Danish Aziz - First Impressions in International Cricket

[MenInG]

Huge expectations from Danish - hope he can pay back the faith in him

 

[Abdurmirr]

The one thing I’ve noticed about Danish in the limited amount of footage I’ve seen of him is that he seems to have a plan when batting and does not succumb to pressure. This is what I feel is missing with most of our players. Number 5 seems perfect for him and I hope he can prove himself for that position

 

[aukhan]

Not much hopes from him, Lets see how he does today. He can't be worse than Asif Ali.

 

[Saj]

His Talent Spotter interview:

Full name: Danish Aziz

Born: November 20, 1995, Karachi

Height: 6 ft

Major teams: Pakistan Under-19s, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Sindh

Playing role: All-rounder

Batting style: Left-hand bat

Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox


Interest in cricket

My interest in cricket developed due to my brothers playing cricket at a good level. In fact, one of my brothers, Maroof Aziz, has represented PIA in first-class cricket, and watching him play at that level was inspiration enough for me to play this game. I learned a lot from my brothers and also made sure that I did not make the same mistakes they made as they went through their careers. Of course, like all youngsters, I started playing tape ball cricket and then progressed to hard-ball cricket as time wore on. I was also fortunate that along with my brothers, my father was also very supportive of my passion for cricket, and many times, he would even ask me to skip school if it clashed with any of my matches.


Education has been a priority throughout my cricket career

It was always a struggle to keep up with studies due to my commitments to cricket, but I didn’t give up on my education. I could not attend regular school so have continued my education in private and am currently enrolled in a Masters of Health and Physical Education program at Karachi University.


Special thanks to the Memon community in Karachi

It would be absolutely remiss of me to not mention and thank the Memon community in Karachi who have provided moral and financial help to me during my formative years in cricket. I would not be where I am today without their help and I am proud to be a member of this community.


First-class debut in 2014 for Karachi Dolphins

I had been part of the Pakistan Under-19s squad which played against Afghanistan in 2014 and was about to be part of the Under-19 tour of Kenya, with an eye towards the Under-19 World Cup in 2016. However, I was told that I would be overage for the Under-19 World Cup so instead of taking part in the tour of Kenya, I was asked to play in a first-class game for Karachi Dolphins which happened to be the last match of the season, and that allowed me to make my debut at that level.


The aim is to become a genuine all-rounder but to bat well is my priority

It would be great if I could be considered a genuine all-rounder but I am a little worried that concentrating on my bowling could affect my batting, which is my first priority. In last year’s domestic season, I had a total of 25 wickets to my name whilst playing for 2nd XIs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the National T20 Cup but my batting was suffering and I was seeing even the wicket-keeper being sent in before I could bat in a match. So, the idea is to concentrate on batting and become a dependable batsman, and where possible and if needed, also help out with bowling.


Unsatisfactory performances in domestic cricket until 2020

It’s difficult to put a finger on why I could not perform that well for the last few years in domestic cricket but that could be because I was asked to bat too late in the batting order which didn’t give me much of a chance to perform. But there was also an issue with my attitude as I was very careless where I would get out taking unnecessary risks which did affect my average too. But all that changed for me this year as I felt that I was a much more mature cricketer. This allowed me to take the match to the last ball instead of losing patience just because a high run rate was needed and then playing a rash shot after a rush of blood. There was a belief in me this year that even if there were 10-15 runs needed in the final over, I had the skills to achieve that target and there was no need to panic. This change in mindset has made the difference.


Confidence-boosting performances at the National T20 Cup in 2020

This was an amazing experience for me to be in the same Sindh team as some top names of our national cricket side. Of course, being new to the first XI side, there was a matter of gaining trust from our team management and to be honest, it did take time and I wasn’t played in a few games or sent in late towards the end of the innings in the matches I did play. I was, however, lucky that I had some good advice from the seniors which allowed me to build my confidence which ended up in that match-winning performance of 59* against Central Punjab. But the innings which I enjoyed most was the 72* which was against the eventual tournament winners, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I recall telling Anwar Ali to make sure he didn’t give his wicket away as I felt we could win that game which we did eventually. With such confidence-boosting performances under my belt, I continued to do well for Sindh until our participation ended in the semi-final.


Missing the crowd in the National T20 Cup

Playing in a tense game and with no crowd present was a strange feeling. In fact, at times in evening games, you could hear crickets chirping away very loudly during the innings which was very disconcerting. As a batsman, you probably don’t mind the absence of crowds as they generally support the bowler who is running in to bowl but for the sake of the game in general, one hopes that the grounds will be alive with sounds of raucous crowds as soon as conditions allow.


