Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Shah Afridi : Who will be more effective against Steve Smith?

[tyron_woodley]

Can any of these 3 stop Smith in test cricket? joffra couldn't so I excluded him.

bumrah troubled smith in t20 the few times they played each other. Rabada has wrecked smith several times which is why he is still rated as a quality bowler although he has issues in SC conditions which he needs to seriously work on.

 

[andy0204]

I won't rate Smith to be ATG unless he scores 10,000 at the same rate like he is doing now.

 

[Danyaalr01]

Shaheen might just be the one. Smith is weaker aganist Left arm seamers compared to right armers (although he still dominates both of them) Shaheen has the height too.

 

[Shoaib88]

I reckon south africa has similar player management issues as pakistan for fast bowlers. Rabada seemed like one of the best fast bowling prospects coming up about two years ago, however his recent form seems to be of worry. Although I would not like to judge him on his performance in India but he seemed very mediocre compared to the likes of umesh yadav and mohammed shami. The indian pacers were creating much more movements with the ball, compared to rabada, throughout the series. I would actually have mohammed shami instead of rabada in this list. And out of the three, i would actually pick shaheen who seems to me as one who would be most threatning for smith.

 

[Danyaalr01]

I reckon south africa has similar player management issues as pakistan for fast bowlers. Rabada seemed like one of the best fast bowling prospects coming up about two years ago, however his recent form seems to be of worry. Although I would not like to judge him on his performance in India but he seemed very mediocre compared to the likes of umesh yadav and mohammed shami. The indian pacers were creating much more movements with the ball, compared to rabada, throughout the series. I would actually have mohammed shami instead of rabada in this list. And out of the three, i would actually pick shaheen who seems to me as one who would be most threatning for smith.

Shaheen could create some awkward angles for Smith. He also has the ability to get the ball to really rise off a good length.

People are talking about Naseem and Musa, and I am really excited to see them too, but I think Shaheen will be the one to look out for. His height will give him an advantage too.

 

[Shoaib88]

Shaheen could create some awkward angles for Smith. He also has the ability to get the ball to really rise off a good length.

People are talking about Naseem and Musa, and I am really excited to see them too, but I think Shaheen will be the one to look out for. His height will give him an advantage too.

I have said this during the beginning, with Misbah at helm, I have a strong feeling we will go back to rank 1 in tests and drop to number 7 in T20s. Misbah is basically complete opposite of Mickey Arthur: which is good for our test cricket and bad for LOIs.

 

[WengerOut]

Rabada against Smith will be even stevens. Other two are not in the same league.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Rabada against Smith will be even stevens. Other two are not in the same league.

are you sure about that? bumrah not in the same league as rabada? bumrah is better than rabada in every format lol.
SSA just started and already looks world class. He is every bit as dangerous as any of the top bowlers like bumrah cummins etc.

Steve smith will struggle vs the awkward bounce of bumrah in my opinion. He is very hard to score off. Shaheen being taller and a left armer will cause serious issues to smith as well. He can hit the deck hard. Just need to make sure the stupid keeper catches it though :fp:.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I have said this during the beginning, with Misbah at helm, I have a strong feeling we will go back to rank 1 in tests and drop to number 7 in T20s. Misbah is basically complete opposite of Mickey Arthur: which is good for our test cricket and bad for LOIs.

and that show it should be. Pakistan should focus on test cricket. Anyway anything below top 2 for pakistan is embarrassing. Worst case 3rd. Pakistan need to be in the semis of world test championship.

 

[WengerOut]

are you sure about that? bumrah not in the same league as rabada? bumrah is better than rabada in every format lol.
SSA just started and already looks world class. He is every bit as dangerous as any of the top bowlers like bumrah cummins etc.

Steve smith will struggle vs the awkward bounce of bumrah in my opinion. He is very hard to score off. Shaheen being taller and a left armer will cause serious issues to smith as well. He can hit the deck hard. Just need to make sure the stupid keeper catches it though :fp:.

As far as i can see, Smith doesn't have any specific weakness. Best batsman in the world by a long mile. And yes, Bumrah is a good bowler but not in Rabadas league.

 

[Mueez]

What a sight it would be if Shaheen manages to clean bowl Smith...

 

[cricketjoshila]

As far as i can see, Smith doesn't have any specific weakness. Best batsman in the world by a long mile. And yes, Bumrah is a good bowler but not in Rabadas league.

Best Test Batsman.

Overall it is Kohli.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

As far as i can see, Smith doesn't have any specific weakness. Best batsman in the world by a long mile. And yes, Bumrah is a good bowler but not in Rabadas league.

Yeah we saw how good rabada is in the last three matches.

 

[Hyperion66]

Shaheen is not in the same league with Bumrah and Rabada. He may beat the bat a few times but don't see him genuinely troubling the Aussies.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Smith will thrash shaheen all around the park.

