Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq show why you need Umar Akmal in Tests

[Junaids]

I was horrified by what I watched this morning.

In reply to the West Indies 286 all out, in a rain-affected Test Pakistan was 186-4 after 68.1 overs with around 15 overs left in the day.

The bowlers were tired.

The pitch was dead.

The ball was worn out.

This was the moment when Pakistan needed to ensure that they went at 4 an over for the next 12 overs to get the score up to 235-240 when the new ball could be taken.

Because then every run would count double from that point on, when West Indies bat again and have to knock off a deficit.

In the end only 10.1 overs were possible, but instead of scoring 45 runs to be 231-4, Pakistan scored 15 runs to be 201-4.

If the West Indies strike with the new ball there is now no guarantee that Pakistan will even have a lead. The ridiculous defensive batting of Misbah and Shafiq has left Pakistan in a position from which they can still lose, whereas if they had moved the score along they would have been the only team that could win.

Something needs to be done about this. I'm a big fan of Test over ODI cricket. But there are times to defend and times to move the score along.

This was a time to move the score along.

 

[Big Mac]

Is he GOAT like Salman "Test average of 30" Butt?

 

[Bilal7]

Akmal first needs to make the T20 side before he can even consider making a comeback to the test team.

 

[LordJames]

I was horrified by what I watched this morning.

In reply to the West Indies 286 all out, in a rain-affected Test Pakistan was 186-4 after 68.1 overs with around 15 overs left in the day.

The bowlers were tired.

The pitch was dead.

The ball was worn out.

This was the moment when Pakistan needed to ensure that they went at 4 an over for the next 12 overs to get the score up to 235-240 when the new ball could be taken.

Because then every run would count double from that point on, when West Indies bat again and have to knock off a deficit.

In the end only 10.1 overs were possible, but instead of scoring 45 runs to be 231-4, Pakistan scored 15 runs to be 201-4.

If the West Indies strike with the new ball there is now no guarantee that Pakistan will even have a lead. The ridiculous defensive batting of Misbah and Shafiq has left Pakistan in a position from which they can still lose, whereas if they had moved the score along they would have been the only team that could win.

Something needs to be done about this. I'm a big fan of Test over ODI cricket. But there are times to defend and times to move the score along.

This was a time to move the score along.

Lets wait until the fat lady sings on this test match before we start calling for the inclusion of Umar Bradman Akmal

 

[Junaids]

Lets wait until the fat lady sings on this test match before we start calling for the inclusion of Umar Bradman Akmal

There was the chance to bat West Indies out of the Test with one hour of quick scoring against a tired attack with a very old ball.

But instead of that, the slow partnership KEPT the West Indies in the Test, with Pakistan still a long way behind and the new ball due almost immediately.

This is a Pakistan team that has lost several recent Tests from seemingly unlosable positions, namely:

Third Test at Edgbaston
England 297
Pakistan 400
England won by 141 runs

Third Test at Sharjah
Pakistan 281
West Indies 244-6 at the end of Day 2
West Indies won by 5 wickets

Second Test at Hamilton
New Zealand 271
Pakistan 216
New Zealand 313-5 declared
Pakistan 158-1 at Tea on the last day
New Zealand won by 138 runs

Second Test at Melbourne
Pakistan 443-9 declared
Australia 624-8 declared
Pakistan 6-1 at lunch and 91-5 at Tea
Australia won by an Innings and 18 runs after Pakistan lost 10 wickets in 2 sessions after 17 wickets fell in the previous 13 sessions.

Pakistan has had numerous strange failures in Tests recently from unlosable positions.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Umar Akmal will not score even 10 runs. The fascination with this hack should end.

 

[msb314]

I was horrified by what I watched this morning.

In reply to the West Indies 286 all out, in a rain-affected Test Pakistan was 186-4 after 68.1 overs with around 15 overs left in the day.

The bowlers were tired.

The pitch was dead.

The ball was worn out.

This was the moment when Pakistan needed to ensure that they went at 4 an over for the next 12 overs to get the score up to 235-240 when the new ball could be taken.

Because then every run would count double from that point on, when West Indies bat again and have to knock off a deficit.