Not disappointed about missing out on selection for the limited-overs series against Zimbabwe

Whilst many felt that I had a chance of representing Pakistan in the home series against Zimbabwe, my view was that this series came a little too soon as far as my career is concerned. Ideally, I would like to perform well a few more times before making a debut for Pakistan. This is because if I did get a chance to play for my country, I would be better equipped to establish myself and not play in a few matches and then disappear from the scene, as we have seen in the case of a few players in the past.


Consider myself ideal for the finisher role

There is something very satisfying in chasing a target and then making sure that I take the team over the line to win the game. So, I am very happy to play in the side as a finisher and hopefully, my recent performances in the National T20 Cup have shown that I am capable of taking on this role. This is also the role I would like to take on whenever I am given a chance to represent Pakistan.


Yuvraj Singh as my role model

I always look to the former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as my role model. I admire his style of stroke-play and really like his balance and technique. It’s not just his batting but I also try and copy his style of bowling as well.


Aspirations to represent Pakistan A with the Shaheens

I am currently involved in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for 2nd XIs so I am concentrating on making sure that I can put in some solid performances but looking ahead, I have my eyes firmly on a place in the Pakistan A side which is expected to tour New Zealand later this year. All my energies now will be aimed at that short-term goal and even though no one in the team management has spoken to me about this tour, I am hoping that I will get a chance to be part of that tour.


Looking at Pakistan Super League (PSL) as a pathway to represent Pakistan

I have been part of the Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators squads in previous editions of the PSL but could never get a proper opportunity to showcase my talent. This year, based upon my performances at the National T20 Cup, I am hoping that I will get the sort of exposure that will allow my name to be noticed more and that could be a pathway for my chance to represent Pakistan. Of course, every young cricketer has a dream of playing for their country but I know that all these things will happen at the right time and I need to work hard and wait patiently for my opportunity.

http://www.pakpassion.net/literature/talent-spotter/7225-talent-spotter-danish-aziz.html

 

[aukhan]

Good interview Saj. Best of luck to him today.

 

[MenInG]

Good first over.... 3 runs only

 

[Rayyman]

Good first over.... 3 runs only

Yea he bowled okay. For a part-timer he can be a good 6th bowler.

If he is playing as a batting all-rounder, then he does not need to be a great spinner.

 

[Saj]

Might have been ok for a couple more overs perhaps instead of Rauf or Shadab.

 

[Saj]

Nervous start with the bat.

A review for lbw and then an airy fairy shot in the air.

 

[Firebat]

Danish gone for 3 runs from 6 balls. Never looked comfortable.

 

[IAJ]

Gone after facing 6 balls. Got a very good one from Nortje.

 

[Saj]

That was a brute of a ball for any batsman, let alone an Asian batsman on debut.

Great bowling by Nortje.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Looked nervous, but probably a lot better than first impressions would suggest. Hopefully he'll be a bit better mentally prepared next time.

 

[bilawal666]

Doesn't have the best technique.

 

[Rana]

Who is he related to? He isnt international quality at all.

 

[CaptainIce]

Who is he related to? He isnt international quality at all.

Kushdil, Ifthikar now Aziz.

Rather have Malik and Hafeez than this crap

Looks like we're throwing anything to the wall and seeing what sticks.

 

[Amjid Javed]

That was a brute of a ball for any batsman, let alone an Asian batsman on debut.

Great bowling by Nortje.

Only thing is that SA pacers will now keep up short stuff for rest of series to such batsmen.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

That was a brute of a ball for any batsman, let alone an Asian batsman on debut.

Great bowling by Nortje.

Yep, all the guys here again being harsh on a debutant and that to against a fiery pace trio of Rabada, Ngidi and Rabada.

 

[Zaz]

Looked very nervy

He needs to be backed but that wasnt a good first outing

 

[Saj]

Only thing is that SA pacers will now keep up short stuff for rest of series to such batsmen.

Yes they'll have marked his card now and will give him plenty of chin music.

 

[El Generico]

Who is he related to? He isnt international quality at all.

Kushdil, Ifthikar now Aziz.

Rather have Malik and Hafeez than this crap

Looks like we're throwing anything to the wall and seeing what sticks.

Saeed Anwar scored a pair in his test debut, it would have been interesting to see what comments would have been like if the internet was around then.

