[PICTURES] How effective will Naseem Shah be on the tour of New Zealand?

[MenInG]

Great for Naseem - being trained by Zahid at NHPC

Seems to be on the road to recovery and also getting some good coaching from a bowler who was very quick in his days.

The England tour for Naseem proved to be not that impressive but can he make amends in the tour of New Zealand?

==

Pictures courtesy of PCB

 

[angrypathan]

More bounce on NZ wickets than English wickets so perhaps he'll fare better. Having said that, I'll keep my expectations low.

 

[Heisenberg111]

I hope he bowls a spell like Mohammad Sami bowled on his debut in Auckland in 2001 and wins Pakistan a test, they look similar type of bowlers after all. But realistically he may get hammered, as he is too green for test cricket right now.

 

[Rana]

As good as his slip fielders allow him to be

 

[Mirpur express]

He’ll be a handful but Shaheen & Abbas will do most of the damage

 

[MenInG]

He’ll be a handful but Shaheen & Abbas will do most of the damage

This is how he should be used - as enforcer role. So comes on for a few overs, bowls super fast , unsettles, takes a wicket or two then the rest of the attack takes over.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Need to be used in short spells like Joffra Archer. Should generate more pace and trouble the batsmen with bouncers.

 

[Omer2002]

one thing is for sure i dont like his shortened run up...shoaib never changed until he was 30 plus the boy is only 18 or so why has he been told to shorter his run up...

 

[Forum363]

Can’t help but be excited when I see this kid.

Babar, Shaheen and Shadab. Core of the team. Naseem and Haider are the xfactor players. I hope they don’t fizzle away.

 

[Rana]

one thing is for sure i dont like his shortened run up...shoaib never changed until he was 30 plus the boy is only 18 or so why has he been told to shorter his run up...

He seems very prone to injury

 

[Mamoon]

I think it will be the usual stuff and a continuation of the Australian and English tours.

He will make some big statements but fail to back it up on the pitch. He will get carted around but his fans will continue to make excuses at every step.

Sometimes it will be Babar’s fault, sometimes it will be Misbah’s fault, sometimes it will be Waqar’s fault, and now it might be Zahid’s fault as well.

Prior to the series, his fans will say that he will be the leading wicket-taker in the series and blow New Zealand away, but when he flops badly as usual, his fans will celebrate the two good deliveries that he will bowl in the series.

Before the England series, we were told that he will dominate England and end up as the highest wicket-taker of the series.

However, after he finished with 3 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 70, his fans were reduced to dancing over the two great deliveries he bowled to Joe Root.

Perhaps after flopping in New Zealand, people will finally realize that he is not the bowler they think he is or expect him to be in a few years.

He is basically hyped because PCB reduced his age by 3-4 years, and desperate Pakistani fans have unanimously decided that he is going to be the savior of our fast bowling woes.

 

[Syed1]

Considering the hype around this lad anything less than a fifer in every innings would be a let down.


I for one am on the fence regarding him. I think he will be thoroughly outbowled by Shaheen and Abbas in NZ. Infact often Naseem would be a pressure relief valve for the NZ bats who would like his added pace on the bat and hit me bowl every over.


That being said I do expect him to rip through the tail and/or have a breathtaking spell in an innings or two.

 

[Rana]

Considering the hype around this lad anything less than a fifer in every innings would be a let down.


I for one am on the fence regarding him. I think he will be thoroughly outbowled by Shaheen and Abbas in NZ. Infact often Naseem would be a pressure relief valve for the NZ bats who would like his added pace on the bat and hit me bowl every over.


That being said I do expect him to rip through the tail and/or have a breathtaking spell in an innings or two.

He’s been decent at the age of 17 with an economy of 3.5, very good learning curb for him and will soon be averaging below 29 with around 80-100 wickets in 20 Tests.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Naseem isn't Shaheen. Shaheen is far better. Naseem lacks skills overall and he doesn't have the stamina to bowl for too long. Although it could be cause he is young.

 

[MMHS]

Typical NZ tracks won’t suit Naseem’s bowling. Shaheen is much more complete and at least 8 inches taller, therefore he’ll trouble batsmen on most surfaces but what Kiwis put against India, if similar tracks are used, I think most successful pacer will be Abbas.