In the end only 10.1 overs were possible, but instead of scoring 45 runs to be 231-4, Pakistan scored 15 runs to be 201-4.

If the West Indies strike with the new ball there is now no guarantee that Pakistan will even have a lead. The ridiculous defensive batting of Misbah and Shafiq has left Pakistan in a position from which they can still lose, whereas if they had moved the score along they would have been the only team that could win.

Something needs to be done about this. I'm a big fan of Test over ODI cricket. But there are times to defend and times to move the score along.

This was a time to move the score along.

What are Umar Akmal's domestic stats do justify his inclusion?

 

[Major]

This test is better if its drawn.

The wicket is turning into a spinners wicket, and with Pakistan play 1 spinners its gonna be a problem

 

[MMHS]

Not sure about Umar, but I do agree with the OP - against this WI side (any side), one can't score 10 runs in last 15 overs of the day - simply can't. The initiative was totally handed to WI in last hour of the game - now, with 2nd ball, I expect couple of wickets in tomorrow's early start (if so), with the score board stagnant from 186/2 to may be 213 for 6. Test crciket is never played like that - whoever thinks that Test cricket means passing out time has no idea what is Test is, one has to take the initiative & actually score runs.

I would give a more appropriate example - New Lands 2013. PAK went to 4th morning probably 110/3 (or 4) - effectively 130/3 (4) or so & the game hanging in balance. On 4th morning Misbah & Azhar batted for almost 90 minutes for probably 15 runs & then either side of lunch SAF knocked last 6 wickets cheaply - PAK batted for almost 80 overs, to score 170 or so & set a target of 188 or so, to lose it by 4 wickets & SAF's top 6 out - another 35 runs, game was any ones.

However, not sure how Umar's example comes here, because he is not batting better than a tail-ender these days. Those 4 Test that OP mentioned in later post, actually would have been lost by bigger margins, had Umar of recent times been there, BECAUSE, PAK lost those Test for a batting collapse in 2nd innings, not for lack of initiative - I actually will put more money on Danish Kaneria to try survival at all cost & play-out few more balls than Umar Akmal of recent times, in such situations. Replace Haris, Fawad or even Amin with Umar, I actually do agree - that last hour was match losing effort, unless so many overs were lost for rain.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Sure Umar Akmal would have gotten out and instead of 2 quick wickets the windies would have gotten 3 starting a Batting collapse. Umar Akmal has no brain or consistency.. We are much better of without him.

 

[coy0607]

Misbah and Shafiq played some awful cricket today, but that doesn't mean Umar Akmal is needed

2 wrongs don't make a right

Even Babar Azam played a pretty mediocre and defensive innings today. It's just the mentality that needs to change

 

[Syed1]

Well Misbah was batting. What did you expect. Awful batting display was completely in line with what was supposed to happen.

 

[Junaids]

What are Umar Akmal's domestic stats do justify his inclusion?

In his last two domestic First Class matches, Umar Akmal made 1 century and 2 fifties.

Which is more than Shan Masood managed in the entire season! And he's back in the squad!

 

[Ellipsism]

Yes, we need a guy who is borderline obese, has been in the international circuit for 7-8 years and still hasn't learnt to construct an innings and a guy who has absolutely no interest in improving his game.

Pakistan are depriving themselves of the #1 Test spot by not playing this fool.

 

[Ellipsism]

In his last two domestic First Class matches, Umar Akmal made 1 century and 2 fifties.

Which is more than Shan Masood managed in the entire season! And he's back in the squad!

And we all know why he's back in the squad and it isn't for cricketing reasons.

 

[moghul]

I switched on TV to watch the test, Misbah was batting, switched it off.

 

[Junaids]

People wrongly assume that Umar Akmal has forgotten how to bat in the longer form of the game.

The reality is that he has knuckled down since Mickey Arthur listed him as a player he thought could have a Test future, and Umar Akmal has actually delivered!


