stevewittry
Tape Ball Regular
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2007
- Runs
- 567
While today's defeat is not something pleasant for Pak fans to endure, there are few strong positives that have emerged from resumption of test cricket starting from Pak's England tour and more specifically this test match.
Uncharacteristic of past Pak visiting teams, that were known to be more flamboyant and self destructive in their batting, the current team has a pleasant sense of calmness around them.
The ability to grind for long periods of time through resolute defense, something that's very difficult to sustain for long periods but has been a feature of their recent batting starting from the top order all the way till no. 11. This goes long way in wearing the opposition attacks down, and thereby decreasing their potency.
What pleases the purist is old fashioned test cricket comprising of resolute batting, an engaging contest between bat and ball, and a test match that goes all the way till the last day with multiple possible outcomes. With their resolute batting of 120+ overs on a wearing fourth and fifth day wicket, this is something that you don't associate with team Pakistan particularly on an overseas SENA tour, against a world class attack. But this is precisely what the team has done.
While this has been a victory for NZ in the end, Pak team can hold their heads high that they've fought till the last few overs and did not surrender.
It's not something easy to achieve unless there has been some hard work on their technique and temperament through hours of batting practice in a test match simulated environment and with support of coaching staff, which seemed to have happened.
I personally am positive that with this change in mind-set and with Babar back for next test, Pak would present a very stern test for NZ team, and we might see a positive result for Pak in the next test, and the series. If they're able to carry this in the long run, I'm sure the team would be a force to reckon, and will move a few notches in the test rankings.
What are your thoughts on this newfound strength of the team? Any comments are appreciated.
Uncharacteristic of past Pak visiting teams, that were known to be more flamboyant and self destructive in their batting, the current team has a pleasant sense of calmness around them.
The ability to grind for long periods of time through resolute defense, something that's very difficult to sustain for long periods but has been a feature of their recent batting starting from the top order all the way till no. 11. This goes long way in wearing the opposition attacks down, and thereby decreasing their potency.
What pleases the purist is old fashioned test cricket comprising of resolute batting, an engaging contest between bat and ball, and a test match that goes all the way till the last day with multiple possible outcomes. With their resolute batting of 120+ overs on a wearing fourth and fifth day wicket, this is something that you don't associate with team Pakistan particularly on an overseas SENA tour, against a world class attack. But this is precisely what the team has done.
While this has been a victory for NZ in the end, Pak team can hold their heads high that they've fought till the last few overs and did not surrender.
It's not something easy to achieve unless there has been some hard work on their technique and temperament through hours of batting practice in a test match simulated environment and with support of coaching staff, which seemed to have happened.
I personally am positive that with this change in mind-set and with Babar back for next test, Pak would present a very stern test for NZ team, and we might see a positive result for Pak in the next test, and the series. If they're able to carry this in the long run, I'm sure the team would be a force to reckon, and will move a few notches in the test rankings.
What are your thoughts on this newfound strength of the team? Any comments are appreciated.