Still, Naseem will have to bowl pathetically to match his English tour numbers. Last time, before English tour, I read in PP for Naseem to take 20 wickets... it’s nice to see PP is much more humble this time. 7 wickets at around 29 in two Tests will be excellent for me, anything better than that is great; but I won’t be disappointed with 6 at 35 - that’s actually four times better than English tour - twice the wickets, half the average.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

He will get slapped. Probably 2 wickets at 100 with a 5.5 economy.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

For Naseem to be effective, Pakistan needs a capable 5th bowler. Pakistan didn’t have one in England resulting in Naseem bowling long spells with no breaks.

He is in no way a finished article but his role in the team didn’t help him.

So who is that magical 5th bowler? My vote is Shadab. But knowing Misbah, he will go with a 4 person attack to lengthen batting. Then he will go on to make his batsmen afraid of expressing themselves.

You heard it here for the millionth time.

 

[Zaz]

Expectations should be kept low at this stage He ll have series like the england one where he doesnt do great

Hes young As long as we can see an upward curve thats what you want from a young pacer

It would help if he was kept to short sharp bursts of around 15 overs an innings rather than bowling 25 plus overs an innings

They key will be to get a 5th bowler who can do some donkey work to keep the rest of the pacers like naseen fresh and running in with intent

 

[HappyWarsFan]

For Naseem to be effective, Pakistan needs a capable 5th bowler. Pakistan didn’t have one in England resulting in Naseem bowling long spells with no breaks.

He is in no way a finished article but his role in the team didn’t help him.

So who is that magical 5th bowler? My vote is Shadab. But knowing Misbah, he will go with a 4 person attack to lengthen batting. Then he will go on to make his batsmen afraid of expressing themselves.

You heard it here for the millionth time.

If we play Hussain Talat and Haris we don't need a fake all rounder as the 5th bowler. They are good enough to provide part time overs.

 

[TeamPak95]

Depends on how he's utilized. Don't think he'll be too effective if he's over-bowled. That's where this guy will come in and balance the bowling workload ->

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Depends on how he's utilized. Don't think he'll be too effective if he's over-bowled. That's where this guy will come in and balance the bowling workload ->

He did poorly because he was bowling with very poor line and length. Nothing to do with being "overworked".

 

[TeamPak95]

He did poorly because he was bowling with very poor line and length. Nothing to do with being "overworked".

I'm just answering the OP question here, it's a prediction of how I think Naseem will do in NZ more than anything.

 

[Shazzam]

Nothing special. Will have a impact-less series.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Naseem is still very raw, can't see him doing that much, although he is obviously going to produce the odd beauty because he does have some nice pace and bounce in his locker. His problem will be his lack of control and accuracy to maintain pressure.

You could say that for most of Pakistan's bowlers though. Lots of promise, but a rung below New Zealand's quicks who just have a bit more sense how to hit the right areas of the pitch consistently.

 

[sabre1486]

i see the wrist slitters are out in force led by their 'caliph'.

Good to see naseems work ethic. He needs to be consistent with his line i think, he is guilty of trying too many magic deliveries. He needs to and hopefully will learn to grow into a spell. Will be critical to see if he learns to keep the ball up which in NZ will help initially. Too early to give a verdict - positive or negative. Shaheen is way ahead in terms of development but i do not think its wise to write naseem off just yet - not a sufficient sample size.

 

[shamaan]

This is how he should be used - as enforcer role. So comes on for a few overs, bowls super fast , unsettles, takes a wicket or two then the rest of the attack takes over.

He can only do that if they play 4 bowlers and 1 spinners

 

[shamaan]

Considering the hype around this lad anything less than a fifer in every innings would be a let down.


I for one am on the fence regarding him. I think he will be thoroughly outbowled by Shaheen and Abbas in NZ. Infact often Naseem would be a pressure relief valve for the NZ bats who would like his added pace on the bat and hit me bowl every over.


That being said I do expect him to rip through the tail and/or have a breathtaking spell in an innings or two.

Not even anderson can get fifer in every innings of every game.

 

[shamaan]

Typical NZ tracks won’t suit Naseem’s bowling. Shaheen is much more complete and at least 8 inches taller, therefore he’ll trouble batsmen on most surfaces but what Kiwis put against India, if similar tracks are used, I think most successful pacer will be Abbas.

Still, Naseem will have to bowl pathetically to match his English tour numbers. Last time, before English tour, I read in PP for Naseem to take 20 wickets... it’s nice to see PP is much more humble this time. 7 wickets at around 29 in two Tests will be excellent for me, anything better than that is great; but I won’t be disappointed with 6 at 35 - that’s actually four times better than English tour - twice the wickets, half the average.

These pitches should suit him more as thiers swing and pace.i agree shaheen is much more complete and can bowl in different conditions.