Umar Akmal's 2016-17 First Class QEA season
2 matches
4 innings: 1 century, 2 fifties
233 runs @ 58.25

Shan Masood's 2016-17 First Class QEA season WHICH EARNED HIS TEST RECALL
9 matches
14 innings: 1 century, 1 fifty
436 runs @ 36.33

Mohammad Hafeez's 2016-17 First Class QEA season
8 matches
16 innings: 0 centuries, 3 fifties
342 runs @ 22.80

I simply don't understand how - now that he has passed his fitness test - Umar Akmal can be excluded while Shan Masood is included.

It's scandalous.

 

[msb314]

People wrongly assume that Umar Akmal has forgotten how to bat in the longer form of the game.

The reality is that he has knuckled down since Mickey Arthur listed him as a player he thought could have a Test future, and Umar Akmal has actually delivered!


Umar Akmal's 2016-17 First Class QEA season
2 matches
4 innings: 1 century, 2 fifties
233 runs @ 58.25

Shan Masood's 2016-17 First Class QEA season WHICH EARNED HIS TEST RECALL
9 matches
14 innings: 1 century, 1 fifty
436 runs @ 36.33

Mohammad Hafeez's 2016-17 First Class QEA season
8 matches
16 innings: 0 centuries, 3 fifties
342 runs @ 22.80

I simply don't understand how - now that he has passed his fitness test - Umar Akmal can be excluded while Shan Masood is included.

It's scandalous.

If what you say is true then Umar Akmal should be given a chance then provided he improves his fitness.

However, he MUST perform in ODI's first before getting a look in in Tests.

If he does perform and learns to value his wicket and scores a lot of runs - then he should make the Test team on merit.

 

[KyoOne]

Fakhar Zaman is a better option. Fawad Alam is also someone who keeps the scoreboard ticking, has lower dot ball percentage than Sarfraz even.

Yes it was pathetic display by two veterans, but Umar Akmal at this point of his career is not the answer. He's been inconsistent in both domestics and internationals for a prolonged period spanning over 7 years, two matches is a poor sample

 

[Arsalan Pro]

No, please not him.

 

[savecricket]

Embarrassing is the word to use to describe Pakistans batting.
With all due respect this isn't Australia or South Africa they're playing. Even if the Windies declare with a 300 run lead you've got to back yourself to play out the final day.
Seems Misbah is too concerned about his individual record.
Watching 10 runs of the last 10 overs was just embarrassing. I believe there were more extras than runs off the bat!

 

[ShoonyaSifar]

As usual over exaggeration.

If ball was dead, pitch was dead, bowlers were tired, how did the batting side lose two set batsmen in 2 overs? And how did WI create further chances after those two got out?

BTW the two set batsmen who got out were batting at SR of 42 and 38 respectively, tells you how easy it was to bat on the 'dead pitch'

 

[Hasan123]

Op has a point. Asad and Misbah's approach was pathetic. If we lose a couple of quick wickets we are in trouble.

Calling for Umar I don't agree with at all. Would rather go for Harris.

 

[Slog]

I switched on TV to watch the test, Misbah was batting, switched it off.

well considering he is our captain and our second best batsman in past 5 years id say it was pretty dumb of you to switch on a Pak test match and not expect Misbah to be involved

 

[Slog]

People wrongly assume that Umar Akmal has forgotten how to bat in the longer form of the game.

The reality is that he has knuckled down since Mickey Arthur listed him as a player he thought could have a Test future, and Umar Akmal has actually delivered!


Umar Akmal's 2016-17 First Class QEA season
2 matches
4 innings: 1 century, 2 fifties
233 runs @ 58.25

Shan Masood's 2016-17 First Class QEA season WHICH EARNED HIS TEST RECALL
9 matches
14 innings: 1 century, 1 fifty
436 runs @ 36.33

Mohammad Hafeez's 2016-17 First Class QEA season
8 matches
16 innings: 0 centuries, 3 fifties
342 runs @ 22.80

I simply don't understand how - now that he has passed his fitness test - Umar Akmal can be excluded while Shan Masood is included.

It's scandalous.

What a legend OP is

TWO matches!

