Pakistan's pace arsenal

[ExpressPacer]

1) Hasan Ali
2) Mohammad Amir
3) Usman Khan Shinwari
4) Rumman Raees
5) Junaid Khan
6) Fahim Ashraf (All Rounder)

Now THAT is a crop of EXTREMELY talented fast bowlers. Who makes the team and who doesn't?

In my opinion, Pakistan CAN afford to play 5 pacers in conditions that suit them, for example in New Zealand, Australia or South Africa however, for most other flat pitches in the world, Hasan Ali and Amir are an absolute necessity, but who is the 3rd pacer?

My pick, for now, would be Usman Khan - He is an EXTREMELY talented bowler who has a beautiful outswinger and can be turned into an Amir like bowler if worked on. He's shown that there is an obvious increase in pace, being the fastest out of all bowlers in the 4th ODI vs Sri Lanka with an average pace of 136 KPH and a fastest delivery of 143 KPH.

If Pakistan consistently play him for a year and IF Azhar Mahmood and Mickey Arthur tirelessly work on him similar to how they did for Hasan, this lad can easily become one of the best bowlers in the world. When Hasan made his debut, he bowled in the late 120's and early 130's with no swing at all. Usman is already bowling faster than most guys in the team and has swing that few in the world can match with a gun yorker.

That being said however, I am very impressed with Rumman Raees who definitely needs to be in the mix and be the first pick after someone gets injured or has an off day. OR if Amir becomes redundant like he sometimes does, in spite of being our best and most loved bowler.

As for Junaid, to be fair to him, he's done little wrong. He's bowled with pace, he's been economical and he's been good, even though the wicket column doesn't show it. Unfortunately, he doesn't make the XI for me right now.

Overall, without hyping things up too much, I'd say that Pakistan's days of having the worlds scariest, fiercest and best fast bowling attack are back. Or at least that's what it looks like. And yes, I'm saying this on terms of POTENTIAL.

 

[MenInG]

Really need to keep these guys injury free. That's the key.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Really need to keep these guys injury free. That's the key.

Absolutely. Which is why Hasan Ali's workload needs to be managed, if I were in the management, I'd rest him for the last match. I'd have done so after the 3rd ODI since we had won the series anyway but I suppose they were looking to make use of his form and for him to get some easy wickets.

 

[MenInG]

Absolutely. Which is why Hasan Ali's workload needs to be managed, if I were in the management, I'd rest him for the last match. I'd have done so after the 3rd ODI since we had won the series anyway but I suppose they were looking to make use of his form and for him to get some easy wickets.

Also am afraid, PCB needs to invest a little more in protecting these assets.

More specialist help needs to be brought in for looking after the shape/condition of our fast-bowlers.

Remember, we are blessed here - we cannot let this go away

 

[Ellipsism]

Usman is a decent bowler, but there's at least two-three options that are better than him. One would be the guy that kept him from making the playing XI for Balochistan in the Pakistan Cup.

Raees isn't the most talented but he's got the brains, but I still want to see him on true pitches against an actual batting lineup, to see whether he is international quality- his performance against SL isn't indicative of anything.

Junaid is the epitome of dross, with his 130 km/h gun barrel straight half trackers. He's a complete waste with the new ball.

 

[Ellipsism]

In light to your theory that since Hasan was able to increase his pace within a year Shinwari can too. To put it simply, nope. One has to understand that Hasan is a natural athlete, with his fast twitch fibres he has the capability to reach 150 km/h. He was still hitting a decent pace 12-14 months ago, he just wasn't able to maintain it due to his frail stature at the time.

Don't know what games you were watching when Hasan made his debut as he always moving the ball around.

This is about as fast as Shinwari is going to get, he may gain an extra 2-3 km/h if he works on his run up and stops collapsing at the bowling crease.

Shinwari tends to push the ball across the right hander more so than swing it. Again, he's a decent bowler but we have better.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Usman is a decent bowler, but there's at least two-three options that are better than him. One would be the guy that kept him from making the playing XI for Balochistan in the Pakistan Cup.

I'm going to wait and see these "better" options before I make a judgement. As of now, other than Hasan and Amir, Usman Khan is the most talented bowler I can think of. Of course, there's your Ehtisham, Ghulam M and couple of other guys but there's a reason that this guy gets to make his debut and play in the PSL before them.

I was impressed by the few guys that I saw, but Usman is clearly superior to other options as of now.

Raees isn't the most talented but he's got the brains, but I still want to see him on true pitches against an actual batting lineup, to see whether he is international quality- his performance against SL isn't indicative of anything.