 

[shamaan]

For Naseem to be effective, Pakistan needs a capable 5th bowler. Pakistan didn’t have one in England resulting in Naseem bowling long spells with no breaks.

He is in no way a finished article but his role in the team didn’t help him.

So who is that magical 5th bowler? My vote is Shadab. But knowing Misbah, he will go with a 4 person attack to lengthen batting. Then he will go on to make his batsmen afraid of expressing themselves.

You heard it here for the millionth time.

Exactly I would go with 5 man attack but I would play fahim and shadab and the 3 pacers

 

[shamaan]

If we play Hussain Talat and Haris we don't need a fake all rounder as the 5th bowler. They are good enough to provide part time overs.

No chance talat will play it will be either fahim shadab or both

 

[shamaan]

I think pakistan need to go with a 5 man attack with shadab and fahim and the 3 Pacers

 

[Hasan123]

I just hope he doesn't make any big statements like he did before the England tour.

Naseem has talent but I am not going to get too excited by him yet as he hasn't show enough to justify his hype. He bowls some good balls but he hasn't bowled a real consistent spell in test cricket. Not going to put too much pressure on him but I won't get carried with the hype like some have.

 

[Rana]

Mark Wood

Age:30
Tests: 16
Wickets: 50
Economy: 3.27
Average: 32.4

Anrich Nortje

Age: 26 years 337 days
Tests: 6
Wickets: 19
Economy: 3.82
Average: 35.1

Alzari Joseph

Age: 23
Matches: 11
Economy: 3.28
Wickets: 28
Average: 35.8

Naseem Shah

Age: 17
Matches: 7
Economy:3.45
Wickets: 17
Average: 34.8


Considering the names he is being compared with, I think Pakistan fans have nothing to worry about with Nadeem’s development. As long as he stays fit, he will hopefully break Wasim Akram’s 414 wicket Test figure by the time he retires

 

[shamaan]

I just hope he doesn't make any big statements like he did before the England tour.

Naseem has talent but I am not going to get too excited by him yet as he hasn't show enough to justify his hype. He bowls some good balls but he hasn't bowled a real consistent spell in test cricket. Not going to put too much pressure on him but I won't get carried with the hype like some have.

I think he will do well in New Zealand were it swings and seems I may even give him the new ball but that's highly unlikely

 

[shamaan]

Mark Wood

Age:30
Tests: 16
Wickets: 50
Economy: 3.27
Average: 32.4

Anrich Nortje

Age: 26 years 337 days
Tests: 6
Wickets: 19
Economy: 3.82
Average: 35.1

Alzari Joseph

Age: 23
Matches: 11
Economy: 3.28
Wickets: 28
Average: 35.8

Naseem Shah

Age: 17
Matches: 7
Economy:3.45
Wickets: 17
Average: 34.8


Considering the names he is being compared with, I think Pakistan fans have nothing to worry about with Nadeem’s development. As long as he stays fit, he will hopefully break Wasim Akram’s 414 wicket Test figure by the time he retires

Thankyou for the stats great stuff

 

[Rana]

Thankyou for the stats great stuff

Waiting for some apparent know it all with a anti Pakistan agenda to appear and tell us that these stats need to be taken into context etc. Change Naseem Shah’s name to Nathan Shaw and these stats all of a sudden are an indication that he is well on his way to become a 350+ Test wicket bowler for his country

 

[gazza619]

As good as his slip fielders allow him to be

Tricky is that.

 

[Saj]

Ok here's the truth - I worry that Naseem becomes another Zahid. A career plagued by injuries.

 

[Rana]

Tricky is that.

If he isn’t creating chances in NZ, Waqar Younis needs to be sacked.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

I would love to know what he is working on in these pictures.
He has a lot of talent but it is all getting undermined because of a couple of minor technical faults.
I hope those are finally identified and worked on by Zahid if not our super bowling coach.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I think it will be the usual stuff and a continuation of the Australian and English tours.

He will make some big statements but fail to back it up on the pitch. He will get carted around but his fans will continue to make excuses at every step.

Sometimes it will be Babar’s fault, sometimes it will be Misbah’s fault, sometimes it will be Waqar’s fault, and now it might be Zahid’s fault as well.

Prior to the series, his fans will say that he will be the leading wicket-taker in the series and blow New Zealand away, but when he flops badly as usual, his fans will celebrate the two good deliveries that he will bowl in the series.

Before the England series, we were told that he will dominate England and end up as the highest wicket-taker of the series.

However, after he finished with 3 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 70, his fans were reduced to dancing over the two great deliveries he bowled to Joe Root.

