"I think our bowling attack will probably be the same for Melbourne Test" : Grant Flower

[MenInG]

Pakistan expect a bruised and stiff Mohammad Amir to be available for the Boxing Day Test. Amir was taken from the field on a motorised stretcher during last week's first Commonwealth Bank Test after digging his knee into the Gabba turf. The left-arm quick appeared in agony but made a surprise return a short time later and continued to bowl.

Amir had his knee strapped before a light bowling session in the nets at the MCG on Thursday. He also sported a large bruise on his thigh, courtesy of a 152.3km/h full toss from Mitchell Starc on day four at the Gabba.

"There's quite a bit of bruising on his thigh," Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower said. "He's feeling a bit stiff but he's alright.

"I think the guys are fit enough to go through (five days). I think our attack will probably be the same. "We don't have that allrounder (option). It's one of those things. The guys are just going to have get through it."

Tensions between Amir and Starc had been simmering throughout the innings before the delivery, which led to a heated exchange between the pair.

"There was just a bit of banter going on. Just the usual," Flower said.

"I don't think there was anything over the top. There were a couple of strong words exchanged but that's part of the game."

Flower expects Pakistan to field an unchanged XI on Boxing Day, predicting the tourists will stick with four frontline bowlers, including the left-arm pace trio of Amir, Wahab Riaz and Rahat Ali.

“I think the guys are fit enough to go through. I think our attack would probably be the same.

“It’s just one of those things that we’ve had for a while, we don’t have that allrounder batsman, batsman-bowler.

“But it’s one of those things so the guys will just have to get through it.”

He also says Pakistan are ready for the atmosphere and occasion of Boxing Day at the MCG. “I am sure there will be nerves out there, like anyone, especially with a big crowd.

“But the confidence from that last game and the fightback that was shown by all of them, obviously it is a cliché (but) that momentum will definitely help carrying on into this Test.”

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/moha...ustralia-pakistan-mcg-grant-flower/2016-12-22

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Replace Rahat. This series is too small for the master

 

[hur rizvi]

Oh khuda ka khof karo. Even Asghar would be a better option than Rahat

 

[Zeshan547]

There you go, common sense and pak thick tank don't go hand in hand.

 

[Red Devil]

It seems Mickey has really lost confidence in Sohail.

 

[Statsman]

Should select Sohail in place of Rahat.

One a side note, the Asif, Butt threads have mellowed down - Thank you Asad Shafiq!

 

[Mainul]

The result will be the same also.Again a whitewash.Those who are dreaming of a Pakistan comeback, will get frustrated.Why they persist with that autistic bowler ?Sohail would have been a better option, not the best though.

 

[Slog]

Mickey seems like a really vindictive guy have to say...

And for no reason.

Seems like Sohail and IK's careers are done under Mickey if we dont see them in Melbourne

 

[Square Drive]

Would be a very stupid move to persist with Rahat ahead of Sohail.

 

[Aman]

Why on earth would you pick such a one-dimensional bowling attack

 

[Pete Rose]

Cool story.
I am ok with the same attack

 

[Junaids]

Arthur explained very clearly: given their limited skills, Imran is too slow and Sohail is only fit enough to bowl one spell.

I would much rather have Asif.

But at least Rahat can bowl 135+ all day long.

 

[Statsman]

Arthur explained very clearly: given their limited skills, Imran is too slow and Sohail is only fit enough to bowl one spell.

I would much rather have Asif.

But at least Rahat can bowl 135+ all day long.

Honestly, what was the point of including Imran and Sohail in the squad when both of them are not good enough to play as per Arthur? Baffling!

 

[Junaids]

Honestly, what was the point of including Imran and Sohail in the squad when both of them are not good enough to play as per Arthur? Baffling!

Mickey Arthur is a gentleman and since Homeworkgate has become a great diplomat.

But he isn't a Selector.

And this is a clear message to the selectors: "I need right-arm pace bowlers, and the ones you keep giving me are not good enough to be selectable."

 

[Statsman]

Mickey Arthur is a gentleman and since Homeworkgate has become a great diplomat.

But he isn't a Selector.

And this is a clear message to the selectors: "I need right-arm pace bowlers, and the ones you keep giving me are not good enough to be selectable."

Ideally should have made it clear before the all important series but yeah you're right Homeworkgate probably still haunts him.

 

[kingusama92]

Imran Khan should be playing in front of Rahat.

He's in good form and is a right arm fast bowler.