Junaid is the epitome of dross, with his 130 km/h gun barrel straight half trackers. He's a complete waste with the new ball.

Absolutely, but Raees is a more than decent backup option and would make the team on most occasions if not for the quality of attack.

As for Junaid, while I agree on him being the least talented out of the rest, you're being too harsh. He can be a very good bowler on his day and his pace is clearly up, bowling in the early 140's, don't know what games you've been watching. However, he doesn't make my XI either.

 

[ExpressPacer]

In light to your theory that since Hasan was able to increase his pace within a year Shinwari can too. To put it simply, nope. One has to understand that Hasan is a natural athlete, with his fast twitch fibres he has the capability to reach 150 km/h. He was still hitting a decent pace 12-14 months ago, he just wasn't able to maintain it due to his frail stature at the time.

Don't know what games you were watching when Hasan made his debut as he always moving the ball around.

This is about as fast as Shinwari is going to get, he may gain an extra 2-3 km/h if he works on his run up and stops collapsing at the bowling crease.

Shinwari tends to push the ball across the right hander more so than swing it. Again, he's a decent bowler but we have better.

I've been watching the same games as you and I don't remember watching him swing or move the ball similar to how he does now. Maybe the seaming conditions of England may have aided him a little but there was nowhere near as much movement as there is now.

And as far as Usman is concerned, increasing 2-3 KPH would be more than enough, although I do believe he can increase at least 5 KPH in a year, and you'll see that. Nonetheless, even if he increases his pace by just 3 KPH, as per your judgement, he will be bowling consistently at 139-140 KPH and his faster deliveries will go from 143 to 146 - which should be more than enough for a bowler that swings it the way he does and his yorker, at that pace will be pretty much unplayable.

I haven't seen a bowler as naturally talented as Usman Khan Shinwari in a long, long time and I've very happy at the chances he's getting. This is an early call in light of the fast bowling talent we've had off late, but I can totally see him leading the pack in a few years from now. He adds a lot of variety to this side with his swing and control, something we've been lacking.

- Also, please take the time out to name these "better" options you know of and in what context you suppose they are better. Because, I for one, cannot think of better options. And not the ones you're think of, for sure.

 

[hussain.r97]

Extremely exciting times ahead! I am so glad we have such an abundance of quicks. Now we just need to manage and rotate them properly. As much as I love to seeHasan bowl, I think she should be rested for the final ODI.

 

[IAJ]

Good bunch of fast bowlers. They are not those typical 150 kph pakistani bowlers but these bowlers keep getting wickets and that is the most important.

The only bowler who worries me is Junaid Khan. He is economical and can give you wicket out of the blue, but he is not a good new ball bowler, bowls mostly straight. Hasan Ali should be given a chance with new ball.

 

[DRsohail]

i think shahin shah can be fasttracked.

 

[tandapanii]

Add in Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Irfan Jr and a handful of others and there's a great crop to rotate through, get possible debuts etc. The key will be to keep them fit and motivated, as wel as extend them in the test arena. Shinwari does not look to have the fitness to maintain a test place though and people like Amir may need to be dropped.

I think a test line up that I'd go for:

Abbas
Raees
Hasan

Possibly have a 4th seamer in Junaid or maybe even Irfan/Irfan Jr. Maybe rotate Amir in for the odd match until he ups his performance level.

And yes, I would go with 4 seamers in the test side.

 

[MMHS]

Back ups are not so strong actually. May be Raees can make it as 4th choice in squad but other 2 are not that good to be mentioned such.

A 3rd pacers with new ball skill is required to make it complete. JK and UKS are not that exciting - neither express, nor highly skilled. By some miracle, had Asif been 7/8 years younger....

 

[Bewal Express]

Good solid bowlers but i wouldn't call them a pace arsenal. In the Historical context all would be good supporting bowlers with each having a few days in the sunshine.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Back ups are not so strong actually. May be Raees can make it as 4th choice in squad but other 2 are not that good to be mentioned such.

A 3rd pacers with new ball skill is required to make it complete. JK and UKS are not that exciting - neither express, nor highly skilled. By some miracle, had Asif been 7/8 years younger....

Totally agree , usman shinwari is way too overhyped. The guy is just average.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Good bunch of fast bowlers. They are not those typical 150 kph pakistani bowlers but these bowlers keep getting wickets and that is the most important.

The only bowler who worries me is Junaid Khan. He is economical and can give you wicket out of the blue, but he is not a good new ball bowler, bowls mostly straight. Hasan Ali should be given a chance with new ball.