Perhaps after flopping in New Zealand, people will finally realize that he is not the bowler they think he is or expect him to be in a few years.

He is basically hyped because PCB reduced his age by 3-4 years, and desperate Pakistani fans have unanimously decided that he is going to be the savior of our fast bowling woes.

The guy is very young. I don't see why he should be heaped with praise or criticism. Fact is he is talented and his pace is always an x-factor. Granted, he will struggle with consistency initially but if he can keep the injuries in-check its hard to see him not being a real deal in a few years time. And there is no better place to hone your skills than international cricket.

 

[Kroll]

He will get slapped. Probably 2 wickets at 100 with a 5.5 economy.

Sounds about right, perhaps a bit on the generous side. Brainless bowler.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I just hope he doesn't make any big statements like he did before the England tour.

Naseem has talent but I am not going to get too excited by him yet as he hasn't show enough to justify his hype. He bowls some good balls but he hasn't bowled a real consistent spell in test cricket. Not going to put too much pressure on him but I won't get carried with the hype like some have.

To be fair, he did get Joe Root's wicket.

 

[sharmaji]

He will do well. Very good talent, he needs to be backed. Definitely in my playing X1 for the first test.

 

[hur rizvi]

I don't think he will be successful. He is just too raw and lacks test match bowling sense.

We would be better off playing Wahab as 3rd seamer for the enforcer role

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Majority of people here are already defending if he doesn't take many wickets in NZ.

I think we need to keep realistic expectations from him. The swing Hasnain was generating with the new ball in the recent Zim series makes him an interesting option as well. The key to success would be how we negotiate the new ball and how many wickets we take with the new ball.

Amir failed massively last time in 2016 when the pitches were tailor made for swing bowling.
NZ and Eng are two places where you usually see the scorecards 35/3 50/4 etc
Abbas has that ability to actually take wickets with the new ball rather than just looking pretty.

I hope Shaheen comes of age in this series. I won't consider Naseem undropable. He needs to keep his head down and mouth shut, and away from media for considerable time now.

With Haris Sohail, we also get an additional guy who can give us 10 overs an inning. Yasir is the one most likely to be non threatening in the series, can Zafar or Shadab play the role of leading spinner in a tough tour like this? I hope sensible and sane decisions are taken.

 

[tyron_woodley]

For Naseem to be effective, Pakistan needs a capable 5th bowler. Pakistan didn’t have one in England resulting in Naseem bowling long spells with no breaks.

He is in no way a finished article but his role in the team didn’t help him.

So who is that magical 5th bowler? My vote is Shadab. But knowing Misbah, he will go with a 4 person attack to lengthen batting. Then he will go on to make his batsmen afraid of expressing themselves.

You heard it here for the millionth time.

Correct post. To win in SENA you need balance. A batting all-rounder who can support and aid the bowlers by giving them ample rest to charge up.

Ashraf will be handy even if he isn't that good on the whole. He adds value because he can do both. his job will just be to contain and provide rest for the key bowlers

 

[ahmadharis1]

Ok here's the truth - I worry that Naseem becomes another Zahid. A career plagued by injuries.

Unfortunately that's exactly what's going to happen. Misbah and Co. just don't know how to manage players properly.

It's only a matter of time

 

[shamaan]

Majority of people here are already defending if he doesn't take many wickets in NZ.

I think we need to keep realistic expectations from him. The swing Hasnain was generating with the new ball in the recent Zim series makes him an interesting option as well. The key to success would be how we negotiate the new ball and how many wickets we take with the new ball.

Amir failed massively last time in 2016 when the pitches were tailor made for swing bowling.
NZ and Eng are two places where you usually see the scorecards 35/3 50/4 etc
Abbas has that ability to actually take wickets with the new ball rather than just looking pretty.

I hope Shaheen comes of age in this series. I won't consider Naseem undropable. He needs to keep his head down and mouth shut, and away from media for considerable time now.

With Haris Sohail, we also get an additional guy who can give us 10 overs an inning. Yasir is the one most likely to be non threatening in the series, can Zafar or Shadab play the role of leading spinner in a tough tour like this? I hope sensible and sane decisions are taken.

I would play a 5 man attack with shadab being a batting all rounder plus fahim and 3 quicks if we are to have success it has to be with the faster men

 

[Varun]

Depends if he sees any fear in those Kiwi eyes.