 

[Pete Rose]

Mickey seems like a really vindictive guy have to say...

And for no reason.

Seems like Sohail and IK's careers are done under Mickey if we dont see them in Melbourne

For now, Sohail Khan has an upset tummy. Has not trained with the team in the first session in melbourne

 

[waleed88]

I think regardless of what Mickey says, final say is with Misbah because he has to take the team on the ground, if he is willing to take Sohail Khan, (who can cause Misbah a slow over rate and a fine) but can probably swing it better than anyone else with the new ball.. then I think he will play ahead of IK and Rahat..

He's our best new ball bowler and the highest wicket taker..

 

[waleed88]

I'm a big fan of Rahat but 3 fast bowlers is too similar in a lineup crying for a right armer.. Wahab and Amir definitely bowled better than him in the first game..

 

[waleed88]

Warner seems like a prime lbw candidate to the right armer and he is not in the best of knicks..

 

[Junaids]

Warner seems like a prime lbw candidate to the right armer and he is not in the best of knicks..

There is zero chance whatsoever of Warner being LBW to a right-armer.

He is a left-hander. The ball pitches outside leg-stump.

The only bowler who can get Warner LBW is a left-armer.

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

Rahat is useless. Sohail Khan must play. He will get Warner out caught behind or in the slips.

 

[JibranAnsari]

sohail khan was our only quick bowler with respectable numbers in england , not to forget two 5 fers. Even if he can get you a couple of wickets in his first spell , the other bowlers and pakistan will feel a lot easier.On the other hand when rahat comes you know there is going to be a lot of short and wide stuff.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

This is the worst news I heard all day.Rahat should be dropped.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Said it all along they won't change the team.

 

[Markhor]

There you go, common sense and pak thick tank don't go hand in hand.

It seems Mickey has really lost confidence in Sohail.

Mickey seems like a really vindictive guy have to say...

And for no reason.

Seems like Sohail and IK's careers are done under Mickey if we dont see them in Melbourne

Sohail was reported to be unwell after arriving at the MCG and took no part in training.

That could be the reason.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Last minute change is required.

Replace Rahat with Sohail or Imran.

 

[waleed88]

There is zero chance whatsoever of Warner being LBW to a right-armer.

He is a left-hander. The ball pitches outside leg-stump.

The only bowler who can get Warner LBW is a left-armer.

Disagree.. he moves across.. Sohail Khan brings it back in from middle stump,

If that were the case Starc would never get an LBW from over the wicket to a right hander..

 

[samiakh]

If you listen to Mike Hussey's interview on the CA Site, he says the drop in pitch at the MCG often has clumps of grass on it and hence can seam around a touch. If that's the case and keeping in mind Mickeys own observation about Imran he should come in for Rahat.

 

[Abdullah]

Arthur explained very clearly: given their limited skills, Imran is too slow and Sohail is only fit enough to bowl one spell.

I would much rather have Asif.

But at least Rahat can bowl 135+ all day long.

Like you say its is all about the first 20 overs and with this Aussie line up this is especially tru, so you play the best bowlers who give you the chance of picking up 4 wickets in the first 20 overs.
Then you will hopefully not require sohail to bowl a third spell because the aussies are top heavy.
Also Hansdscomb needs to face somebody that can pitch it on off from the right arm over angle and nip it back into him.
Also Sohail can bat (wrt to Rahat)

Enough reason to pick him ahead of Rahat.
Rahat can bowl good balls but will go at a high rpo due to the obligatory filthy delivery for the over.

Also Sohail bowling will create more rough for Yasir to the Aussie lefties in the back end of the game.

The more I think about it, the more of a no brainer it is to me.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

As I thought. He gave enough hints in his interview.

Amir needs a new ball bowling partner, Imran isn't one. Sohail doesn't have the body to last a test match. Averages 100+ in the second innings.

 

[Abdullah719]

Arthur explained very clearly: given their limited skills, Imran is too slow and Sohail is only fit enough to bowl one spell.

I would much rather have Asif.

But at least Rahat can bowl 135+ all day long.

He really can't. His pace is down these days. But unlike Sohail, he will not be completely useless in the second innings.

Rahat also has the edge over Imran because he swings the ball.

 

[MMHS]

I hope, emotional posters gradually will realize, why I called it a "poor, poor, poor" squad selection for Kangaroo land.