Usman Khan should replace him. Junaid is decent, should get another series but agreed, he doesn't make the XI for me. Usman Khan is considerably faster, has a lot more swing and control and is younger.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Back ups are not so strong actually. May be Raees can make it as 4th choice in squad but other 2 are not that good to be mentioned such.

A 3rd pacers with new ball skill is required to make it complete. JK and UKS are not that exciting - neither express, nor highly skilled. By some miracle, had Asif been 7/8 years younger....

Don't know what you mean by exciting. Usman Khan is a very good option to have and like I've said before, he needs to spend at least just ONE year in the team and get played consistently - he will improve massively. I'm sure that if Azhar Mahmood and Mickey Arthur extensively focus on him, similar to how they did with Hasan, he's going to reap the fruit.

He is already bowling very quick. 136 KPH is his average speed which was the fastest out of all bowlers that played in the match and he was just making his debut. His fastest was around 144 KPH. Hasan Ali bowls in the high 140's now and he was nowhere near as quick a year ago. This is what spending time with the right people does.

Another factor to note is that, aside from maybe Amir, there is not a single guy in Pakistan that swings the white ball as much as Usman Khan. He's shown it in the T20i's, he's shown it in the PSL and he showed it in the 4th ODI vs Sri Lanka.

He will add at least 5-7 KPH if he plays a full year of international cricket, but even if doesn't, say he adds only 3 KPH - He will still be an extremely good bowler. His average pace at 139 and faster ones around 147 KPH will make his yorkers virtually unplayable, and swinging the ball the way he does, at that pace - He could well and truly be Pakistan's spearhead.

 

[Syed1]

Shinwari is a massive spray gun. A less pacier version of Wahab.

 

[MMHS]

Don't know what you mean by exciting. Usman Khan is a very good option to have and like I've said before, he needs to spend at least just ONE year in the team and get played consistently - he will improve massively. I'm sure that if Azhar Mahmood and Mickey Arthur extensively focus on him, similar to how they did with Hasan, he's going to reap the fruit.

He is already bowling very quick. 136 KPH is his average speed which was the fastest out of all bowlers that played in the match and he was just making his debut. His fastest was around 144 KPH. Hasan Ali bowls in the high 140's now and he was nowhere near as quick a year ago. This is what spending time with the right people does.

Another factor to note is that, aside from maybe Amir, there is not a single guy in Pakistan that swings the white ball as much as Usman Khan. He's shown it in the T20i's, he's shown it in the PSL and he showed it in the 4th ODI vs Sri Lanka.

He will add at least 5-7 KPH if he plays a full year of international cricket, but even if doesn't, say he adds only 3 KPH - He will still be an extremely good bowler. His average pace at 139 and faster ones around 147 KPH will make his yorkers virtually unplayable, and swinging the ball the way he does, at that pace - He could well and truly be Pakistan's spearhead.

May be, good luck to him. But, I'll wait to see that for a bowler averaging 25+ in PAK domestics where FC matches are extremely low scoring. This SRL series is proving everything in right direction, but we have to see him against batsmen with better defence & shot selection.

 

[ExpressPacer]

May be, good luck to him. But, I'll wait to see that for a bowler averaging 25+ in PAK domestics where FC matches are extremely low scoring. This SRL series is proving everything in right direction, but we have to see him against batsmen with better defence & shot selection.

Of course. I don't think he is exactly a Test bowler yet, Rumman Raees should be the one to be fast-tracked into the Test team ASAP but as far as ODI's and T20i's are concerned, I personally think Usman Khan is a good option to have given the movement he offers.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Shinwari is a massive spray gun. A less pacier version of Wahab.

He was very economical in the PSL, massively appreciated for his yorkers and gave similar performances in the Independence Cup. And he had a really good debut yesterday so, what are you basing your views off of?

 

[waleed88]

He was very economical in the PSL, massively appreciated for his yorkers and gave similar performances in the Independence Cup. And he had a really good debut yesterday so, what are you basing your views off of?

Based on the fact that he has a massive inswinger he can't even control himself

 

[Syed1]

He was very economical in the PSL, massively appreciated for his yorkers and gave similar performances in the Independence Cup. And he had a really good debut yesterday so, what are you basing your views off of?

Idk what match you were watching. The opposition scored 173 in total at a runrate of 3.9ish and spraygun Shinwari still went for nearly 6 rpo. That's a good debut? Ok...

 

[ExpressPacer]

Idk what match you were watching. The opposition scored 173 in total at a runrate of 3.9ish and spraygun Shinwari still went for nearly 6 rpo. That's a good debut? Ok...

But so did Junaid Khan despite bowling fewer overs so I don't get what your point is. He bowled at speed and had good control AND got a wicket!