 

[silent ischemia]

He isn't an international material as yet. He needs 3-4 seasons in the domestic circuit to learn the art of bowling in the longer format. PCB should realize that gone are the days when you would pluck a player from the wilderness and he is a star overnight. I would have preferred him going with the Shaheens

 

[CleverSir]

I think it all depends on Abbas. If he strangles things from one end, Naseem and Shaheen should feast from the other end.

Given that it is NZ, I think you have to go with at minimum a 4 man pace attack. Yasir Shah should miss out on these tests.

7. Shadab Khan (lower order batting + some spin to offset load on the pacers)
8. Naseem Shah
9. Pacer*****
10. Shaheen
11. Abbas

 

[MMHS]

The best combination that PAK can put in typical NZ wicket is six batsmen + 4 pacers with couple of batsmen capable of bowling some spin overs. There is absolutely nothing in NZ wicket for spinners in recent days therefore I don’t see any reason to play a specialist spinner. Also, all-rounder for the sake of it shouldn’t be picked.

In that regard, it’s extremely important for PAK that Haris Sohail remains fit because Babar can extract 23-25 tight spin overs from him and I believe he’ll be much more economical than Shadab. Azhar can roll few overs of leg spin as well. That allows a fourth pacer, ideally should have been Amir which makes a very balanced pace attack with a pair of left-right combo and almost every type of bowling options there. Since he is not there, I am scratching my head to pick the 4th pacer - if not Amir, next best was probably Hasan, he is not there either, therefore may be, may be Sohail Khan isn’t a bad option. He can give 18-19 very good overs in first innings, another 10-12 in second innings with new ball and he can bat better than Faheem for sure.

That makes the line-up like

1. Shan
2. Abid
3. Azhar
4. *Babar
5. Haris
6. Open spot (they’ll probably play Fawad, but don’t mind Talat or even Shadab if he gives the confidence with bat)
7. +Rizwan
8. Sohail Khan (Amir or even Yamin could have been better choice)
9. Abbas
10. Shaheen
11. Naseem

They can split the two lefti at 5 & 6 by promoting Rizwan at 6 and pushing Fawad/Talat at 7.

This line up puts an extra pressure on bowlers because now there won’t be any excuses. Also, batsmen have to make sure that bulk amount of scoring will be done by front six pairs. Abbas’s role is most critical here to ensure 50+ tight overs in the game; may be then other three pacers can be extremely effective- Shaheen 35 overs, Naseem & Sohail 29 each + Haris/Azhar/Fawad/Talat 27 overs max. That’s 170 overs and bowlers have to take 20 wickets in those 170 overs otherwise in any case PAK won’t win the Test, in fact won’t save it either without rain. At the expected scoring rate Kiwis can score around 575 in 170 overs - that’s the maximum cap for PAK batting, even if they that get the remaining 275 or so overs of the game - I don’t see them posting 600 in combined innings. PAK can only win a Test in a bowling shoot out - 40 wickets for like 1000-1100 runs game. NZ at home are actually a tougher opponent than Poms at home, therefore it’s not going to be easy.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

The best combination that PAK can put in typical NZ wicket is six batsmen + 4 pacers with couple of batsmen capable of bowling some spin overs. There is absolutely nothing in NZ wicket for spinners in recent days therefore I don’t see any reason to play a specialist spinner. Also, all-rounder for the sake of it shouldn’t be picked.

In that regard, it’s extremely important for PAK that Haris Sohail remains fit because Babar can extract 23-25 tight spin overs from him and I believe he’ll be much more economical than Shadab. Azhar can roll few overs of leg spin as well. That allows a fourth pacer, ideally should have been Amir which makes a very balanced pace attack with a pair of left-right combo and almost every type of bowling options there. Since he is not there, I am scratching my head to pick the 4th pacer - if not Amir, next best was probably Hasan, he is not there either, therefore may be, may be Sohail Khan isn’t a bad option. He can give 18-19 very good overs in first innings, another 10-12 in second innings with new ball and he can bat better than Faheem for sure.

That makes the line-up like

1. Shan
2. Abid
3. Azhar
4. *Babar
5. Haris
6. Open spot (they’ll probably play Fawad, but don’t mind Talat or even Shadab if he gives the confidence with bat)
7. +Rizwan
8. Sohail Khan (Amir or even Yamin could have been better choice)
9. Abbas
10. Shaheen
11. Naseem

They can split the two lefti at 5 & 6 by promoting Rizwan at 6 and pushing Fawad/Talat at 7.

