickets and after this series he will cross 200 wickets.

He still can Play 4-5 more years and 100 more wickets is not a big problem for him.
Click to expand...

May be likely if he remains fit for few years.

Definitely shouldn't be used for any top class all format pacer when he has another 110 test wickets to take. That's more than 50% of wickets he has taken.
 
Buffet said:
+1

Having said that, Eng and Aus players will get 35-40 tests just in Ashes if they play well for 10-12 years. Root debuted 12 years ago and he is probbaly going to play 40 tests against Aus. Then India is playing 4-5 tests with Eng/Aus. Top class Eng/Aus players should be able to play 80-90 tests. 3-4 wickets per test and they have a path to 300-400 test wickets.

This is assuming others are not playing that many and 10-12 years is not that long time for anyone debuting in early 20s.
Click to expand...
To add, Eng/Aus can have test specialists and play for longer than 10-12 years.

300 test wickets will be harder for other countries if not impossible.
 
Buffet said:
To add, Eng/Aus can have test specialists and play for longer than 10-12 years.

300 test wickets will be harder for other countries if not impossible.
Click to expand...
Speaking about Aus after this crop of Hazelwood, Starc, and Cummins retire there is no fast bowler in the current Aus setup who is looking like they will go on to take more than even 200 wickets.

Test fast bowling is dwindling alarmingly!
 
PCB needs to make sure Pakistan plays 12 test matches a year , if they do , you will see more Pakistan pacers getting 200 test wickets in 5 - 6 years easily
 
neonoir said:
Speaking about Aus after this crop of Hazelwood, Starc, and Cummins retire there is no fast bowler in the current Aus setup who is looking like they will go on to take more than even 200 wickets.

Test fast bowling is dwindling alarmingly!
Click to expand...
Aus will always find pacers. It's just that Aus had service of these three for such a long time that we feel no substitute exist.

A good domestic system. It will throw enough good pacers over time if not immediately after these three retire.
 
Buffet said:
Aus will always find pacers. It's just that Aus had service of these three for such a long time that we feel no substitute exist.

A good domestic system. It will throw enough good pacers over time if not immediately after these three retire.
Click to expand...
Jhye Richardson was supposed to be the answer unfortunately he has succumbed to various injuries
 
Justcrazy said:
PCB needs to make sure Pakistan plays 12 test matches a year , if they do , you will see more Pakistan pacers getting 200 test wickets in 5 - 6 years easily
Click to expand...
Pakistan plays 7-8 tests on average so if some one can play 10-12 years at a good level , 200 wickets is easily within reach. I think Afridi can still get it, he is young. It won't be possible for some one debuting late.

But yah, playing 12 tests a year will help to get 300 test wickets. With this run rate of tests, some one debuting late can also get to 200 wickets.
 
neonoir said:
Jhye Richardson was supposed to be the answer unfortunately he has succumbed to various injuries
Click to expand...
I am sure Aus will throw good pacers in future. Domestic is too good to not throw any good pacer for an extended period.
 
I don't think any bowler of current generation will get get 300 test wickets.

It requires skill, stamina with longevity to get that. I don't see these in any Pakistani bowler.
 
Even New Zealand and West Indies with fewer tests played than Pakistan have managed 200 wicket bowlers (Roach, Southee etc). What stops Pakistan?
 
Last 5 years our pace bowler development has been pathetic the likes of Shaheen , Naseem etc were make to play every useless bi laterial and white ball league that they missed a lot of first class cricket which was needed for their growth I am hoping that by default due to the fact that we have decent number of pacers available right now for white ball cricket that the next generation of Ali Raza, Awais Anwar and Ubaid Shah will not be picked for 2-3 years and by the time they are picked they will play 30-40 first class matches and be more ready for test match grind then the current ones
 
This task is looking pretty difficult now.

Pakistan is not playing many Test matches atm. 7-8 games per year is not gonna do any team a favor for 300 wickets
 
Keep producing good bowlers who can take 200 Test wickets over their career.
 
We play max 7 to 10 test matches and thats not enough. A bowler ll have to stay fit for 8 years almost wdout any injury to take so many wickets and our bowlers are usually 1 2 seasons wonder
 
Test cricket is not poorer because Pakistan is not a top team anymore. It’s the biggest delusion of people here if they feel the game depends on 1-2 smaller cricket nations like that.

Bangladesh is getting better.
NZ just win a historic test series in Bharat.
Sri Lanka is showing signs of resurgence
Even Pakistan showed signs of resurgence against England.
Afghanistan is likely to become a full fledged test nation soon.

The game is bigger than ever before.

I am hearing about the death of test cricket since a long time. But this format is standing its ground. Test cricket is not going anywhere.

For decades it was only Australia and England playing the sport with some contributions from South Africa, West Indies, Bharat.
 
Bhaijaan said:
Test cricket is not poorer because Pakistan is not a top team anymore. It’s the biggest delusion of people here if they feel the game depends on 1-2 smaller cricket nations like that.

Bangladesh is getting better.
NZ just win a historic test series in Bharat.
Sri Lanka is showing signs of resurgence
Even Pakistan showed signs of resurgence against England.
Afghanistan is likely to become a full fledged test nation soon.

The game is bigger than ever before.

I am hearing about the death of test cricket since a long time. But this format is standing its ground. Test cricket is not going anywhere.

For decades it was only Australia and England playing the sport with some contributions from South Africa, West Indies, Bharat.
Click to expand...
That's completly false.

Let's look at India itself. How manybquality test batters can you name from the past in the playing 11 vs now?

1) Sachin
2) Dravid
3) Ganguly
4) Segwag
5) Vvs whatever

Compare that to now

1) Jaiswal(Brand new and flunked the latest 2 games in aus)

2) Rahul (lol)

3) Gill (lol)

4) Kphli ( Hahahahahahahahaha)

5) Pant (Good but not on par with the players in mentioned from the early 2000's)

6) rohit (🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣)
 
We have to understand even if our fc cricket is of poor quality it is still better then making these pacers play useless bi laterial white ball matches against smaller nations

The likes of Khurram Shehzad and Mohammad Abbas has looked our best red ball seamers in last 8-9 years I know Shehzad sample size is small bur still he looks the part and both have played decent amount of red ball fc cricket before ever playing for Pakistan it is essential Ali Raza and other upcoming pacers should get a 2-3 seasons grind in red ball cricket before moving up a grade
 
Once test pitches are curated properly you'll see good test pacers being produced
 
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