 

[Danyaalr01]

What a sight it would be if Shaheen manages to clean bowl Smith...

If Shaheen gets Smith out it's more likely to be caught or caught behind, especially on Aussie pitches.

 

[Titan24]

Shaheen is not in the same league with Bumrah and Rabada. He may beat the bat a few times but don't see him genuinely troubling the Aussies.

Even Bumrah isnt in the league of Rabada. He has just played 12 matches with 60 wickets at average of 20 and even Abbas has got more than 60 wickets at avg of 18 but Rabada has played 40 test matches and has an avg of 22 with over 180 wickets. While you are here judging Shaheen’s class when he havent even played 5 test matches.

 

[Titan24]

I think Abbas can be in the list with the best avg amongst the pacers at the moment.

Not to forget Anderson was the highest wicket taker in 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia and he isnt too pacy either.

 

[Pakhs]

I think both Rabada and Bumrah has played against Smith a fair bit. Smith in general has done well against Bumrah and Okay against Rabada. Shaheen we are yet to find out.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Smith might struggle against his own bowlers - Hazelwood and Cummins. Rabada has done recently against Smith.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Mone Morkel has had some success. But that was at the start of his career. He averages less against left armers. Jadeja, Boult, Herath have some success. Against right handers he can get out but he is more comfortable.

 

[tyron_woodley]

As far as i can see, Smith doesn't have any specific weakness. Best batsman in the world by a long mile. And yes, Bumrah is a good bowler but not in Rabadas league.

lol bumrah is not just a good bowler per say. He is the best if not top 2 in the world in tests and number 1 in odi and t20.

You can see his ability of you actually watched his games. The fear factor he exhibits when he is bowling is far greater than anyone I have seen currently. I always feel like the batsman is vulnerable when they face him. I don't get that feeling with rabada especially in neutral venues. Rabada played more games yes true but it's easy to discern the ability of a great player when you see one. I see one in bumrah. rabada is an amazing bowler himself but bumrah is literally better in every facet of the game.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Even Bumrah isnt in the league of Rabada. He has just played 12 matches with 60 wickets at average of 20 and even Abbas has got more than 60 wickets at avg of 18 but Rabada has played 40 test matches and has an avg of 22 with over 180 wickets. While you are here judging Shaheen’s class when he havent even played 5 test matches.

You are judging Shaheen's class by claiming he is as good as the number 1 ranked ODI or Test fast bowler.

 

[Titan24]

You are judging Shaheen's class by claiming he is as good as the number 1 ranked ODI or Test fast bowler.

Not at all, what I mean was he is nowhere near the top bowlers at the moment as he is yet to prove himself and can only do when he will play more tests and before he do we cant really compare him with top bowlers. Same case applies to judge him worse than other bowlers when he is yet to play 12-15 test matches.

I only said that in tests Bumrah isnt in the class of Rabada as of now. He has started his career extremely well and is definitely the most consistent bowler across the formats but in tests he can only said to be of class of Rabada when he continues these performances in tests for couple more years and maintain his average below 23 after 150 wickets.

 

[Pakhs]

lol bumrah is not just a good bowler per say. He is the best if not top 2 in the world in tests and number 1 in odi and t20.

You can see his ability of you actually watched his games. The fear factor he exhibits when he is bowling is far greater than anyone I have seen currently. I always feel like the batsman is vulnerable when they face him. I don't get that feeling with rabada especially in neutral venues. Rabada played more games yes true but it's easy to discern the ability of a great player when you see one. I see one in bumrah. rabada is an amazing bowler himself but bumrah is literally better in every facet of the game.

Its too early to class Bumrah as class bowler in test for now both Rabada and Cummins are ahead of him simply because they have played a lot of games and have good averages. Bumrah averages something like 20 in 12 games but that includes series against WI. Let him play atleast 40 games like rabada.

 

[Ab Fan]

In Australian conditions, Smith will do better than Bumrah and Shaheen who are from subcontinent as compared to Rabada.

Bumrah Vs Smith will be an interesting battle in India though.

In UAE Vs Shaheen, I don't think that will be a huge challenge because UAE pitches are slow and Shaheen won't be able to get much from the tracks to trouble a test batsmen of Smith pedigree.

 

[Ab Fan]

lol bumrah is not just a good bowler per say. He is the best if not top 2 in the world in tests and number 1 in odi and t20.

You can see his ability of you actually watched his games. The fear factor he exhibits when he is bowling is far greater than anyone I have seen currently. I always feel like the batsman is vulnerable when they face him. I don't get that feeling with rabada especially in neutral venues. Rabada played more games yes true but it's easy to discern the ability of a great player when you see one. I see one in bumrah. rabada is an amazing bowler himself but bumrah is literally better in every facet of the game.

