Some positives from the Australia Test series

[The intelligent Supporter]

I know emotions are at a high right now. The batting disappointed initially in the first innings first test and then the bowling conceded 630 before we folded in 2 sessions in the 2nd test.

However, we could still try and look at the rare positives we got from this series. I could start off with a few. Shafiq played one of the best 4th innings knock from us against Australia. We came 7 odd blows away from a world record chase in 4 th innings at the Gabba. Our batting showed great recovery from 1st to 2nd innings in the first test. We scored 400+ scores in two consecutive test matches in Australia. We might get open slots very soon in our middle order and long over due senior players could be moving on after this tour ends.

And our tail really showed character this series unlike any recent times. In the 2nd game, everyone in our Line up barring Wahab ( Who also smashed a few) could hold a bat and hit a few runs. Sohail and Amir ( both tests) batted really well. This could come handy in shorter formats when we are chasing totals and tail goes missing.

Feel free to add more.

 

[Jabo]

Only positive is

Misbah
YK

Should be retiring

Which = better for the future and that doesn't mean a year but 3/5

 

[Abdul]

1) Azhar and Asad have finally gotten more recognition in world cricket which they deserved.
2) The 'ATG' who kept on piling runs in UAE finally got exposed. It was very embarrassing that that FTB was mentioned in the same brackets alongside legends like Dravid and Tendulkar.

No other positives for me.

 

[Junaids]

1. The investment in Azhar and Shafiq and Sarfraz has paid off.

2. The Aussies treat Babar Azam as a huge wicket, showing his increasing stature.

3. Misbah's negative captaincy is at long-last world famous and discredited.

4. Picking batsmen over 35 years of age is now discredited too.

5. Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are now discredited too, and Mickey can secure their exclusion.

6. Sami Aslam did okay, and hopefully returns ASAP.

7. Mickey can now demand that Sarfraz go up to Number 6 with an all-rounder at 7.

The only things which need changing are:

Number 4
Number 5/skipper
Third quick

It's not a disaster - it's an opportunity.

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

1. The investment in Azhar and Shafiq and Sarfraz has paid off.

2. The Aussies treat Babar Azam as a huge wicket, showing his increasing stature.

3. Misbah's negative captaincy is at long-last world famous and discredited.

4. Picking batsmen over 35 years of age is now discredited too.

5. Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are now discredited too, and Mickey can secure their exclusion.

6. Sami Aslam did okay, and hopefully returns ASAP.

7. Mickey can now demand that Sarfraz go up to Number 6 with an all-rounder at 7.

The only things which need changing are:

Number 4
Number 5/skipper
Third quick

It's not a disaster - it's an opportunity.

some very good points.

 

[TestMatch]

Junaid said it all.

But Pakistan will be playing solid ODIs for the next few months. Any "positives" taken here will likely be forgotten in the scramble to fix their ODI team.

 

[Bewal Express]

Arthur deliberately picked IK so that it can be shown once and for all, he doesn't belong at this level. The other positives is A Ali and Shafiq.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

The only positive is that we will be rid of some players.


But people must not forget that a few of them are pretty useful in Asia and there we play 80% of our tests.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Azhar Ali
Asad Shafiq
Resilience of tail in a couple of innings

Only positives I can think of.

 

[FlickedOffHips]

When you hit bottom, the only way is up. That's the biggest positive.

 

[Belawal2014]

Another blessing in disguise.

 

[moghul]

I'm glad Misbah and YK did not score at all to make any excuse to stick around, even at this age. Hope they will continue their "form " in ongoing test.

 

[Ellipsism]

Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan and Mohammad Amir.

All should be shown the door.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Sohail Khan's Odi prospects and PSL sixes.

Amir's batting

Azhar & Shafiq's batting

We ll celebrate Sharjeel, Misbah & Younis's Century later

 

[sa]

Sohail Khan's Odi prospects and PSL sixes.

Amir's batting

Azhar & Shafiq's batting

We ll celebrate Sharjeel, Misbah & Younis's Century later

Sharjeel will be failed big time. He will be out of the test cricket within a year. He can only perform in UAE pitches. Pakistan should choose different team for home and away tests; if the results is positive then why not.

 

[Abdul]

Sharjeel will be failed big time. He will be out of the test cricket within a year. He can only perform in UAE pitches. Pakistan should choose different team for home and away tests; if the results is positive then why not.

How are you coming to the conclusion that Sharjeel can only perform in UAE? He plays bounce very well.