Also lol at knuckling down. These matches happened 7-8 months ago before Mickey said anything

 

[shariqnoor]

lol no. At 186/4 Umar Akmal would've tried to hit out and given WI another wicket to trigger a batting collapse. I don't overly agree with Shafiq and Misbah's approach because they were too slow but ensuring we lost no further wickets in the day was necessary. No need for emotions to take over your decision making. Umar Akmal has no business being in the Test side right now. Too rash and irresponsible.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

There was the chance to bat West Indies out of the Test with one hour of quick scoring against a tired attack with a very old ball.

But instead of that, the slow partnership KEPT the West Indies in the Test, with Pakistan still a long way behind and the new ball due almost immediately.

This is a Pakistan team that has lost several recent Tests from seemingly unlosable positions, namely:

Third Test at Edgbaston
England 297
Pakistan 400
England won by 141 runs

Third Test at Sharjah
Pakistan 281
West Indies 244-6 at the end of Day 2
West Indies won by 5 wickets

Second Test at Hamilton
New Zealand 271
Pakistan 216
New Zealand 313-5 declared
Pakistan 158-1 at Tea on the last day
New Zealand won by 138 runs

Second Test at Melbourne
Pakistan 443-9 declared
Australia 624-8 declared
Pakistan 6-1 at lunch and 91-5 at Tea
Australia won by an Innings and 18 runs after Pakistan lost 10 wickets in 2 sessions after 17 wickets fell in the previous 13 sessions.

Pakistan has had numerous strange failures in Tests recently from unlosable positions.

Agreed

Umar Akmal will not score even 10 runs. The fascination with this hack should end.

Agreed.

I agree with OP that MISBAH and shafiq played their usual tuk tuking and played 10 overs for just 15 runs at the end of the day with two new batsman and old ball is not acceptable...

But for that UA is not the solution, the fascination with this UA should end. He came out with big promise to deliver but eventually joined the league of his brother.. Now he is worse than his brother...All UA know is slog... slog.... slog....
[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] if you love test cricket, playing UA is an embarassment to test cricket because watching him play looks that ugly now..

 

[Asif321]

why always akmal akmal akmal ???????? there are other players also
Akmal first should learn how to bat in ODIs

 

[JibranAnsari]

30(25) dont help in test cricket , good that umar akmal was not included after 2011.

 

[captain crook]

I completely agree with this thread. We need Umar Akmal or even Shoaib Malik in the test squad. We could have easily ended at 300-5 and would be in a position to declare by first session on 4th day. Now we have to start all over again and play 2 sessions to give a substantial lead. If we get out quickly today, we might have to face a tricky 4th innings target now.
[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] great thread.. addressing the real problem of our test cricket..

 

[ExpressPacer]

There was the chance to bat West Indies out of the Test with one hour of quick scoring against a tired attack with a very old ball.

But instead of that, the slow partnership KEPT the West Indies in the Test, with Pakistan still a long way behind and the new ball due almost immediately.

This is a Pakistan team that has lost several recent Tests from seemingly unlosable positions, namely:

Third Test at Edgbaston
England 297
Pakistan 400
England won by 141 runs

Third Test at Sharjah
Pakistan 281
West Indies 244-6 at the end of Day 2
West Indies won by 5 wickets

Second Test at Hamilton
New Zealand 271
Pakistan 216
New Zealand 313-5 declared
Pakistan 158-1 at Tea on the last day
New Zealand won by 138 runs

Second Test at Melbourne
Pakistan 443-9 declared
Australia 624-8 declared
Pakistan 6-1 at lunch and 91-5 at Tea
Australia won by an Innings and 18 runs after Pakistan lost 10 wickets in 2 sessions after 17 wickets fell in the previous 13 sessions.

Pakistan has had numerous strange failures in Tests recently from unlosable positions.

POTW. I'm not saying OP is right in asking to bring back Umar Akmal but this post highlights everything that's been wrong with Pakistan in the last few months. We've lost these few tests that was practically won, or drawn at the very least. Giving the match away from such a dominating position and losing it describes Pakistan cricket aptly.

We are playing t20's as ODI's, ODI's as Tests and Tests as something I don't even know of. Worst display of cricket from all countries when your players don't even show the intent to score runs vs tired, pathetic bowlers.