 

[UN talkz]

Usman Khan is a good LOI bowler..... and will be great if Pakistan persist with him...
Dont know why people hate him... atleast let him play 20-25 internationals.... he has played only 5 games with 4 among them being T20Is

 

[ExpressPacer]

Usman Khan is a good LOI bowler..... and will be great if Pakistan persist with him...
Dont know why people hate him... atleast let him play 20-25 internationals.... he has played only 5 games with 4 among them being T20Is

With 2 of them coming in 2013.

 

[Fahdi]

The problem is our pace bowling in tests. We don't have bowlers who can consistently take wickets when batsmen are not in a hurry. Some of these guys such as Hassan and Raees have potential but they have to prove themselves.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Back ups are not so strong actually. May be Raees can make it as 4th choice in squad but other 2 are not that good to be mentioned such.

A 3rd pacers with new ball skill is required to make it complete. JK and UKS are not that exciting - neither express, nor highly skilled. By some miracle, had Asif been 7/8 years younger....

Not exciting, huh?

 

[Arham_PakFan]

We are blessed.

 

[MMHS]

Not exciting, huh?

Let him play against batsmen who knows where off stick is. As of now, what I have seen is slanting across right handers (or in to lefties) from his left-arm over the wicket run-up and chest on action and these Lankan batsmen missing the line. He didn't move anything coming round the wicket, neither away from left-handers.

We can come back here the day guy starts to get out swingers, bowling over the wicket and close to sticks, at pace, something you could have seen a little if you had seen Boult bowling yesterday - that LBW he would get once in 20 shouts, lucky for him, that the 1st one came randomly at 1st attempt today.

But yes, he has pace, shoulders, and if his age cheating doesn't cross more than couple of years, indeed a decent prospect - exciting, not sure; I have seen lot, lot, lot more to be excited so easily.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Let him play against batsmen who knows where off stick is. As of now, what I have seen is slanting across right handers (or in to lefties) from his left-arm over the wicket run-up and chest on action and these Lankan batsmen missing the line. He didn't move anything coming round the wicket, neither away from left-handers.

We can come back here the day guy starts to get out swingers, bowling over the wicket and close to sticks, at pace, something you could have seen a little if you had seen Boult bowling yesterday - that LBW he would get once in 20 shouts, lucky for him, that the 1st one came randomly at 1st attempt today.

But yes, he has pace, shoulders, and if his age cheating doesn't cross more than couple of years, indeed a decent prospect - exciting, not sure; I have seen lot, lot, lot more to be excited so easily.

You have to be special to reduce the opposition to five wickets down for 20 runs. It just doesn't happen in this day and age. Even the heavy-weight world-class champions like Starc, Rabada, Kumar, Shami, Bumrah, Sharma and Yadav haven't been able to pull off such merciless massacres.

 

[MMHS]

You have to be special to reduce the opposition to five wickets down for 20 runs. It just doesn't happen in this day and age. Even the heavy-weight world-class champions like Starc, Rabada, Kumar, Shami, Bumrah, Sharma and Yadav haven't been able to pull off such merciless massacres.

Chaminda Vaas has 8/18, Walsh 5/1, Aquib Javed 7/37 (& 6/29 I believe) - Wasim's best is 5/15 - that too against Holland, Marshall doesn't has an ODI 5for; so what's your point here?

 

[Usman Chadda]

Chaminda Vaas has 8/18, Walsh 5/1, Aquib Javed 7/37 (& 6/29 I believe) - Wasim's best is 5/15 - that too against Holland, Marshall doesn't has an ODI 5for; so what's your point here?

You missed out 'in this day and age'. It means modern day cricket.

 

[MMHS]

You missed out 'in this day and age'. It means modern day cricket.

Every age is same - the game has lot more than stats.

Bowlers bowl to their level - someday it clicks for most thing, some days it doesn't, otherwise every match between 2 identical sides should have ended with almost identical figures. Bowlers who come will all-round skills do turn it more frequently, but there are individual brilliance here and there for everyone; you would be wondering why Ashish Nehrea doesn't have 1000+ wickets after his 6/25 - playing at similar time Wasim averages 23, Aquib 31 - do you think that the gap is only 8 runs/wicket?

I have seen lot better spells than this, when bowlers went wicket less - today's figures suggest, he has some capability; doesn't mean he is the heavy-weight world class champions, though they might not have done this. This is a pathetically poor SRL side, which has lost ODI series at home to ZIM and lost every bit of fight after 4-0; basically counting days for going back; otherwise they would have bowled first today. UKS got his tools right today and he was a little lucky as well - potential - indeed; exciting - not so sure yet.