 

[sa]

How are you coming to the conclusion that Sharjeel can only perform in UAE? He plays bounce very well.

I have come to a conclusion based on his past performance in UAE and England... How did you come to a conclusion that he can play bounce very well?

 

[abughio]

Imran khan's kumble like pace..

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Sharjeel and Babar in the team.

Both FTBs exposed.

Amir's picked up a yard of pace but needs to be benched. Taking his spot for granted.

Sohail, Rahat and Imran's careers are likely finished.

Azhar announcing himself to the world and Asad's contributing.

Misbah's inept, one-dimensional captaincy exposed and heavily criticized.

 

[Abdul]

I have come to a conclusion based on his past performance in UAE and England... How did you come to a conclusion that he can play bounce very well?

I have watched him play. I don't follow spreadsheets like you.

 

[Rayyman]

Positives: Azhar, Shafiq and Sarfraz's batting. Shafiq and Yasir's fielding.
Negatives: Everyone else exposed.

 

[Rafay Shafiq]

Amir has been exposed badly. This is positive

 

[blackanhyellow]

1. The investment in Azhar and Shafiq and Sarfraz has paid off.

2. The Aussies treat Babar Azam as a huge wicket, showing his increasing stature.

3. Misbah's negative captaincy is at long-last world famous and discredited.

4. Picking batsmen over 35 years of age is now discredited too.

5. Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are now discredited too, and Mickey can secure their exclusion.

6. Sami Aslam did okay, and hopefully returns ASAP.

7. Mickey can now demand that Sarfraz go up to Number 6 with an all-rounder at 7.

The only things which need changing are:

Number 4
Number 5/skipper
Third quick

It's not a disaster - it's an opportunity.

Babar hasn't done anything of note for other teams to consider him a huge wicket.

The only reason why they consider him a big wicket is because he is playing at number 3, and they know misbah and younis are past their prime. So once they get number 3 they automatically get number 4 and 5.

Babar actually has been quite disappointing. He looks good and should be scoring but he is not.

Hopefully he does something this match.

 

[Junaids]

Amir and Wahab are showing signs of being heavily overbowled in an attack in which the third seamer and spinner have delivered absolutely nothing. Their accuracy and pace respectively are down badly.

Amir and Wahab may not be write-offs. All we can say is that the composition of the team is wrong - needs a pace-bowling all-rounder - and the personnel as third seamer are sub-standard, and the spinner is being misused and has himself wilted from overuse to bad fields.

 

[sa]

I have watched him play. I don't follow spreadsheets like you.

Spreadsheets never lie

 

[spade]

Only positive is

Misbah
YK

Should be retiring

Which = better for the future and that doesn't mean a year but 3/5

Brilliant post!! anybody who genuinely wants betterment of Pak cricket would say the same thing.

 

[ads101]

The funny thing is despite the collapse in the second test, I never seen Pak bat this well in Australia. That's a positive at least. The second test second innings collapse was unfortunate, but it doesn't change the fact these are our best batting numbers in Aus for a long time.

It's the bowling which has been downright dreadful every innings.

 

[daytrader]

Bravo to Azhar and Asad, the only silver lining on this tour. I think these two are the only ones that make it to the Xi based on performance. The rest of the team can be overhauled

 

[Junaids]

The funny thing is despite the collapse in the second test, I never seen Pak bat this well in Australia. That's a positive at least. The second test second innings collapse was unfortunate, but it doesn't change the fact these are our best batting numbers in Aus for a long time.

It's the bowling which has been downright dreadful every innings.

Consider your post.

You say Pakistan has batted better than usual in Australia, while the bowling has been toothless.

That tells me that the wickets have been slower and flatter than usual.

 

[Mamoon]

Azhar is the only positive.

 

[jeetu]

Azhar performance is big positive. After a long time (since Saeed Anwar) Pakistan has a guy who can build inning from the start.

 

[Mir jibran]

Azhar announcing himself is the biggest positive and aamir's repeated failure in bowling friendly condition has shown us that we need to replace him

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Azhar announcing himself is the biggest positive and aamir's repeated failure in bowling friendly condition has shown us that we need to replace him

Anything but bowling friendly conditions.

It is tough conditions that have exposed him.

He can still match every bowler in swinging conditions.

 

[Xoib]

Anything but bowling friendly conditions.

It is tough conditions that have exposed him.

He can still match every bowler in swinging conditions.

no he cant he struggled in NZL

 

[JibranAnsari]

Apart from azhar alis toughness , there is nothing much to cheer about.