This line up puts an extra pressure on bowlers because now there won’t be any excuses. Also, batsmen have to make sure that bulk amount of scoring will be done by front six pairs. Abbas’s role is most critical here to ensure 50+ tight overs in the game; may be then other three pacers can be extremely effective- Shaheen 35 overs, Naseem & Sohail 29 each + Haris/Azhar/Fawad/Talat 27 overs max. That’s 170 overs and bowlers have to take 20 wickets in those 170 overs otherwise in any case PAK won’t win the Test, in fact won’t save it either without rain. At the expected scoring rate Kiwis can score around 575 in 170 overs - that’s the maximum cap for PAK batting, even if they that get the remaining 275 or so overs of the game - I don’t see them posting 600 in combined innings. PAK can only win a Test in a bowling shoot out - 40 wickets for like 1000-1100 runs game. NZ at home are actually a tougher opponent than Poms at home, therefore it’s not going to be easy.

That line up is actually decently promising. If only Saud was there, then I would have said pakistan had a decent batting line up to build for the future with the likes of Saud and Talat. I have absolutely no hope in the pacers though. Abbas is finished (he's 37 years old) and Naseem is way too raw and brainless. Shaheen too is a newbie at Tests and can improve but even he has failed to impress.

 

[MMHS]

That line up is actually decently promising. If only Saud was there, then I would have said pakistan had a decent batting line up to build for the future with the likes of Saud and Talat. I have absolutely no hope in the pacers though. Abbas is finished (he's 37 years old) and Naseem is way too raw and brainless. Shaheen too is a newbie at Tests and can improve but even he has failed to impress.

You need an Abbas like pacer in NZ - they didn't pick Adil or Sameen, means Abbas is certain to start, fitness permitting. He won't last long, but he was the best pacer in UK by some margin and still can carry for one more series. PAK's next outside Asia Test series Mash Allah is likely to be in 2023 (or 2024, I don't know), therefore this could be his last away trip.

 

[shamaan]

The best combination that PAK can put in typical NZ wicket is six batsmen + 4 pacers with couple of batsmen capable of bowling some spin overs. There is absolutely nothing in NZ wicket for spinners in recent days therefore I don’t see any reason to play a specialist spinner. Also, all-rounder for the sake of it shouldn’t be picked.

In that regard, it’s extremely important for PAK that Haris Sohail remains fit because Babar can extract 23-25 tight spin overs from him and I believe he’ll be much more economical than Shadab. Azhar can roll few overs of leg spin as well. That allows a fourth pacer, ideally should have been Amir which makes a very balanced pace attack with a pair of left-right combo and almost every type of bowling options there. Since he is not there, I am scratching my head to pick the 4th pacer - if not Amir, next best was probably Hasan, he is not there either, therefore may be, may be Sohail Khan isn’t a bad option. He can give 18-19 very good overs in first innings, another 10-12 in second innings with new ball and he can bat better than Faheem for sure.

That makes the line-up like

1. Shan
2. Abid
3. Azhar
4. *Babar
5. Haris
6. Open spot (they’ll probably play Fawad, but don’t mind Talat or even Shadab if he gives the confidence with bat)
7. +Rizwan
8. Sohail Khan (Amir or even Yamin could have been better choice)
9. Abbas
10. Shaheen
11. Naseem

They can split the two lefti at 5 & 6 by promoting Rizwan at 6 and pushing Fawad/Talat at 7.

This line up puts an extra pressure on bowlers because now there won’t be any excuses. Also, batsmen have to make sure that bulk amount of scoring will be done by front six pairs. Abbas’s role is most critical here to ensure 50+ tight overs in the game; may be then other three pacers can be extremely effective- Shaheen 35 overs, Naseem & Sohail 29 each + Haris/Azhar/Fawad/Talat 27 overs max. That’s 170 overs and bowlers have to take 20 wickets in those 170 overs otherwise in any case PAK won’t win the Test, in fact won’t save it either without rain. At the expected scoring rate Kiwis can score around 575 in 170 overs - that’s the maximum cap for PAK batting, even if they that get the remaining 275 or so overs of the game - I don’t see them posting 600 in combined innings. PAK can only win a Test in a bowling shoot out - 40 wickets for like 1000-1100 runs game. NZ at home are actually a tougher opponent than Poms at home, therefore it’s not going to be easy.

Good line up but I would go with 5 man attack with shadab as batting all rounder and 3 pacers plus fahim I not sure sohail can bowl long spells in second innings if required hence why I would go with fahim to bowl them long spells

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Newzealand is medium pacers heaven.
Naseem won't do well there.
I think even Faheem Ashraf will outbowl him if he is given a chance.