 

[Adil_94]

why UA though i agree that we need more dynamism from our No 6 Shafiq is too timid.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I have been on record saying this that Umar's INITIAL dropping from tests was completely unwarranted, given he played all but one game outside of Asia and still mainted the best average for any Pak batsmen in that period.

However since then he has himself to blame, he used to average above 50 in first class, now look?



I think player like Haris and Babar once they are settled can score more freely. even Asad if he grows up. This current style of play is due to lack of will not due to lack of skill

 

[waleed88]

Umar Akmal is a great talent, his stats suggest that from 10 years ago

 

[MRSN]

lol pathetic cricket from this senior pair. How much test cricket have they played between them? This is a 3rd class bowling attack on a flat road. I have seen all the play of 3rd day and the ball was literally doing nothing and pace from the WI quick bowlers was not more than 135 at best. There was one good ball after 5 mediocre deliveries and yet they were leaving them like it's Brett Lee and Akhter bowling at 150 on Waca. This is why Misbah should be never rated as a top batsman in any format. The guy was mediocre and feasted on spinners after seeing on fast bowlers even on roads. This is beyond crap batting you will witness.

 

[MRSN]

Umar Akmal is a great talent, his stats suggest that from 10 years ago

Umar Akmal averaged 40+ on the last WI tour when Asad technique averaged in single digits before going back to UAE Phattas and increasing his average. Umar Akmal was a major factor for levelling the series. other batsmen flopped. Umar Akmal getting dropped straight after that tour on a very unlucky dismissal shows the level of Misbah's thinking.

 

[MRSN]

As usual over exaggeration.

If ball was dead, pitch was dead, bowlers were tired, how did the batting side lose two set batsmen in 2 overs? And how did WI create further chances after those two got out?

BTW the two set batsmen who got out were batting at SR of 42 and 38 respectively, tells you how easy it was to bat on the 'dead pitch'

both were soft dismissals. they were batting like it's Zimbabwe bowling attack when they were on the crease not playing it like it's second coming of Lee and Akhter. Even Gabriel was laughing how Misbah was scared facing him.

 

[MRSN]

This is why I say Misbah playing slow and being tuk tuk master is not because the situation demands it but because he is helpless. he doesn't have any other skills than to see off the fast bowlers and take on spinners with his reverse sweeps and slogs.

 

[Xoib]

the approach was poor but its still repairable if we can bat till tea and get 100 ahead we will win

 

[kaptaan.talli]

The guy was dropped from T20 on fitness grounds, and we are talking about inducting him in Tests here. MashAllah!

 

[Big Mac]

As usual over exaggeration.

If ball was dead, pitch was dead, bowlers were tired, how did the batting side lose two set batsmen in 2 overs? And how did WI create further chances after those two got out?

BTW the two set batsmen who got out were batting at SR of 42 and 38 respectively, tells you how easy it was to bat on the 'dead pitch'

At least someone watched the match. Lets not forget that Younis scored 7 runs in 57 balls against the pacers (12.3 strike rate) but act like scoring off the quicks was really easy.

why always akmal akmal akmal ???????? there are other players also
Akmal first should learn how to bat in ODIs

Ducklord Shafiq and Team Man didn't play exactly quickly either. Don't even want to mention Kohli Jr.

Why only target Misbah?

You guys need to understand the MO of Junaids. He is too stubborn to ever admit he was wrong about anything so he will constantly bang the same drum over and over again in the hopes that repetition will make believe start people believing his nonsense through sheer boredom.

First it was Salman Butt the Australian GOAT but that time had passed so now he's doing the YK + Misbah are too old and Umar Akmal is amazing thing. If Younis hadn't scored runs he'd be trying to crap on him as well.

If Akmal ever gets back in the team he'll stop stanning for him and fails then Junaids will make an unbearable amount of noise about something else to try and make you forget he ever mentioned Umar Akmal.

It's embarrassing really.

 

[Kitchlew]

Safety first!!

 

[Hawkeye]

While I agree that Umar Akmal should be in Tests.

But [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] - it's your typical MO to target Misbah, bring him into everything, even though he's our legend and for the reasons mentioned above by others.