Obviously not comparing Aziz to Anwar but just pointing out that it’s childish to write someone off after a single game.

 

[Bewal Express]

Got a great ball so no shame in that. The shot to Shamsi worried me more.

 

[Major]

Saeed Anwar scored a pair in his test debut, it would have been interesting to see what comments would have been like if the internet was around then.

Obviously not comparing Aziz to Anwar but just pointing out that it’s childish to write someone off after a single game.

The guy is new, would wait and see how he goes. Should had been a bit calm today, had a good oppurtunity where there was no pressure.

 

[b.lesner]

FC average 19 and Asif Ali has 24 FC average can't expect them perform at highest level

 

[Barragan]

Not surprised he failed.

Another very, very poor batsman selected with an atrocious FC record based on some T20 performances, where he mainly hit the spinners.

 

[aukhan]

Doesn’t look international standard. Asif Ali and Danish Aziz are not the answer to our lower order batting problems.

 

[hitthestump]

FC average 19 and Asif Ali has 24 FC average can't expect them perform at highest level

Yikes! If you average this low in FC it doesn't matter if that isn't your format, you clearly just aren't that good at batting.

 

[IAJ]

But then again if you want to ruin a career of a youngster you throw him in matches played in SENA.

Haider Ali should have played here, instead of either Asif Ali or Danish.

 

[Greenstorm]

Doesn't belong at the top level.

 

[TeamPak95]

Not a good debut with the bat, but should still be given a run this series. Came in during a pressure situation in his first intl outing.

 

[Titan24]

As I always maintained you cant judge someone off one match at international level and it takes time to develop players. Will have to see more of Danish to judge base any strong opinion.

 

[Artaxerxes]

Danish looked very nervous.His technique doesn't look good.I don't have high hopes for him.He should get couple of more games.If he does not perform then drop him him.

 

[Mobashir]

There is no need to have first impressions. How the hell did he get into the squad and then the team?
I did bet that him and Asif aren't scoring more than 5 and they both managed to get 5(3+2).

Hope this was his last match for Pakistan for some time.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

FC average 19 and Asif Ali has 24 FC average can't expect them perform at highest level

Batting average of 36 in list-A for Danish, can't just drop someone after 1 game, ridiculous thinking and it's this reason why fans aren't good selectors.

 

[zain41]

he reminded me of a tail ender

 

[Hasan123]

His first class average of 19 is extremely worrying. But it was 1 game. Don’t wanna write him off just yet.

 

[Nado_]

Lol at these “master” analysts who are writing off a debutant playing in South Africa after seeing 6 balls , who got out to a ball that would’ve done most batsman. Not saying the guy will be the next bradman but this innings doesn’t really paint much of a picture. Il wait until I see him play a bit more until I make some kind of judgement.

 

[Muhammad Kaleem]

Danish Aziz got famous by hitting sixes against highly ineffective medium pace and spin bowling by Iftikhar Ahmad in national t20 and Pakistan cup. He was branded as power hitter by social media. Unfortunately there was no bowler of Iftikhar Ahmad quality today against whom he could shine. Danish Aziz is just another raw uncooked player who got place in national squad due to social media pressure.

 

[hitthestump]

Lol at these “master” analysts who are writing off a debutant playing in South Africa after seeing 6 balls , who got out to a ball that would’ve done most batsman. Not saying the guy will be the next bradman but this innings doesn’t really paint much of a picture. Il wait until I see him play a bit more until I make some kind of judgement.

I know it seems crazy but 6 balls seemed like it was enough

The guy doesn't seem to have it in him and his stats kinda back that up unfortunately.

 

[Ahson8]

So many experts here judging a player on one innings (on debut) lol

 

[gazza619]

First impression should never be the last impression.

Needs to be backed for the next 2 ODIs.

 

[Bigboii]

His first class average of 19 is extremely worrying. But it was 1 game. Don’t wanna write him off just yet.

I came here to say dont write him off yet

but FC average of 19 is BAD shows skill deficiency in a batsman

Outside of T20s I wont play anyone with that kind of average in my team...

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Not a good debut with the bat, but should still be given a run this series. Came in during a pressure situation in his first intl outing.

If that was a pressure situation lol, then the level of pressure situation in your opinion is quite low..

7 wickets in hand chasing less than 100 runs from nearly 105 balls, he could have easily made a 30 or 40 in 50 balls and that would have seen pakistan home by 6 wicket margin atleast..

