Can Pakistan sustain batting discipline at Headingley?

[Seen Sheen]

Accurate and disciplined swing bowling, safe catching, dynamic captaincy (idher ball kr iss ko, udher kr iss ko !), run-time coaching, run-scoring mentality, wagging tail; you can name a number of reasons for Pakistan's dominant performance in Lord's test but for me the aspect which was at the forefront of the clinical victory was the discipline every batsman showed in batting.

I can't remember the last time every Pakistani batsman left balls so well outside off stump and waited patiently for bowlers to err. It was heartening to see Haris and Babar leaving ball after ball outside off stump, putting aside their urge to drive and waiting for the bowlers to either drop short or bowl close to them. Even the likes of Shadab and Faheen were willing to leave the balls, (Faheem to a lesser extent and I feel he was a bit lucky and still needs the art of being patient and leaving the ball). All in all, it was a 'complete' performance in batting discipline.

Only thing that worries me is their ability to sustain and continue the same discipline at Headingley. I say that because that much discipline from Pakistani batting is unheard of and probably a one-of, considering the historic impatience and fishing tendencies of the Pakistani batting line-ups. I fear we will again see the likes of Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq nick Anderson and Woakes (I am sure he'll play and continue his wreckage against Pakistan) to slips and chasing balls as if it possesses a magnet.

Headingley is normally a swing friendly ground and I dread that something like Old Trafford 2006 and 2016 might be on the cards because last two times we started off well at Lord's, we were not able to sustain our batting prowess in the following test and were blown away with innings defeat the first time and a mammoth 300+ defeat the second time.

 

[Syed1]

As you pointed out Azhar, Haris and Asad will be key. I'm just a little concerned that atleast Azhar and Asad might have been worked out by the English.

Azhar is severely weak at playing the ball coming into him. He had huge problems with it in New Zealand and in the Lord's test both of his dismissals were by Anderson pitching it on a good length and nipping in. First innings he got trapped infront and second innings he couldn't get anything on it and had his stumps rattled. I feel England and Anderson in particular will frequently target this weakness in Headingly.

Asad has trouble negotiating the short ball. That's how Starc got rid of him in that marathon innings in Australia. That's also how Stokes got rid of him in the Lord's test. He also gave another chance on a short ball which was grassed by Buttler. I expect England to try and bounce him out.

 

[Asch Ali]

Imam ul Haq will have to rescue the ship as Azhar Ali will probably get OUT cheaply. Would love to see the debutant batsman Usman/Fakhar smacking a plenty!

 

[ManFan]

It’s very difficult for England to come back from 0-1, especially in the manner in which they lost.

They are not a mentally tough side and are under tremendous pressure since they are the home side.

I have a great feeling and will have an even better one if we win the toss.

 

[Pete Rose]

I am curious to know about the ground conditions. West Indies chased 300 last year in the fourth innings but that a game in August. I know that 400 was scored in one of the county fixtures in May

 

[giri26]

I think they can. Pakistan now has a few Test players who can bat time. England bowling did not look threatening at all.

 

[babajee]

IIRC I read something about Headingley being Broad and Anderson’s worst venue in the UK.

And apparently Headingley has flattened out over the years.

We are going to thrash England by an innings in 3 days.

 

[gazza619]

That is why the team management should take chance and pick Fakhar Zaman. I know the top order is settled at the minute but Fakhar can be tried at no.5.

 

[PakLFC]

Depends on the wicket. Pak can bat for long periods if conditions are good. If they are then would like to see us win the toss and bat first. Score near 400 making it next to impossible for England to win the match.

 

[Pete Rose]

I am curious to know about the ground conditions. West Indies chased 300 last year in the fourth innings but that a game in August. I know that 400 was scored in one of the county fixtures in May

 

[Markhor]

I am curious to know about the ground conditions. West Indies chased 300 last year in the fourth innings but that a game in August. I know that 400 was scored in one of the county fixtures in May

Headingley is in my county and it isn't the seamer's paradise it used to be. The pitch has become drier and flatter in recent times.

In 2015, NZ and England scored 350 apiece, before NZ racked up 450+ in the 3rd innings. In the 2014 Test against Sri Lanka there were big totals in that match too. In 2006 in our Test there, we scored 538 in response to England's 515 in the 1st innings.

Its important not to just look down at the pitch at the toss but to look up at the overhead conditions. The key is to keep bowling that fuller length like we did at Lord's as anything short sits up nicely at Headingley.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

It will rain during first 2 days so this will be a 3 day match and mostly likely a draw.

 

[Syed1]

Anxious as to how we will do at Headingly. We didn't play here last time.


Our historical record in the ground is atrocious. We have played 10 times here lost five times, won twice and three were draws. Doesn't inspire alot of confidence.

 

[Syed1]

Pakistan's historical batting average in the ground is just 26 with our lowest score being 131. Be worried, be very worried.