 

[yasir]

The bowler I am most excited and looking forward too is Shaheen Afridi. If we develops well in next 12 months, we have an exciting lineup for WC, Amir/Afridi/Hasan...Usman and Raees are OK, but not to the level of Amir and Hasan. Shaheen Afridi can add new dimension to our attack, a Strac of our own, that is mouth watering prospect...

 

[Langau]

Shinwari has a killer yorker.
Mickey is so good in knowing who has tallent.
Mickey is the real talentspotter

 

[Hasan123]

We have good depth in our fast bowling. There's also the LQ pace contingent and Shaheen Afridi. Exciting times.

 

[maxamax]

Bowler rotation - a possibility now?

We got a 5-fered Usman, Raees did decent. Junaid also does fine in patches. And everyone loves Amir. Lets not forget Hasan Ali and these 5 are only our pace options.

Now if board/management is smart enough they can initiate the policy of bowler rotation. Are they? Will they be able to find the balance between over and under utilization? Break can disrupt bowlers form so its essential to have a perfect balance when it comes to giving rest for each bowler. Is PCB smart enough to do it (the right way)? And is this needed?

 

[CricFan2012]

Amir with his form in important matches, Raees' variations, Hasan with his skill and reputation, Shinwari is still making a name as we speak and good signs so far, world cup 2019 has our name on it.

Junaid needs to be discarded, he has no special abilties or X factors.

 

[Cric1234]

Shinwari has a killer yorker.
Mickey is so good in knowing who has tallent.
Mickey is the real talentspotter

Wait until he plays NZ ODIs apart from Hasan others look like phainty might be dished out against better batting.

 

[New Yorker]

1) Hasan Ali
2) Mohammad Amir
3) Usman Khan Shinwari
4) Rumman Raees
5) Junaid Khan
6) Fahim Ashraf (All Rounder)

Now THAT is a crop of EXTREMELY talented fast bowlers. Who makes the team and who doesn't?

In my opinion, Pakistan CAN afford to play 5 pacers in conditions that suit them, for example in New Zealand, Australia or South Africa however, for most other flat pitches in the world, Hasan Ali and Amir are an absolute necessity, but who is the 3rd pacer?

My pick, for now, would be Usman Khan - He is an EXTREMELY talented bowler who has a beautiful outswinger and can be turned into an Amir like bowler if worked on. He's shown that there is an obvious increase in pace, being the fastest out of all bowlers in the 4th ODI vs Sri Lanka with an average pace of 136 KPH and a fastest delivery of 143 KPH.

If Pakistan consistently play him for a year and IF Azhar Mahmood and Mickey Arthur tirelessly work on him similar to how they did for Hasan, this lad can easily become one of the best bowlers in the world. When Hasan made his debut, he bowled in the late 120's and early 130's with no swing at all. Usman is already bowling faster than most guys in the team and has swing that few in the world can match with a gun yorker.

That being said however, I am very impressed with Rumman Raees who definitely needs to be in the mix and be the first pick after someone gets injured or has an off day. OR if Amir becomes redundant like he sometimes does, in spite of being our best and most loved bowler.

As for Junaid, to be fair to him, he's done little wrong. He's bowled with pace, he's been economical and he's been good, even though the wicket column doesn't show it. Unfortunately, he doesn't make the XI for me right now.

Overall, without hyping things up too much, I'd say that Pakistan's days of having the worlds scariest, fiercest and best fast bowling attack are back. Or at least that's what it looks like. And yes, I'm saying this on terms of POTENTIAL.

In domestic LOI competitions that Hasan played in before debuting, only two other bowlers performed as well as him; Sohail Khan and Sadaf Hussain. Sadaf was actually better than Hasan, and having maintained a 18-19 LA average before anyone else, he still deserves a proper chance ahead of someone like Shinwari who for all his supposedly miraculous swing abilities never lit up the LA scene.

 

[LordJames]

Coming from the land which producd Imran, Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib it is getting really bad if we admire the current lot.

What for this lineup to consistently play against NZ, SA, Australia, England and India and they will shown their true worth. 9 times of 10, the current lineup will be put to the sword in their current form

They have just performed against a diabolical SriLankan lineup.

I hope they get better but lets keep it real guys.

Hassan and Shadab do stand out as fantastic but that's about it.

 

[ExpressPacer]

In domestic LOI competitions that Hasan played in before debuting, only two other bowlers performed as well as him; Sohail Khan and Sadaf Hussain. Sadaf was actually better than Hasan, and having maintained a 18-19 LA average before anyone else, he still deserves a proper chance ahead of someone like Shinwari who for all his supposedly miraculous swing abilities never lit up the LA scene.