 

[ask_analyse_act]

I thought he is something special, but looking at his batting in int'l cricket looked as if he is not ready for intl cricket yet...he can be dropped for Sarfraz or Shafique..Let him get trained more before he faces intl match..

 

[Hasan123]

I came here to say dont write him off yet

but FC average of 19 is BAD shows skill deficiency in a batsman

Outside of T20s I wont play anyone with that kind of average in my team...

That first class average is really worrying, I think it is harsh to give someone 1 game and drop them.

 

[Rana]

Hussain Talat is younger or as young as him. He has a list A average of 40 and plenty of international/PSL exposure.

Why not invest in him instead of this bloke? Is it because they need to keep a certain section of the Media happy?

 

[Mobashir]

Batting average of 36 in list-A for Danish, can't just drop someone after 1 game, ridiculous thinking and it's this reason why fans aren't good selectors.

People like me don't want him dropped after game, we didn't wanted him at first.

Should never have been in the XI.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

People like me don't want him dropped after game, we didn't wanted him at first.

Should never have been in the XI.

The kid deserved it and has played some good knocks in my view, maybe i would've opted for Hammad Azam who has really impressed me in his list A cricket but hey ho.

This is the problem that we are afraid of giving people chances and chances should be given, just remember that debuting against SA in SA is never an easy task. If it's not his destiny to play for Pak then yes he should be dropped otherwise no sense in not trialing the guy for all 3 games with the series more or less won by Pak now.

 

[Saj]

I'd give the lad more chances.

If we can give some of the other players that have been picked over the years so many chances, then this guy deserves more opportunities.

 

[Ahson8]

I came here to say dont write him off yet

but FC average of 19 is BAD shows skill deficiency in a batsman

Outside of T20s I wont play anyone with that kind of average in my team...

Hussain Talat is younger or as young as him. He has a list A average of 40 and plenty of international/PSL exposure.

Why not invest in him instead of this bloke? Is it because they need to keep a certain section of the Media happy?

People like me don't want him dropped after game, we didn't wanted him at first.

Should never have been in the XI.

Genuine question, did any of you watch the domestic season or not ? If not then maybe you should try find out why he was picked instead of just blasting him on his overall record and today's performance

 

[TeamPak95]

If that was a pressure situation lol, then the level of pressure situation in your opinion is quite low..

7 wickets in hand chasing less than 100 runs from nearly 105 balls, he could have easily made a 30 or 40 in 50 balls and that would have seen pakistan home by 6 wicket margin atleast..

Still a fair amount of runs to get with set batsmen Babar and Imam out in quick succession. For a debutant to come in a situation like that, that's pretty pressuring if you ask me.

 

[Mobashir]

Genuine question, did any of you watch the domestic season or not ? If not then maybe you should try find out why he was picked instead of just blasting him on his overall record and today's performance

Yes watched it, it's why I am saying he should never be in the team.

If he is our number 5 then where in big big trouble.

 

[Ahson8]

Yes watched it, it's why I am saying he should never be in the team.

If he is our number 5 then where in big big trouble.

He had a good limited overs season where he's shown good game awareness and finished games. We've been lacking a good finisher for a while, there was no harm in giving him a try. Haider should be our #5 though and Danish at 6.

 

[ahmadharis1]

Tough innings but to be fair he was (probably) facing left-arm wrist spin for the first time and the quickest bowler he's ever faced. Not convinced just yet but he's earned more chances

 

[Ahson8]

Tough innings but to be fair he was (probably) facing left-arm wrist spin for the first time and the quickest bowler he's ever faced. Not convinced just yet but he's earned more chances

He did face Faisal Akram in the training camp and got out to him too. BUT in general he is good vs spin.

 

[Adil_94]

Looked nervous and very tentative out there. U can tell Nortje is a class above anyone he will have faced in Domestic. A rude awakening but cant discard him after one game. Though Asif Ali n him cant be in the same batting line up

 

[JhonnyBravo]

i think chacha iftikhar is still a better option than khushdil /asif ali/ danish/ .... but ideal would be haris sohail if he is fit

 

[shah_1]

He should be given another two games to get a fair idea

 

[naseem]

One game is not enough ....give him a series or 2....atleast

 

[Babeikh]

I'm sure he is a lovely lad but honestly one of the worst debuts I have seen in a long time. Cannot remember the last time I saw a debutant look so out of his depth. Of course people have failed before on their debut and gone on to have very successful (even great!) careers but it wasn't that he failed it was that he just didn't look international level at all in the few balls he faced.