 

[babajee]

Pakistan's historical batting average in the ground is just 26 with our lowest score being 131. Be worried, be very worried.

Aap wrist slitter kab se the

 

[Syed1]

Aap wrist slitter kab se the

I'm a general of the stats guru army led by [MENTION=136079]ahmedwaqas92[/MENTION]



Numbers do not lie or have biases or opinions.

 

[Buffet]

Pakistan's historical batting average in the ground is just 26 with our lowest score being 131. Be worried, be very worried.

If above poster is correct about rain for 2 days then I don't think game will be decided in 3 days. It should be a draw.

 

[skhanmac]

Anxious as to how we will do at Headingly. We didn't play here last time.


Our historical record in the ground is atrocious. We have played 10 times here lost five times, won twice and three were draws. Doesn't inspire alot of confidence.

That is incorrect. We have played 9 times in Headingley, lost 5, won 1 and drew 3 games. Our last win came in 1987 under Imran.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...ost=1;template=results;type=team;view=results

 

[Syed1]

That is incorrect. We have played 9 times in Headingley, lost 5, won 1 and drew 3 games. Our last win came in 1987 under Imran.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...ost=1;template=results;type=team;view=results

9 matches against England. 1 match against Australia in 2010 which we won.

 

[Abdullah719]

Pakistan's historical batting average in the ground is just 26 with our lowest score being 131. Be worried, be very worried.

What is our highest score?

 

[Syed1]

What is our highest score?

Don't ask positive questions

 

[PakSarZameen]

Lets hope we get some rain. Ideally 50 overs long each, in the first 3 days.

 

[Hasan123]

As long as we get the runs, we will win the game.

 

[Surf]

I have an odd feeling we'll see the usual collapse Pak batting first putting the bowlers under pressure and knowing how inexperinced they are no Yasir, Babar. As none can score a hundred for the life of me much less a daddy 100. And soon after all that humialiating loss wrsit slitters and Padosis will discredit our win as a fluke, series was too short, Lowly ranked, Boogey Ground, Trundlers, Shown their place and etc.

Out of all top 8 teams including WIndes and SL we've never drawn a single test match away from Asia. Not even one its either we win or lose. SO intent should always be to win not draw.

 

[AFM]

Going by English media, their bowlers are so rubbish that even Kohli would be fancying his chances

 

[AFM]

Pakistan's historical batting average in the ground is just 26 with our lowest score being 131. Be worried, be very worried.

Last time we played there , a young Amir restricted a much better Aussie line up to 88 all out

 

[MMHS]

If above poster is correct about rain for 2 days then I don't think game will be decided in 3 days. It should be a draw.

These days, it’s really difficult to end a game drawn on sporting wicket for rain, unless it’s monsoon downpour for days. Drainage is much better, drying equipments as well; besides they can extend the game by 1.5 hours at least.

If it rains in first 2 days, it’s better than last 2 because one can make up 8 overs each next day. I think, if we get around 400 overs, it’s more than enough for direct result.

Whoever wins the toss for sure is going to bowl, which needs less overs (match duration) to win. England played so much below per at Lord’s that similar performance, they might loose even in 3 days!!!

 

[wrongun]

Last time we played there , a young Amir restricted a much better Aussie line up to 88 all out

Young Amir was a different bowler though, pure energy released from his fingertips when he was on in those days.

I hope he rediscovers it but he's just a handy, canny left armer in tests these days.

It's still in there somewhere- the WC final for example...

 

[Abdullah]

Both teams will want to bowl first. Given what the weather is saying currently. Day 3 so 3rd innings probably best to bat as well.
Just need to try and dig in the first time. I'm feeling a big hundred from imam

 

[SM1989]

The chest thumping is really apparent here. A reality check is coming. Think of the South Africa test match in 2013, where after winning the first test Pakistan were blown away for 99 in the second test and lost by an innings.

 

[KyoOne]

The chest thumping is really apparent here. A reality check is coming. Think of the South Africa test match in 2013, where after winning the first test Pakistan were blown away for 99 in the second test and lost by an innings.

When zippers were used?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Pakistans middle to late order did struggle against short ball and i can see england devising plans to give our batsmen plenty of short stuff.

Our batting in 1st test was a decent effort. England batting was that below school boy level, So even in victory i think our batting needs improvement in this game.

 

[SM1989]

When zippers were used?

Zipper was used in the second innings, pakistan collapsed for 99 in the first innings

 

[Hasan Cheema]

Depends on the wicket. Pak can bat for long periods if conditions are good. If they are then would like to see us win the toss and bat first. Score near 400 making it next to impossible for England to win the match.

in 2006 Pakistan scored 500+ and still lost in England,

 

[AFM]

The chest thumping is really apparent here. A reality check is coming. Think of the South Africa test match in 2013, where after winning the first test Pakistan were blown away for 99 in the second test and lost by an innings.

Different team and was 5 years ago.