I suppose you're forgetting that Usman is barely 23 years old. He could not possibly have lit up the entire LA scene considering hes played very few games and is still improving by the day. Hundreds of successful sportsmen have broken through the national team solely on the basis of ability without having mercurial stats.

Mickey was able to see this. And he's proven him correctly with a good debut and a legendary second game.

 

[New Yorker]

I suppose you're forgetting that Usman is barely 23 years old. He could not possibly have lit up the entire LA scene considering hes played very few games and is still improving by the day. Hundreds of successful sportsmen have broken through the national team solely on the basis of ability without having mercurial stats.

Mickey was able to see this. And he's proven him correctly with a good debut and a legendary second game.

I'm not forgetting Shinwari's age; he's the same age as Hasan Ali, who performed spectacularly in a domestic cup before being selected.

No one can be said to have been selected "on ability" until they have performed; they are selected on promise. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Mickey was also able to see ability in Rahat. Except that ability is not all it takes to be a performer. Which is why I don't understand how one can *NOT* select someone who has actually performed better than everyone else, for years, including some of our more successful recent debutants, like Hasan. Sadaf averages 5 points less in LA cricket than Usman.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I'm not forgetting Shinwari's age; he's the same age as Hasan Ali, who performed spectacularly in a domestic cup before being selected.

No one can be said to have been selected "on ability" until they have performed; they are selected on promise. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Mickey was also able to see ability in Rahat. Except that ability is not all it takes to be a performer. Which is why I don't understand how one can *NOT* select someone who has actually performed better than everyone else, for years, including some of our more successful recent debutants, like Hasan. Sadaf averages 5 points less in LA cricket than Usman.

You make a good point and I cannot disagree but the fact is that Usman had also proven himself in the country's premier Twenty20 tournament on bowling graveyards in the PSL at Sharjah. So, you can't exactly say that he wasn't there statistically. And as far as other, more statically "achieved" bowlers are concerned, I'm sure Usman was preferred over them because of being pacier and swinging the ball more than anyone else.

 

[Pakpak]

Shinwari is a massive spray gun. A less pacier version of Wahab.

Yaar ye prediction aapki

 

[Syed1]

Yaar ye prediction aapki

Abhi bhi qaim hain isspe..

 

[hadi123]

Yes. Amir, Junaid, Hasan were a good trio and now we have Usman Khan and Raees in the mix too. Ashraf seems decent too. Would be a good way to prevent injuries and overload

 

[Mamoon]

Junaid needs to be kicked out with immediate effect. He is a liability.

 

[ManFan]

Junaid needs to be kicked out with immediate effect. He is a liability.

What has he done since his return to be dropped?

 

[Usman Chadda]

Coming from the land which producd Imran, Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib it is getting really bad if we admire the current lot.

What for this lineup to consistently play against NZ, SA, Australia, England and India and they will shown their true worth. 9 times of 10, the current lineup will be put to the sword in their current form

They have just performed against a diabolical SriLankan lineup.

I hope they get better but lets keep it real guys.

Hassan and Shadab do stand out as fantastic but that's about it.

This bowling line-up has done very well as compared to the other world-class bowling powerhouses like India, New Zealand etc.

 

[Mamoon]

What has he done since his return to be dropped?

He is riding on Hasan's coattail. The moment Hasan goes through a rough patch, Junaid's lack of skill and inability to wickets in bunches will be exposed.

At best, he is a third seamer because he is not good enough to share the new ball; he cannot swing the ball an inch. Keeping in mind the recent performances of Raees and Shinwari, Junaid doesn't merit a spot ahead of them.

If Faheem develops more as a bowler and becomes good enough to bowl 10 overs regularly, he will be a huge plus because of his batting factor. Keeping all of this into consideration, Junaid is surplus to requirements and the biggest liability in the bowling department.

Instead of persisting with him, we should look for some young pacer who can be potentially top tier. We have seen enough of Junaid over the years to know that he will never be world class. Simply doesn't have the talent or the skill, and contributes nothing with the bat and in the field.

 

[Saj]

It has to be done before the likes of Hasan Ali suffer from burnout.

 

[Shinwari Khan]

Why can’t we drop Hafeez and play 3 pacers?

1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Sarfraz
5. Shoaib
6. Imad
7. Shadab
8. Faheem
9. Amir
10. Hasan
11. Shinwari

This is a VERY strong batting and bowling line up. We have talented batsmen all the down to number 10. We have about 8 bowling options.