Stability has brought PAK's 17 men squad straight in to a 13 men unit - that too considering one of that 13 was called later as a back-up & I have kept Sharjeel in that 13, because whatever/whoever, you need a back-up opener in AUS - SK makes sense; considering among other options, one went to BPL, another averages 16 outside Asia (12 in SAF on similar wickets in 12 innings), 3rd one still servicing debt for an over-draft 6.5 years ago & the last two are Shaan Masood & Khurram Manzoor . However, the kid opening his or her PP account this morning could have selected those 13 - you don't need Haq & Haq for that


Unless, it's a green track, I'll play Asghar rather than Rahat. A Captain, who brings a Leggi for 3-6 leg-ring field on the 11th over of a Gabba Test with Pink ball, doesn't command 3 pacers strategy; rather he should be given what he is comfortable with. Had MoHa been there, could have played at No. 6/7 in a 4.5 bowler's strategy, which at least could have saved Amir's knee & Yasir's back - this guy didn't bother for tomorrow, even when he was in supreme command; now probably he has 2 weeks left in his career - he won't hesitate to bowl 135 overs with those 2 bowlers - Asghar can off-load 35 of those.

 

[Haz95]

Pakistan has arguably the worst pace attack out of the test playing nations. I would rate them a notch below Sri Lanka, maybe a tad bit above the Zimboks. It really makes one appreciate Yasir Shah for helping Pakistan achieve the #1 ranking even more. Any country would kill to have such a lone warrior. Not to mention how Misbah uses him... he's like this generations Muralitharan.

 

[Pete Rose]

Warner seems like a prime lbw candidate to the right armer and he is not in the best of knicks..

Brave words...but I think Pakistan will keep a lid on Warner for most of this series.

 

[Pete Rose]

I hope, emotional posters gradually will realize, why I called it a "poor, poor, poor" squad selection for Kangaroo land.

Stability has brought PAK's 17 men squad straight in to a 13 men unit - that too considering one of that 13 was called later as a back-up & I have kept Sharjeel in that 13, because whatever/whoever, you need a back-up opener in AUS - SK makes sense; considering among other options, one went to BPL, another averages 16 outside Asia (12 in SAF on similar wickets in 12 innings), 3rd one still servicing debt for an over-draft 6.5 years ago & the last two are Shaan Masood & Khurram Manzoor . However, the kid opening his or her PP account this morning could have selected those 13 - you don't need Haq & Haq for that


Unless, it's a green track, I'll play Asghar rather than Rahat. A Captain, who brings a Leggi for 3-6 leg-ring field on the 11th over of a Gabba Test with Pink ball, doesn't command 3 pacers strategy; rather he should be given what he is comfortable with. Had MoHa been there, could have played at No. 6/7 in a 4.5 bowler's strategy, which at least could have saved Amir's knee & Yasir's back - this guy didn't bother for tomorrow, even when he was in supreme command; now probably he has 2 weeks left in his career - he won't hesitate to bowl 135 overs with those 2 bowlers - Asghar can off-load 35 of those.

Remind me....how many runs did you have Pakistan losing by in the first test 250? 350?

 

[FreePalestine]

I have a feeling this is a bit of misdirection for the press and a right-arm seamer will play. Most likely SK in my opinion.

 

[Syed1]

Oh God no more Rahat.. the Aussies are begging for mercy.

 

[MMHS]

Remind me....how many runs did you have Pakistan losing by in the first test 250? 350?

Doesn't matter - I am watching this game before many was born here, it's difficult to convince me with those stats in a hopeless situation.

PAK could have lost that Test by 1 run, where opponent Captain declared with 230 overs left in the game & going at a mad rush of 200/5 in 40 overs while setting targets. One player, played innings of his life & tail punched above their weight - this might not happen once in 10 attempts, that random one number came for PAK on first try. Business usual, there was enough time for this match to have usual scores like AUS 429 & 383; PAK 142 & 370 ... that's a gap in between 250 & 350

Besides, no one is questioning the batting selection - it picks themselves. This match was lost for the gap of 1st innings, where AUS put 429 - at Gabba, no touring side has any chance to compete after conceding that 1st innings. Better bowling selection, captaincy (& catching) could have restricted that 1st innings to 300; still too much, but it won't have been such hopeless case.

 

[Speedster777]

Rahat, Sohail, Imran, Yasir none of these bowlers can bowl out Australia under 250. Pathetic bowling attack.

 

[Speedster777]

Pakistan lost 3 consecutive tests because of poor bowling.

 

[Barragan]

Oh no, not rahat again.