 

[wrongun]

He'll take a bagfull one innings (4-5 wickets). But success will be measured by whether he plays his role in the team.

That role needs to be clearly defined. Is he supposed to contain & let Shaheen attack? Or bowl short & sharp hostile spells while Abbas bowls long & Shaheen bowls as he likes/as per situation demands.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Correct post. To win in SENA you need balance. A batting all-rounder who can support and aid the bowlers by giving them ample rest to charge up.

Ashraf will be handy even if he isn't that good on the whole. He adds value because he can do both. his job will just be to contain and provide rest for the key bowlers

I just find Ashraf's batting very suspect - essentially lengthening the tail. Shadab will atleast be a more reliable bat.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

If we play Hussain Talat and Haris we don't need a fake all rounder as the 5th bowler. They are good enough to provide part time overs.

Shadab is not a fake all rounder. He already has some crucial innings under his belt in his short career and has some good wickets too. Needs a long rope and continued investment.

Hussain Talat is the new savior in NZ conditions?

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

I would play a 5 man attack with shadab being a batting all rounder plus fahim and 3 quicks if we are to have success it has to be with the faster men

No issues with Fahim's bowling but his batting is extremely overrated.

Plus Yasir Shah is going to play, no matter what. Misbah will make sure of that. Yasir was man of the series last time around so he deserves it too.

 

[Ashmal]

I think it will be the usual stuff and a continuation of the Australian and English tours.

He will make some big statements but fail to back it up on the pitch. He will get carted around but his fans will continue to make excuses at every step.

Sometimes it will be Babar’s fault, sometimes it will be Misbah’s fault, sometimes it will be Waqar’s fault, and now it might be Zahid’s fault as well.

Prior to the series, his fans will say that he will be the leading wicket-taker in the series and blow New Zealand away, but when he flops badly as usual, his fans will celebrate the two good deliveries that he will bowl in the series.

Before the England series, we were told that he will dominate England and end up as the highest wicket-taker of the series.

However, after he finished with 3 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 70, his fans were reduced to dancing over the two great deliveries he bowled to Joe Root.

Perhaps after flopping in New Zealand, people will finally realize that he is not the bowler they think he is or expect him to be in a few years.

He is basically hyped because PCB reduced his age by 3-4 years, and desperate Pakistani fans have unanimously decided that he is going to be the savior of our fast bowling woes.

Well, that's not too bad for a 20 year old rookie on his first Eng tour....when even the likes of Archer picked only 4 tailender wickets at 40.

 

[naseem]

Depends on wheather he learnt 4rm his mistakes...
A. Bowling close to wicket...
B. Try to have control on lengths esp don't bowl too many short stuff..
C. Try to stress on fourth stamp line....fifth stamp would do fine too...

Also many things would depend on Rizwan's slip arrangement which is too close and too deep in England...many catches just die before slips....

Hope Babar will have his say too in this.....

Last but not least how his recovery was....hope he is fully fit before taking the field

 

[ask_analyse_act]

He is completely not ready for international test cricket.

He will have success after a year or two. Too early for him make a mark in tests. He will continue to take wickets here and there.


If he cannot succeed in England then its more difficult to succeed elsewhere.

I hope Hasnain should debut in the NZL series and let Naseem take some time off as Hasnain did, which might help him do develop consistency and the art of learning how to take wickets in tests.

Hasnain with his height might be useful in NZL green wickets.


My bowlers would be

Shadab
Faheem ashraf
Shaheen Shah afridi
Abbas
Hasnain

 

[Ashmal]

So many vultures out here wishing for the kid to fail so they can come here and brag.

Has he been overhyped by fans??...Yes, but he didn't ask for it so why so much hate for him.

People need to be patient, give him some time and have realistic expectations.

Naseem's is not a finished product by any means but he has shown enough glimpses of his talent with a 5-fer and a hattrick.

He's only gonna get better from here.

 

[Saj]

I would love to know what he is working on in these pictures.
He has a lot of talent but it is all getting undermined because of a couple of minor technical faults.
I hope those are finally identified and worked on by Zahid if not our super bowling coach.

Naseem told me that they were working on his inswinger to the right-handers.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

Naseem told me that they were working on his inswinger to the right-handers.

Thankyou for the information brother.
Since you have access to him. Ask him how he feels about making his runup slightly angular.
Most fast bowling experts including Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim believe that it will compliment his side on action.
At the moment his dead straight running approach doesn't allow him to complete his action completely, which is why his bowling arm ends up between his legs. It also makes him bowl from wide off the crease which doesn't make his lines as attacking as they can be.
An angular run up akin to what Waqar( who also had a side-on action) had will solve these problems to a great extent.