You can make your point without resorting to the usual bias, and it would put much more weight into your arguments.

 

[shaz619]

At least someone watched the match. Lets not forget that Younis scored 7 runs in 57 balls against the pacers (12.3 strike rate) but act like scoring off the quicks was really easy.





You guys need to understand the MO of Junaids. He is too stubborn to ever admit he was wrong about anything so he will constantly bang the same drum over and over again in the hopes that repetition will make believe start people believing his nonsense through sheer boredom.

First it was Salman Butt the Australian GOAT but that time had passed so now he's doing the YK + Misbah are too old and Umar Akmal is amazing thing. If Younis hadn't scored runs he'd be trying to crap on him as well.

If Akmal ever gets back in the team he'll stop stanning for him and fails then Junaids will make an unbearable amount of noise about something else to try and make you forget he ever mentioned Umar Akmal.

It's embarrassing really.

So in other words it's acceptable to score 15 runs in 10 overs

 

[MRSN]

So in other words it's acceptable to score 15 runs in 10 overs

yes against this mighty bowing attack..

 

[shaz619]

yes against this mighty bowing attack..

And am a big fan of Misbah and Shafiq ! it would be foolish to suggest that dynamism down the order is not required, had they lost a wicket we'd have been in big trouble and the game has evolved; such caution tends to backfire. We need to improve our scoring rate at the Test Level and that's not to say we want a batsman to try and smack every ball for a 6 but going at an RR of 1.5 is unacceptable and no one can justify it, the quality of bowling is also irrelevant in that regard even if this one is not the strongest.

 

[shaz619]

While I agree that Umar Akmal should be in Tests.

But [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] - it's your typical MO to target Misbah, bring him into everything, even though he's our legend and for the reasons mentioned above by others.

You can make your point without resorting to the usual bias, and it would put much more weight into your arguments.

Am surprised he hasn't bought up his famous "number of failures in ENG, AUS and NZ" stats when it comes to Misbah's batting yet

 

[Big Mac]

So in other words it's acceptable to score 15 runs in 10 overs

Not only is it acceptable, it is the path to becoming on ATG

 

[SaadAliG]

Sarfraz plays 10 overs and the run rate will be fine. Most important thing was not giving a wicket away before the end of the day.

 

[dildildalwalla]

Batting at that rate for two new-ish batsmen at the crease after two established batsmen got out back to back is very, very normal for test cricket. Plus, if you actually watch the game, it is a bit of a tricky pitch to negotiate and one where you have to get yourself in.

Give both these guys time.

Hvaing said that, I'm all for an attacking batsman in Pak's test middle order but Akmal has shown time and time again that he is lazy, refused to turn up for training camps in the past and gets himself out in sticky situations.

The question is, who should Pak pick at the no. 5 position who also happens to be an attacking batsman with first class cricket quality?

 

[Junaids]

Sarfraz plays 10 overs and the run rate will be fine. Most important thing was not giving a wicket away before the end of the day.

The point was to get up towards the West Indies score against the old ball.

Now there's a new ball after just over 1 over, and Pakistan is still 85 runs behind, with only the wicketkeeper and the tail left.

It's really dumb cricket. They didn't need to play risky shots, just run more ones and twos.

 

[Markhor]

Not fit enough, not smart enough and not good enough for Test cricket.

 

[moghul]

Misbah plays every match for a draw, win is a bonus, that's the problem for last 7 years.

 

[srh]

This test team badly need Fawad Alam. Umar Akmal is not needed.

 

[Veteran]

Run rate is really not that relevant. I think the key was not to lose wickets. I would much rather be 200 for 4 than 230 for 6 when they take the new ball. Also why are we suggesting that this West Indies bowling attack is mediocre? Is it because their pace bowlers are bowling at 130 miles per hour? That doesn't mean that it is easier to score against them. Actually Wahab Riaz was a lot easier to score against not only because he was erratic but because the ball came on to the bat more quickly and be cause of the extra pace went off the bat more quickly as well. No one has mentioned the fact that the outfield was very slow and many shots that would have gone to the boundary were only worth one or two runs. I would have liked to see more runs scored by Asad and Misbah but every one in the Pakistan team had trouble scoring quickly. Finally, don't underestimate Bishoo. He is bowling well and I'd rather have Misbah and sdhafiq facing him than our tail enders. I watched him wreck the Pakistan batting in the second innings in Dubai last year when we had scored a massive first innings total and came close to losing the match.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Batting for a draw. Misbah captaincy special.