The guy is lifeless and brainless.

Can't bat, bowl or field.

 

[Justcrazy]

Why Pakistan not playing two spinners ? Yasir and Ashgar .

Take a chance.

 

[Pete Rose]

Why Pakistan not playing two spinners ? Yasir and Ashgar .

Take a chance.

Can't play two legspinners, both are attacking options hence controlling runrate can be difficult. We might do that at Sydney

 

[MMHS]

Can't play two legspinners, both are attacking options hence controlling runrate can be difficult. We might do that at Sydney

Asghar actually is a finger spinner - SLAO, he might be more economical. The issue is not about weather a 2nd spinner suits the context or not. It's a no brainier that one should go with 3 pacers at MCG, rather it's a compromise for the best possible option.

Look, when we are analyzing the game, we'll have to take out the fan-boy cap. Personally, I would like BD to win 8-0 in NZ & dream to beat IND at Hyderabad by innings, that too after declaring at 733/5 - that's the fan boy inside me. I like Misbah the man, but I won't write to justify his Gabba tactics or him to carry on in WI.

It's not Misbah's fault that when Indian team is touring AUS/SAF/ENG every alternate year for 4/5 Tests (same for AUS, ENG & SAF as well), PCB has managed to give him 3 Tests in SAF & 4 in ENG in 6 years - he is doing well what he is accustomed with - no discredit to him. This was Cook's 3rd tour in IND, 2nd as Captain & he has led Poms to 4 & 5 Tests marathons - still, he was absolutely clueless when Indian's were making fun of the bowling of his "all-rounders". Iron fist MSD was like an orphan when his pacers went at T20 rate, while Steve Waugh's face looked like that he had found his wife at wrong place, at the end of Day 4 at Eden 2001 - and these people are managed by far better administrators, prepares far, far better than a 3 Day match against novices, coming into AUS after 7 years - in that regard, Misbah has done wonders to make such a match out of Gabba & drawing 2-2 in UK.

BUT, those I mentioned are reasons, the fact remains same that Misbah is clueless in operating with 3 pacers. In response to your post on how close the Test was, I haven't put another scenario - AUS 429, PAK 142 & Following on 238 all-out to lose it by innings & 39. Aussie pacers were fresh & the wicket was much faster on 3rd morning - I do expect those scores had Smith enforced the follow-on; but he had to consider CA's accounts & also the knees of his pacers & there was 260 overs left in the match; fair enough, we saw a great innings leading a resurgence.

2 spinners at MCG is never a 1st choice, that too the 2nd one being SLAO against 6/7 lefti; but when you have Rahat Ali to sing Gazal while playing cricket & Captain who brings a leggi on 11th over AND you have a team with utmost single dimensional - apart from Azhar none even bowls at net; may be it's the better option to play Asghar. To PAK's benefit, AUS is the best team after ZIMBOKs, if you are to play 2 spinners outside Asia.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

I hope Rahat is replaced by Sohail. We can only win if Sohail gets his 5fers. One of the few bowlers in the last 20 years which is able to produce regular 5fers.

 

[Abdullah719]

Erratic Pakistan batsmen 'frustrating'

Coaching Pakistan's batsmen can be a maddening task.

One minute they're collapsing in a heap, the next they're chasing down impossible totals.

Which version of the team shows up for the Boxing Day Test is anyone's guess.

Last week's first Test in Brisbane is destined to be remembered for a stunning fourth-innings comeback, which almost led to the unlikeliest of Pakistan victories.

But just a few days earlier, it was a seven-wicket final session collapse that threatened to define the match.

Zimbabwe cricket great Grant Flower has been Pakistan's batting coach for two-and-a-half years and admits he still finds himself scratching his head at their inconsistency.

"It's quite frustrating, obviously," Flower said on Thursday.

"But it's also quite exciting. That's probably why people like watching Pakistan play.

"It's just one of those things. They're very skilful players but sometimes it can go wrong, sometimes the techniques can be found a bit wanting when they're not used to the conditions.

"The flipside is when something happens... like the other day, and you see the best of them. Hopefully as the guys get more used to the conditions here in Australia, you'll see a lot more of that."

Pakistan's massive fourth-innings total of 450 in Brisbane - the highest ever recorded in a Test match in Australia - was almost their masterpiece, as they tried to chase down 490.

The attempt ultimately failed but it served as a stark reminder they have chased down huge totals in recent years.