Bumrah may have to change or modify his action a bit for longer career across all formats. It is not easy to say that he will continue to have the same supreme form for a longer period which he has till now or after he modifies his action, more particularly, as far test cricket is concerned.

 

[Kaptan]

Its too early to class Bumrah as class bowler in test for now both Rabada and Cummins are ahead of him simply because they have played a lot of games and have good averages. Bumrah averages something like 20 in 12 games but that includes series against WI. Let him play atleast 40 games like rabada.

Cummins has also played only 25 tests which is very less considering he debuted in 2011. So, your above statement is factually incorrect.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Darren Gough said a month ago only Bumrah can stop him. But i think he will find a way to survive against him. But i fancy Shami against him as he has the skiddier action. You cannot simply walk across every time against him.

 

[cricketjoshila]

What will be interesting is how Smith will tackle the difficulties when his reflexes slow with age, right now at his peak he is making the adjustments with his poor technique.

Another thing that Gavaskar once said about Sehwag, which also holds true about Smith is, that if you have poor technique, it takes you longer and harder to come out of a bad patch.

These two are the main concerns regarding Smith.

 

[Hasan123]

Bumrah versus Smith would be a great battle.

 

[Ellipsism]

What will be interesting is how Smith will tackle the difficulties when his reflexes slow with age, right now at his peak he is making the adjustments with his poor technique.

Another thing that Gavaskar once said about Sehwag, which also holds true about Smith is, that if you have poor technique, it takes you longer and harder to come out of a bad patch.

These two are the main concerns regarding Smith.

Who said he has a poor technique? It’s unconventional, but poor? No.

 

[Hyperion66]

Even Bumrah isnt in the league of Rabada. He has just played 12 matches with 60 wickets at average of 20 and even Abbas has got more than 60 wickets at avg of 18 but Rabada has played 40 test matches and has an avg of 22 with over 180 wickets. While you are here judging Shaheen’s class when he havent even played 5 test matches.

I partially agree. While Bumrah is the best limited over bowler in the world he still has some way to go before being compared with Rabada in test. But Shaheen shouldn't even be mentioned while these two are being discussed using the same logic that you used regarding Bumrah. My comment was more of a prediction, no judgement at all.

I disagree about Abbas, while he performed pretty well in tests he played so far but I think his lack of pace is gonna catch up to him in Aus. He will probably be punished the most among your bowlers. Again this is just a prediction based on my observation. You are free to bookmark this post and shove humble pies down my throat if he does well.

 

[Pakhs]

Cummins has also played only 25 tests which is very less considering he debuted in 2011. So, your above statement is factually incorrect.

25 is still more than double Bumrah's Number. And even cummins can also not be classed as ATG or anything but we can say he is class bowler in test.

 

[tyron_woodley]

In Australian conditions, Smith will do better than Bumrah and Shaheen who are from subcontinent as compared to Rabada.

Bumrah Vs Smith will be an interesting battle in India though.

In UAE Vs Shaheen, I don't think that will be a huge challenge because UAE pitches are slow and Shaheen won't be able to get much from the tracks to trouble a test batsmen of Smith pedigree.

I think bumrah would be extremely hard to face in bouncy conditions. S.A and australia batsmen will have serious issues with him including smith. I think it would be harder to get smith out in india imo. Maybe shami could with reverse swing.

I have seen SSA play and I am 100% sure he will shock the world in bouncy pitches as well. He reminds me of a more polished version of morkel who is a very good bowler. SSA already has natural bounce and variation at this young age. Dude is going to be a phenomenon if he keeps growing at this rate. He will trouble smith because SSA can vary the lengths he bowls at pace.
He is built like morkel but has the ability of steyn. Such an amazing talent from pakistan.
Not a single young bowler under 23 comes close to his level in terms of potential.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Bumrah versus Smith would be a great battle.

looking forward to this. SSA vs smith will be fascinating too and I think people will be surprised when SSA wrecks him. I know i won't be shocked whatsoever.

 

[Titan24]

I partially agree. While Bumrah is the best limited over bowler in the world he still has some way to go before being compared with Rabada in test. But Shaheen shouldn't even be mentioned while these two are being discussed using the same logic that you used regarding Bumrah. My comment was more of a prediction, no judgement at all.

I disagree about Abbas, while he performed pretty well in tests he played so far but I think his lack of pace is gonna catch up to him in Aus. He will probably be punished the most among your bowlers. Again this is just a prediction based on my observation. You are free to bookmark this post and shove humble pies down my throat if he does well.

Completely agreed regrading Shaheen that he hasnt played much cricket and thus havent done anything yet to be compared to the best bowlers across the formats.