Hafeez is going to be banned for his action and his batting isn’t so stellar. It’s time to replace him with Faheem.

 

[angrypathan]

Need another decent right arm option so Hassan Ali can be rotated without the attack becoming too one-dimensional. Faheem isn't bad but he's no frontline bowler.

 

[babajee]

Why can’t we drop Hafeez and play 3 pacers?

1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Sarfraz
5. Shoaib
6. Imad
7. Shadab
8. Faheem
9. Amir
10. Hasan
11. Shinwari

This is a VERY strong batting and bowling line up. We have talented batsmen all the down to number 10. We have about 8 bowling options.

Hafeez is going to be banned for his action and his batting isn’t so stellar. It’s time to replace him with Faheem.

Drop Imad too. You can add him to the Anwar Ali, Bilawal bhatti all rounder category.

1) Azhar Ali / Imam Ul Haq
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Babar Azam
4) Haris Sohail
5) Sarfraz Ahmed
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Faheem Ashraf
8) Shadab Khan
9) Hasan Ali
10) Mohammad Amir
11) Usman Khan Shinwari / Rumman Raees

Great batting depth down to 10.
Fakhar, Haris, Malik, Faheem, Shadab, Hasan, Amir, Usman/Rumman can all bowl.

 

[Shinwari Khan]

Drop Imad too. You can add him to the Anwar Ali, Bilawal bhatti all rounder category.

1) Azhar Ali / Imam Ul Haq
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Babar Azam
4) Haris Sohail
5) Sarfraz Ahmed
6) Shoaib Malik
7) Faheem Ashraf
8) Shadab Khan
9) Hasan Ali
10) Mohammad Amir
11) Usman Khan Shinwari / Rumman Raees

Great batting depth down to 10.
Fakhar, Haris, Malik, Faheem, Shadab, Hasan, Amir, Usman/Rumman can all bowl.

I think Imad should be kept. He’s a power hitter. Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Sarfraz, Shoaib, Shadab can all play a long smart innings in event of a collapse. Adding Harris will be a waste if he can’t accelerate. Imad has a weird dart bowling, but it’s effective.

 

[New Yorker]

You make a good point and I cannot disagree but the fact is that Usman had also proven himself in the country's premier Twenty20 tournament on bowling graveyards in the PSL at Sharjah. So, you can't exactly say that he wasn't there statistically. And as far as other, more statically "achieved" bowlers are concerned, I'm sure Usman was preferred over them because of being pacier and swinging the ball more than anyone else.

Sure, pacier, swinging more. By this standard Shoaib Akthar was a far better bowler than McGrath. But what about wickets?

 

[New Yorker]

I think Imad should be kept. He’s a power hitter. Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Sarfraz, Shoaib, Shadab can all play a long smart innings in event of a collapse. Adding Harris will be a waste if he can’t accelerate. Imad has a weird dart bowling, but it’s effective.

Imad is a power hitter in the same way that Rahat Ali is a strike bowler.

 

[Bilal7]

Let's not forget Wahab Riaz and Mohammad (?) Abbas who have done a good job for us in tests. That makes it eight very good pace bowlers to choose from. We are truly blessed. I would pick these attacks for the the three formats:

Tests: Amir, Hassan and Shinwari/Junaid/Abbas
ODIs: Amir, Junaid and Hassan
T20s: Shinwari/Amir, Rumman and Hassan/Riaz

 

[babajee]

Amir is still the leader of the attack by far.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Let's not forget Wahab Riaz and Mohammad (?) Abbas who have done a good job for us in tests. That makes it eight very good pace bowlers to choose from. We are truly blessed. I would pick these attacks for the the three formats:

Tests: Amir, Hassan and Shinwari/Junaid/Abbas
ODIs: Amir, Junaid and Hassan
T20s: Shinwari/Amir, Rumman and Hassan/Riaz

Riaz should be nowhere near the ODI team given the type of bowlers we have, however, he is a genuine pick for Tests!

Abbas on the other hand needs to be dropped for life. Haven't seen a worse bowler dawn the Chaand Sitara in the last 2 decades. Playing for your country is an absolute honor and should be a position you respect. Abbas' nonchalant attitude has no place in the team.

 

[New Yorker]

Let's not forget Wahab Riaz and Mohammad (?) Abbas who have done a good job for us in tests. That makes it eight very good pace bowlers to choose from. We are truly blessed. I would pick these attacks for the the three formats:

Tests: Amir, Hassan and Shinwari/Junaid/Abbas
ODIs: Amir, Junaid and Hassan
T20s: Shinwari/Amir, Rumman and Hassan/Riaz

Shinwari has one good performance and suddenly he's a fixture? The lesson to be drawn from Hasan's success is that we should keep the domestic pipeline open. All respect to Shinwari, I hope he does well, but we don't have to settle on someone just because he has done once or twice. No player should ever be secure in their position, not Amir, not even Hasan.