Veteran Younis Khan scored a dazzling 171 not out in Sri Lanka last July to help Pakistan chase down 377 and claim a 2-1 series win.

Eighteen months earlier, they had scored 302 runs at a remarkable 5.25 per over to claim a last-gasp victory over Sri Lanka in the UAE.

They have also failed on occasion and an epic collapse against New Zealand last month - losing nine wickets in the final session - showed just how fragile Mickey Arthur's men can be on foreign soil.

The visitors are hoping 42-year-old skipper Misbah ul-Haq will lead from the front at the MCG after struggling with the bat in Brisbane.

Misbah has averaged just 34 with the bat at Test level in 2016 and just 13 in his last four Test innings despite beginning his Test year with a 114-run century against England at Lord's in July.


http://wwos.nine.com.au/2016/12/23/05/01/erratic-pakistan-batsmen-frustrating

 

[blue_champion]

Pakistan need to bring in Sohail Khan

Right armer-obviously adds variety.Pakistan's most successful test fast bowler in previous 6 months,clearly a better bat among tailenders in the Pakistani line up as shown recently.

I mean are his fitness and fielding that much more worse than Rahat Ali? I mean yes by a benchmark if he is half the fielder as Rahat Ali or has half of Rahat's fitness,then sure he shouldn't play FC cricket let alone internationals but don't think that is the case.

 

[MMHS]

Pakistan need to bring in Sohail Khan

Right armer-obviously adds variety.Pakistan's most successful test fast bowler in previous 6 months,clearly a better bat among tailenders in the Pakistani line up as shown recently.

I mean are his fitness and fielding that much more worse than Rahat Ali? I mean yes by a benchmark if he is half the fielder as Rahat Ali or has half of Rahat's fitness,then sure he shouldn't play FC cricket let alone internationals but don't think that is the case.

There is a difference between fitness & stamina. Sohail actually is fitter than all 4 oldies - he hasn't broken down in between match, he hasn't pulled any soft muscles - hamstring, calf, groin; he hasn't cramped while batting. And he has power, can hit the ball hard. At reduced pace, still he is fast enough for his 6'4" height & he can use the new ball.

His only issue is that he was allowed to bunk 5 years, at least - but unlike Khan's scouting method, that's not factored in selection criteria. Almost at his age, Imran stopped bowling & became No. 3 ODI batsman, who shares 5th bowlers quota; Lillie & Marshall were in their 4th year in retirement; and Waquar became Coach. With a 4 bowlers strategy, he might need to bowl similar number of overs in a day, that he bowled in whole series against WI - yet, almost needed stretcher to move between fielding positions after 2nd spell.

Unfortunate guy, if stability, seniority, experience wasn't the mantra for last few years; Sohail would have been PAK's opening bowler for 6 years now - precisely from September 2010; may be he would have retired by now or even earlier after UK tour ala Aaquib or Waquar; who retired at 30 & 32 respectively.

 

[Rayyman]

Amir needs to be rested. Need him fit for the upcoming year. Don't want him to turn into another Gul or Junaid. Misbah ran those guys into the ground. It's a risky move playing him. He might exert too much pressure bowling and get injured.

 

[Junaids]

Amir needs to be rested. Need him fit for the upcoming year. Don't want him to turn into another Gul or Junaid. Misbah ran those guys into the ground. It's a risky move playing him. He might exert too much pressure bowling and get injured.

I don't understand this.

The two remaining Tests in Australia are the most important matches that Pakistan has in the next five years.

If they win or draw the series they secure their reputation as Box Office draws and get invited on important and lucrative tours in the future.

If they lose badly they join Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh in the Dead Zone.

Your suggestion is like saying that Argentina should rest Lionel Messi from the World Cup Final so that he will be ready for a pre-season friendly at Aldershot Town.

 

[Justcrazy]

Inzamam made huge blunder , by not picking up a fast bowling all rounder. It was a stupid decision.

Pakistan should have played two all rounders at 8 and 9 and then 3 bowlers.

 

[Rayyman]

I don't understand this.

The two remaining Tests in Australia are the most important matches that Pakistan has in the next five years.

If they win or draw the series they secure their reputation as Box Office draws and get invited on important and lucrative tours in the future.

If they lose badly they join Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh in the Dead Zone.

Your suggestion is like saying that Argentina should rest Lionel Messi from the World Cup Final so that he will be ready for a pre-season friendly at Aldershot Town.

That's true. This series is bigger than WT20 and Champions Trophy.