Lol! no I am not going to shove humble pies down your throat irrespective of what Abbas does. Abbas is a bowler with consistent line and length and as you said he doesnt have much pace however he is pretty skillful within his limitations. While he doesnt have have pace to be effective in Australia but still I wont be surprised if he finds a way to get wickets like he has done even in UAE which nobody would have expected. Again he lack of effectiveness if that happens wont surprise anyone but if he somehow finds a way to get wickets it wont surprise me atleast.

 

[Danyaalr01]

What will be interesting is how Smith will tackle the difficulties when his reflexes slow with age, right now at his peak he is making the adjustments with his poor technique.

Another thing that Gavaskar once said about Sehwag, which also holds true about Smith is, that if you have poor technique, it takes you longer and harder to come out of a bad patch.

These two are the main concerns regarding Smith.

Smith’s technique isn’t poor. It’s arguably the best in the world in fact. It looks really weird, but he has an extremely stable base, he hits it right under his eyes and gets right behind the ball. Due to his trigger movement he gets into a perfect position toplay any type of ball.

Technique doesn’t mean looking goid and hitting perfect cover drives. It’s about getting in a good position, with a stable base and good balance. Smith ticks all those boxes.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Who said he has a poor technique? It’s unconventional, but poor? No.

He is not still at the crease.

 

[BaankeJi]

SSA is the best bowler. Others are nowhere close.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

What will be interesting is how Smith will tackle the difficulties when his reflexes slow with age, right now at his peak he is making the adjustments with his poor technique.

Another thing that Gavaskar once said about Sehwag, which also holds true about Smith is, that if you have poor technique, it takes you longer and harder to come out of a bad patch.

These two are the main concerns regarding Smith.

Smith has the best technique in test cricket currently, by far. His stance is unconventional but his actual technique is rock solid, there's a reason he doesn't get dismissed while poking the ball like Kohli.

 

[Ellipsism]

He is not still at the crease.

What are you on about? He’s perfectly still before the ball is released.

 

[Rana]

Shaheen needs to improve his pace.

He would be a world class handful if he regularly bowles 144-150kmh instead of his standard 135.

 

[Danyaalr01]

He is not still at the crease.

Before the ball is released he is still and is in a perfect position to play the ball anywhere. It doesn't matter how much you move before if you are still just before release.

 

[Titan24]

Shaheen needs to improve his pace.

He would be a world class handful if he regularly bowles 144-150kmh instead of his standard 135.

He needs to improve his fitness as he has bowled fast previously (Was touching 147,148 on few deliveries vs NZ in UAE) however, his issue has been to maintain that for longer period of times. Still he hasnt even played much of FC let alone test cricket so he should get fitter and stronger with time.

 

[Chrish]

Rabada is already successful.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Smith has the best technique in test cricket currently, by far. His stance is unconventional but his actual technique is rock solid, there's a reason he doesn't get dismissed while poking the ball like Kohli.

What are you on about? He’s perfectly still before the ball is released.

Smith shuffles into his position and moves across the wicket. Right now with his reflexes and form he doesnot miss the incoming delivery. But his across the wicket walk makes him a LBW candidate.

If and when smith hits a bad patch, we will know how great his technique is.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Before the ball is released he is still and is in a perfect position to play the ball anywhere. It doesn't matter how much you move before if you are still just before release.

He moves across the wicket.

Watch how Tendulkar played. Absolutely still till the ball was released.

 

[barah_admi]

Can any of these 3 stop Smith in test cricket? joffra couldn't so I excluded him.

bumrah troubled smith in t20 the few times they played each other. Rabada has wrecked smith several times which is why he is still rated as a quality bowler although he has issues in SC conditions which he needs to seriously work on.

Shaheen shouldn't be mentioned up there just yet. If there is anyone in the Pakistan test side that may be difficult for Smith, its Abbas.

 

[warcry]

steve smith shuffles across his crease. this makes him able to negate the right arm bowler as he has to adjust his line outside off stump, takes bowled lbw almost out of the equation. anytime the bowler attacks the stumps he is bowling on the pads and flicked for four.

however, this makes him an lbw candidate for the left arm bowler, IFF he can swing the ball back into the right hander.
We will find out how effective shaheen really is soon enough.

 

[Danyaalr01]

He moves across the wicket.

Watch how Tendulkar played. Absolutely still till the ball was released.

Yes he moves across the wicket, but he is still for a second or two before the ball is released. Many batsmen have trigger movements going across or back and across (obviously Smith's is a lot more exagerated) but they are still before the ball is delivered, that is what is important.

You can not be successful at international cricket with bad technique, and many analysts have said that Smith has a very good technique and he gets in to a perfect position to counter basically any type of delivery. It is difficult to mimic his technique, but if mastered, it will get you runs.

Tendulkar had an excellent technique and might have looked better and more classy than Smith's, but that doesn't make it a better technique.