 

[aloo paratha]

Did OP even watch the match? We lost 2 wickets in 8 balls and while batting at one run an over is not what I'd do, it's not like it's the end of the world lol. Umar akmal is one of the mist overhyped players in years.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Would Akmal have made a difference today?

 

[Slog]

Would Akmal have made a difference today?

No.

Everyone on this thread knows this

 

[zyrus]

Would Akmal have made a difference today?

Even if he's over-hyped, he can survive under such conditions. He would have won it.

 

[zulfiqar]

Once we drop someone we need to wait a year or two at the minimum to bring them back to the side. I personally don't think going back to the domestic circuit helps a batsman much, just because of the state of domestic cricket and the inability of the coaches to work on batting weaknesses by replicating foreign batting conditions. But even still, you have to stick by your decision.

Unlike Asad Shafiq though, Umar only averages 35, which means that he still has to prove himself in test cricket. Though I agree with the OP that we need a batsman who can up the pace, I'm not convinced (like the Pakistani selectors) that Umar is the top option.

 

[Junaids]

No.

Everyone on this thread knows this

I completely disagree.

Pakistan lost because they batted second and fourth on a deteriorating pitch and batted too slowly for the Test conditions.

This meant that the run "chase" was on Day 5, when it could and should have been the previous evening when the pitch was behaving better.

When Azhar and Shehzad went out to bat, Misbah and Mickey needed to say "this pitch is deteriorating. We have at most 45 to 50 overs to score 181 runs, because sooner or later you will get a shooter that you cannot play."

Tuk tuk has never worked in Tests in these conditions.

I think Umar Akmal would have probably scored a quick sixty in one innings and failed in the other. And that would have won the match.

 

[Speedster777]

Poor batting and defensive captaincy led to this defeat.

 

[MMHS]

No.

Everyone on this thread knows this

Probably -

In exchange for Misbah, he would have scored 23 of 25, so that's make it a 170 runs defeat within 4 days.

In case of Asad, he would have scored similar amount, but in 25% balls, therefore the match would have been finished by lunch.

 

[ads101]

It's funny as asad and umar remind of each other. Both talented with good technique (though umar's has degraded). Both haven't filled their potential despite playing for years. Both don't handle pressure well and often need someone else at the other end to bail them out. And both throw their wicket often, especially under the pressure of tumbling wickets. Both complained that they don't do a proper job at 6 (in tests and ODIs respectively)

Umar is more talented and of course is a more aggressive batsman who scores at a good SR unlike Asad. But still as I said it's funny how many similarities they have. A lot of the same things people are complaining about asad they'd complain about umar.

 

[Tusker]

I was horrified by what I watched this morning.

In reply to the West Indies 286 all out, in a rain-affected Test Pakistan was 186-4 after 68.1 overs with around 15 overs left in the day.

The bowlers were tired.

The pitch was dead.

The ball was worn out.

This was the moment when Pakistan needed to ensure that they went at 4 an over for the next 12 overs to get the score up to 235-240 when the new ball could be taken.

Because then every run would count double from that point on, when West Indies bat again and have to knock off a deficit.

In the end only 10.1 overs were possible, but instead of scoring 45 runs to be 231-4, Pakistan scored 15 runs to be 201-4.

If the West Indies strike with the new ball there is now no guarantee that Pakistan will even have a lead. The ridiculous defensive batting of Misbah and Shafiq has left Pakistan in a position from which they can still lose, whereas if they had moved the score along they would have been the only team that could win.

Something needs to be done about this. I'm a big fan of Test over ODI cricket. But there are times to defend and times to move the score along.

This was a time to move the score along.

Aren't you a big fan of the Boycott school of batting ? Give 9 out of 10 hours to the bowler and all that ... Pakistan were galloping compared to that.