 

[New Yorker]

Riaz should be nowhere near the ODI team given the type of bowlers we have, however, he is a genuine pick for Tests!

Abbas on the other hand needs to be dropped for life. Haven't seen a worse bowler dawn the Chaand Sitara in the last 2 decades. Playing for your country is an absolute honor and should be a position you respect. Abbas' nonchalant attitude has no place in the team.

You are frothing at the mouth. He's been superb so far in Tests. Topped the domestic charts for a reason.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Need another decent right arm option so Hassan Ali can be rotated without the attack becoming too one-dimensional. Faheem isn't bad but he's no frontline bowler.

I have said this before and I still believe Ehsan Adil is the answer. I have seen the guy bowl so well its heartening when he was dropped from PSL too this year after performing well for Qalandars in first season.

Ehsan Adil has got a good future ahead of him and my only concern is we might realise it too late.

On another topic, I also do think Raza Hasan should be slowly brought back into the fold. We should add him onto the T20 setup before gradually bringing him into ODIs. I believe Raza Hasan might play a big factor for us in the upcoming world cup as teams especially Aus, SAF, NZ, England etc does not play mystery spinners well at all.

 

[ManFan]

Going foward:
ODI XI: Fakhar, Amin, Babar, Haris, Sarfraz, Malik, Fahim, Shadab, Amir, Hasan, Junaid
TEST XI: Azhar, Imam, Babar, Haris, Salahuddin, Sarfraz, Fahim, Shadab, Amir, Hasan, Shaheen Shah Afridi
T20 XI: Fakhar, Babar, Haris, Sarfraz, Malik, Fahim, Shadab, Raza, Amir, Hasan, Raees
Those are the best possible teams for the upcoming tournaments and series.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Going foward:
ODI XI: Fakhar, Amin, Babar, Haris, Sarfraz, Malik, Fahim, Shadab, Amir, Hasan, Junaid
TEST XI: Azhar, Imam, Babar, Haris, Salahuddin, Sarfraz, Fahim, Shadab, Amir, Hasan, Shaheen Shah Afridi
T20 XI: Fakhar, Babar, Haris, Sarfraz, Malik, Fahim, Shadab, Raza, Amir, Hasan, Raees
Those are the best possible teams for the upcoming tournaments and series.

Haris needs to improve fitness for LO games.

Junaid over Shinwari/Raees for ODI?

Where is Yasir Shah in tests?

 

[ManFan]

Haris needs to improve fitness for LO games.

Junaid over Shinwari/Raees for ODI?

Where is Yasir Shah in tests?

Shinwari won't be effective on the pitches of ENG where the next WC is. Junaid has proven to be a wicket-taker as evident in the CT and also economical. Raees is a very good backup bowler for Junaid.
Yasir Shah is on the wrong side of 30. The next tours we have are in ENG and SA. Shah won't be effective in overcast conditions so no point in playing him. 4 seamers + 1 leg-spinner who is young, a gun fielder, and a better bat than Yasir can be used to take wickets when the opposition would be looking to get a breather because he has a mean googly.

 

[Surf]

What happened to Rumman Raes and Usman Khan Shinwari? And the World Cup plans?

Rumman is a quality bowler infact our best in NZ Odis, and T20. Some like to call him a trundler but he's very skillful with his variations and change of pace. And can swing it as well.

Although sometimes prone to getting hit but he brings a lot variety which Pak bowling needs. Someone who can hold an end although better to not bowl him at death, and who completes our attack along with Shinwari, Junaid.

Shinwari on the other hand is a banana swinger. And can crank it up whenever needed and was great after an awful injury and looked healthy at the PSL. I hope to see him in ZIM series along with Junaid, Rumman, Shaheen where we can rest Amir and hasan for Tri Series and ODI series and test the bench. A must for our World Cup plans.

Amir and Hassan will surely injure after so much cricket non stop don't know what coach and captain are thinking. World Cup is around the corner.

 

[saeed5646]

Rumman was injured during PSL and according to his recent interview he will be fully fit in 3 week time.
Usman is injury prony that is why he is look after carefully .he will.get his chance against zim 5 matches odis

 

[hadi123]

Rumman Raees is injured and Usman Shinwari is in this squad...

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

We need a tearaway 90+ mph 6ft plus pacer.