 

[Rayyman]

Inzamam made huge blunder , by not picking up a fast bowling all rounder. It was a stupid decision.

Pakistan should have played two all rounders at 8 and 9 and then 3 bowlers.

So let me get this straight, you want to see this:

8. All-rounder 9. All-rounder 10. Bowler 11. Bowler 12. Bowler ?

 

[aloo paratha]

If true, worst news all day... Seriously??? How can you see this "fast" bowler who cannot even bowl quick(140+), bowl 2 balls in the same place in an over get a spot over a guy who took 2 5fers and has been up there in terms of wickets...

 

[Rayyman]

If true, worst news all day... Seriously??? How can you see this "fast" bowler who cannot even bowl quick(140+), bowl 2 balls in the same place in an over get a spot over a guy who took 2 5fers and has been up there in terms of wickets...

Maybe because that guy has an illness. The other guy is a trundler who can't even hold a bat.

 

[Junaids]

That's true. This series is bigger than WT20 and Champions Trophy.

Well obviously, yes.

People remember the 81-81, 83-84 and 89-90 Pakistan tours of Australia decades later.

The World T20 is a two yearly tournament so is not a landmark event at all, and the Champions Trophy is just absolutely nothing.

I could tell you who won the 2007 and 2009 World T20's: I have no idea who won any other edition of either tournament.

But Pakistan is not in the Big Three, and is dependent upon performance in high profile Test series - like the recent one in England - to get invitations for lucrative bilateral tours.

Everyone plays in the two competitions you named, and Pakistan is rubbish in those forms of the game anyway.

I would probably do the following scale for Pakistan's important series:


Home or Away Test series v India - 100 significance points
50 overs World Cup - 90 ranking points (but under huge threat with the death of ODI cricket outside Asia)
Away Test series in England - 85 significance points
Away Test series in Australia - 85 significance points
Away Test series in South Africa - 75 significance points
Bilateral ODI or T20 series v India - 70 significance points (huge in Asia, not noticed anywhere else)
Home Test series v England, Australia or South Africa - 65 significance points
Away Test series in NZ or West Indies - 50 significance points
All other home or away Test series - 15 significance points
World T20 - 10 significance points
Any bilateral ODI or T20 series involving England or Australia - 5 significance points
Champions Trophy and any other bilateral ODI or T20 series - 1 significance point.

The World T20 is around 10% as important as an away Test series in Australia, and the Champions Trophy is around 1% as important.

 

[pakteam#1]

Ali imran pasha, tabish khan, aizaz cheema, mohammed asif, jabbar, abbas. There are plenty of right arm fast bowlers. They need chances.

 

[khurram39]

May be its a kind of statement of cheating.

They may be replace Rahat with Imran Khan. And for not exposing Imran they give that statement.

Even Rahat is not a bad choice but we need variety we lack in our bowling.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Guys what do you expect from flower... Should he say who will be their bowling unit for the upcoming test 3 days in advance...

Im thinking they will play asghar and sohail for rahat and yasir...

Why asghar? New spinner Aus have never faced and he can spin the ball very well.. Aussies are very weak against spin... Arthur will have this in mind...

 

[MenInG]

Well the intensity with which Rahat is practicing, it would appear that there is a very good chance he will play!

 

[Saj]

Rahat needs to up his game.

He applied zero pressure on the Aussies and served up pies for them.

Big match for him if he plays. Another bad match and he could find himself on the sidelines for a long time.

 

[New Yorker]

Rahat needs to up his game.

He applied zero pressure on the Aussies and served up pies for them.

Big match for him if he plays. Another bad match and he could find himself on the sidelines for a long time.

We can only hope.

A 20 Test waste of space. We could have given trial runs to 3-4 other pacers in that time.

 

[Boom boom legend]

Amir vs Starc, great to see. Hope Amir really goes at him whenever he comes out to bat. 1-0 to Amir so far as he dismissed him in the first innings and took everything Starc had to offer. Also managed to get under his skin as you could clearly see Starc was frustrated.

 

[Big Mac]

Aussie Christmas cheer will be short lived

 

[boomboom6]

Arthur would be seriously dumb to play Rahat again ... Sohail Khan should in next match. Had he been there last match, I'm confident his presence would've given us more confidence in the chase. Rahat being an absolute bunny with the bat likely played on Yasir's mind which led to that panicky run out.

Sohail's batting utility and superior new ball skills far outweight Rahat and his useless pie chucking bowling. There really shouldn't even be a debate about this anymore.