 

[Mamoon]

So many vultures out here wishing for the kid to fail so they can come here and brag.

Has he been overhyped by fans??...Yes, but he didn't ask for it so why so much hate for him.

He has overrated himself too. He has made a lot of bullish statements and all of them have backfired.

“I like to see fear in batsmen’s eyes”

“If England take me lightly I will hurt them”

Bla bla bla.

There is no hate for him. This “kid” needs to prove himself before trash-talking opponents. These statements look ridiculous when you end up with 3 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 70.

 

[Mamoon]

Well, that's not too bad for a 20 year old rookie on his first Eng tour....when even the likes of Archer picked only 4 tailender wickets at 40.

Archer has also achieved things that Naseem cannot achieve in his dreams.

 

[Rana]

Archer has also achieved things that Naseem cannot achieve in his dreams.

You made me do this...

Jofra Archer

Age: 25
Matches: 11
Wickets: 38
Average: 31.1
Economy: 2.95

Naseem Shah

Age: 17
Matches: 7
Economy:3.45
Wickets: 17
Average: 34.8

Naseem doesnt look too far behind considering he is 6-7 years junior to Archer.

 

[Rana]

Naseem Shah v Jofra Archer Strike Rates:


Archer
strike rate: 63.1

Naseem
60.4

This is considering Naseem has had to play 60% of his Tests away to Australia and England at the age of 16-17 and he does not have the support of world class bowlers such as Broad and Anderson to do most of the tough work for him.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

He has overrated himself too. He has made a lot of bullish statements and all of them have backfired.

“I like to see fear in batsmen’s eyes”

“If England take me lightly I will hurt them”

Bla bla bla.

There is no hate for him. This “kid” needs to prove himself before trash-talking opponents. These statements look ridiculous when you end up with 3 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 70.

All of them are out of context quotes that you use to serve your agenda.
Nothing to look into there. Keep crying like a vile instigating phupho.

 

[Rana]

All of them are out of context quotes that you use to serve your agenda.
Nothing to look into there. Keep crying like a vile instigating phupho.

It is sad how he likes to go after and abuse a guy who no matter what we speculate is 17 years old, technically he is under age. Maybe its part of the society he belongs to.

 

[Ashmal]

Archer has also achieved things that Naseem cannot achieve in his dreams.

I am not saying that he's as good as Archer is at present.

All I meant was that it's really harsh to judge a 20 year old on the basis of a single series where even better and more experienced bowlers have struggled.

 

[Ashmal]

He has overrated himself too. He has made a lot of bullish statements and all of them have backfired.

“I like to see fear in batsmen’s eyes”

“If England take me lightly I will hurt them”

Bla bla bla.

There is no hate for him. This “kid” needs to prove himself before trash-talking opponents. These statements look ridiculous when you end up with 3 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 70.

Those statements were in reply to the questions asked by journos.

You have cherry-picked these one-liners (out-of-context) from a full interview which shows your bias against him.

What do you want him to say??

"I am afraid of Eng batsmen"

"I am scared to bowl against Kohli"

 

[Hasan123]

To be fair, he did get Joe Root's wicket.

He bowls a few good balls but he doesn't have any memorable spells. I'm not writing him off but I am not going to get over excited like some. He is young but he has a lot to prove before he gets the defence and hype some fans give him.

 

[Mesozoic]

You made me do this...

Jofra Archer

Age: 25
Matches: 11
Wickets: 38
Average: 31.1
Economy: 2.95

Naseem Shah

Age: 17
Matches: 7
Economy:3.45
Wickets: 17
Average: 34.8

Naseem doesnt look too far behind considering he is 6-7 years junior to Archer.

Against decent (top 5) teams....

Joffra Archer

30 wickets @ 27 (7 games)

Naseem Shah

4 wickets @ 69 (4 games)


Yes. He's not anywhere near Jofra nor he's 7 years younger.

 

[Rana]

Against decent (top 5) teams....

Joffra Archer

30 wickets @ 27 (7 games)

Naseem Shah

4 wickets @ 69 (4 games)


Yes. He's not anywhere near Jofra nor he's 7 years younger.

Salty poster who is at liberty with reality as usual.

 

[Rana]

I mentioned this before as well. There will always be one or two anti Pakistan posters who will nitpick a reason to tell you Naseem isn’t developing well as a pace bowler. So sad, picking on a 17 year old

 

[Mesozoic]

Salty poster who is at liberty with reality as usual.

Irony.