Hopefully it is nerves, pressure, just things getting to him generally which contributed to that.

 

[Zeshan547]

This just summed up the gulf between India and Pak currently, where Indian debutants looked the part out lad looked like fish out of water someone who held the bat first time in his life. Still would give him next two matches so that he don't complain for not having enough opportunities.

 

[rhony]

Nerves on debut. Got a good ball. People need a few chances to perform. It's not like a superstar is waiting in the wings either. He can't be worse than Malik. Let him play all three games.

 

[naseem]

Nerves on debut. Got a good ball. People need a few chances to perform. It's not like a superstar is waiting in the wings either. He can't be worse than Malik. Let him play all three games.

I give him 2 series....we have given plenty of chances 2 Asif Ali iftikhar n all

 

[AAli98]

Don’t want to sound harsh on the youngster he could have been out twice in 3 balls. His technique is on par with Jimmy Anderson’s batting.

With Rauf & Dhani pak are literally finding people of the streets & playing international cricket sad state of affairs.

 

[shah_1]

I agree that he looked out of sorts . Sad state of affairs for Pakistan

We will be an average team unless we solve no 5 and no 6 role and also a worldclass opener.

 

[Firebat]

We have only seen Danish play 6 balls in international cricket. Obviously was a bad start, but any final judgements at this stage are ludicrous.

 

[Ertugrul_Bey]

Keyboard warriors judging a debutant based on 6 balls he has faced

 

[King-Misbah]

I agree that he looked out of sorts . Sad state of affairs for Pakistan

We will be an average team unless we solve no 5 and no 6 role and also a worldclass opener.

It is bad that they are selecting a guy who averages so low. Best to select domestic performers.

 

[OMB]

This just summed up the gulf between India and Pak currently, where Indian debutants looked the part out lad looked like fish out of water someone who held the bat first time in his life. Still would give him next two matches so that he don't complain for not having enough opportunities.

Actually, there is no difference because the comparision is not fair.
Some of those Indian debutants are 23 to 25 years old and have spent years on domestic circuits and on IPL in case of few.

 

[We Bleed Green]

Danish Aziz - When will we start nurturing players in domestic before selecting them

We have seen time and time again that players are being picked on natural talent alone with no international level skills.

Mohammad Husnain, Harris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Haider Ali and the list goes on and on and now Danish Aziz.

The guy is 25, played 32 list A matches with mediocre average of 36. If he can not even score runs in domestic cricket then how on earth can you expect him to score runs in International matches.

Why not let him play 50 first class matches and 100 list A matches before even considering him for the team.

Why is every one using International cricket to improve their cricket skills. Look at the stats and what do you see. I see a kid just learning how to play cricket.

This kid should go back to domestic, learn how to bat and score runs and once he has learnt then he may get picked based on his performance.

What message are we giving to other domestic performers? Have we learnt nothing from Fawad Alam injustice. How many Fawad Alams have to rot in domestic cricket before we start picking player based on Cricket currency i.e runs and wickets.

 

[Saj]

Surprised that he was only given 2 overs again today, even though Shadab was once again bowling rubbish.

His 2 overs only went for 11 runs too.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Bowled better than Shadab

 

[gazza619]

Okay so he really needs to score a solid 40 odd today. Really cant afford to flop on this flat pancake of a wicket!

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Can't say I was much impressed by his bowling. Although he should have gotten more overs considering how horrendous Shadab is at present.

Let's see how he does with the bat.

 

[Nado_]

Surprised that he was only given 2 overs again today, even though Shadab was once again bowling rubbish.

His 2 overs only went for 11 runs too.

I’m surprised too but the way our team makes decisions are very robotic, Babar probably had the initial intention just to get a few quick overs out of him, but when he went bowled those overs well, he should have adapted his decision and continue with him. You got to adapt and be dynamic, not always game plan is going to be black and white.

 

[We Bleed Green]

Even before his debut, you can tell from his stats that he is mediocre player at best. This kids need to go back, play domestic for another 2-3 years and learn how to bat first

 

[Saj]

He's smelt more leather in the last 2 innings than he probably has in his entire career.

 

[Major]

So why is it that we find out in international thay danish cant play short ball?

Didnt waseem etc knew this ny watching domestix?

 

[Majid Khan]

So looking at his List A career stats , he’s scored just one 100 and averages in 30s - what did he do to get into the Pakistan Team to bat alongside such heavyweights of the game like Asif Ali ?

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Easy set up. One bouncer and he just fearfully tried to fend off the next delivery