 

[AFM]

in 2006 Pakistan scored 500+ and still lost in England,

In 2010, Pak scored less than 300 and still won

 

[Hasan Cheema]

In 2010, Pak scored less than 300 and still won

So its any first innings total in England is never safe, you can lose scoring 500+ and win scoring 300-

 

[Syed1]

I want innings defeat... England narrowly escaped it in Lords. We want blood.



Was reading an analysis yesterday where it said that England generally plays the "lesser" side in early summer and gives them less matches so that they get up to speed before a bigger challenge. Like SL was qurbani ka bakra in 2016 before Pakistan toured. This year Pakistan is in SL's shoes before Ind tours.


However, what the arrogant Brits didn't factor in was that we can show up to their door and show them how to play.

 

[Mainul]

Azhar can't survive with his over defensive mindset in Headingly. If he is in he should score at brisk pace.

 

[Markhor]

in 2006 Pakistan scored 500+ and still lost in England,

I remember the match - we had a seam bowling attack of Mohammad Sami (who went at 4.5 RPO), Umar Gul and Shahid Nazir.

No wonder we conceded 515 and 345 in that match.

Looks like it'll be another flat pitch again.

 

[SM1989]

Different team and was 5 years ago.

This team’s batting today has proven my point also. Anyone who didn’t see this reality check coming is very naive. England to win by an innings

 

[MenInG]

This team’s batting today has proven my point also. Anyone who didn’t see this reality check coming is very naive. England to win by an innings

England will not win by an innings as this team has some excellent fighting powers.

 

[SM1989]

England will not win by an innings as this team has some excellent fighting powers.

Innings defeat looking more and more likely. Cook and Root to make double centuries

 

[Robert]

We are going to thrash England by an innings in 3 days.

Beware hubris.

 

[babajee]

Beware hubris.

You ignored the rest of the post....

 

[Itachi]

The chest thumping is really apparent here. A reality check is coming. Think of the South Africa test match in 2013, where after winning the first test Pakistan were blown away for 99 in the second test and lost by an innings.

You can see the future!

 

[Send1983]

I want innings defeat... England narrowly escaped it in Lords. We want blood.



Was reading an analysis yesterday where it said that England generally plays the "lesser" side in early summer and gives them less matches so that they get up to speed before a bigger challenge. Like SL was qurbani ka bakra in 2016 before Pakistan toured. This year Pakistan is in SL's shoes before Ind tours.


However, what the arrogant Brits didn't factor in was that we can show up to their door and show them how to play.

Lol at this post. Did you mean Pak losing by an innings?

 

[Send1983]

You can see the future!

He was almost correct with the score. Pak was 79 for 7.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Anyone saying Pak Batting failed will be doing them a disservice.

This is how it is, win toss bowl first. Tge wicket has juice for may be first 60-70 overs and then it becomes better to bat on.

Same happened at Lords.

So either England with their Roots and Cooks are equally rubbish or its the conditions.

 

[Send1983]

Anyone saying Pak Batting failed will be doing them a disservice.

This is how it is, win toss bowl first. Tge wicket has juice for may be first 60-70 overs and then it becomes better to bat on.

Same happened at Lords.

So either England with their Roots and Cooks are equally rubbish or its the conditions.

Win the toss and bowl first. Most of the times you would win in England.

 

[msb314]

Anxious as to how we will do at Headingly. We didn't play here last time.


Our historical record in the ground is atrocious. We have played 10 times here lost five times, won twice and three were draws. Doesn't inspire alot of confidence.

The last time we played here - we scored 500+ and still lost

 

[Seen Sheen]

Just what I had feared; batsmen losing their mark and were reckless with their defense.

In particular it was disappointing to see the wickets awarded to Broad. You know as a right hander, he's an inswing bowler so it is easier to line him up. Of course, every now and then you ll see the bowl hold its line and beat you; if you nick one such delivery, that's fair enough but planting your front pad, pushing well infront of your pad (Azhar) and playing around it (Salahuddin) was probably the only way Broad was going to pick up a right hander and it was precisely how he got them.

Of course, most casual dismissal was that of Imam; you havent yet settled in, just got a reprieve, don't fully know the deviation off the pitch and yet you go for a booming drive. Not very smart.


However, still the ugliest and wimpiest of them all was the meek surrender from the Captain Fantastic. Only he is capable of making a leg stump half volley look like the ball of the innings. Outrageously poor and kind of dismissal that can totally break the morale of the team, seeing your captain get out like that.

 

[Kroll]

Going to need a lot of it now.

 

[SM1989]

The answer is no.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

There wasn't really any demons in this pitch, the wickets have been down to mostly poor judgement rather than any extravagant movement. Obviously something in the pitch for the bowlers as no one has made a big score, but England got a lot of 30-50 scores.

A par score is probably around 300 on this pitch, Pakistan top order have performed abysmally in this game. I don't think it was down to the toss, just poor application with the bat.