 

[shariqnoor]

Azhar is the biggest positive. However I still believe that if he is to graduate to become one of the 50 plus average guys in intl. cricket right now, he needs to up his SR when he gets past 40-50. This will allow him to dominate teams and he'll get 100s more frequently, not to mention benefit the whole team as well. I think he's still playing at a monotonous pace throughout his innings.

Second positive is the fight shown by our tail. Our tail has applied themselves and gotten valuable runs for the team.

Biggest negative is that Yasir shah has been exposed outside Asia. He has zero variety in his bowling (no googly, no flipper)

 

[Dr_Bassim]

no he cant he struggled in NZL

I mean overt swing.

When it's swinging bananas as we saw in Asia Cup T20 and NZ series ODIs.

When it's rough or good bowling conditions, he might not fire.

 

[Junaids]

How are you coming to the conclusion that Sharjeel can only perform in UAE? He plays bounce very well.

He plays bounce well in limited overs cricket where there are no slips and the wide laws require bowlers to not probe outside off-stump.

But he has zero foot movement, so he is easy to dismiss outside off-stump, even off a gunbarrel straight Hazlewood Special.

 

[Pakistanian]

Biggest positive is that Azhar's going to be a future ATG!

 

[shariqnoor]

and the wide laws require bowlers to not probe outside off-stump.

hmmmm. Actually the wide laws force you to probe outside off-stump.

 

[shariqnoor]

Biggest positive is that Azhar's going to be a future ATG!

And then being thrown away like a tissue like Younis Khan is on PP after a few barren series.

 

[Junaids]

And then being thrown away like a tissue like Younis Khan is on PP after a few barren series.

Every 40+ cricketer is a "tissue" to be thrown away.

 

[Shafi]

Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are now discredited too, and Mickey can secure their exclusion.

It will be hard to drop both of them after Sohail played well with both bat and ball. Imran Khan got 2 wickets.
I think Amir is in danger considering our formers' have hatred against him

 

[Shafi]

Junaid said it all.

But Pakistan will be playing solid ODIs for the next few months. Any "positives" taken here will likely be forgotten in the scramble to fix their ODI team.

Not really!!! In ODI Australia will be more brutal and score at least couple of 450 if not 500 considering we have Rahat, Irfan in our bowling line up along with fatigue Amir, Wahab. Batting wise unless Sharjeel click really well we will not score any 300 score in this series. 5-0 is certain of our current standard

 

[Shafi]

Azhar announcing himself is the biggest positive and aamir's repeated failure in bowling friendly condition has shown us that we need to replace him

Did you really watch the cricket or just assuming because we are playing in Australia and New Zealand

 

[DRsohail]

1. The investment in Azhar and Shafiq and Sarfraz has paid off.

2. The Aussies treat Babar Azam as a huge wicket, showing his increasing stature.

3. Misbah's negative captaincy is at long-last world famous and discredited.

4. Picking batsmen over 35 years of age is now discredited too.

5. Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are now discredited too, and Mickey can secure their exclusion.

6. Sami Aslam did okay, and hopefully returns ASAP.

7. Mickey can now demand that Sarfraz go up to Number 6 with an all-rounder at 7.

The only things which need changing are:

Number 4
Number 5/skipper
Third quick

It's not a disaster - it's an opportunity.

you perfectly summed it up but we need 2 new pacers...

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Sharjeel and Babar in the team.

Both FTBs exposed.

Amir's picked up a yard of pace but needs to be benched. Taking his spot for granted.

Sohail, Rahat and Imran's careers are likely finished.

Azhar announcing himself to the world and Asad's contributing.

Misbah's inept, one-dimensional captaincy exposed and heavily criticized.

I thought you rated Babar quite highly.

 

[tabishsajwani]

We don't have to worry about these loses as the quality of cricket is greatly reduced in recent past and there are only few quality players in cricket world now that understands how to play in foreign conditions.

And my biggest question is, when we will stop taking so-called 'some positive' from completely failed tours our batting fails, our fielding fails, our bowling fails in this tour and we still looks for positives. Come on and just accept our team (or every team) is just good at playing in its home condition.

 

[shariqnoor]

Every 40+ cricketer is a "tissue" to be thrown away.

Younis averages 52 after the age of 35. Let's accord him some respect. He has played for Pakistan with utmost dedication and hard work. He deserves to be respected. 10-11 bad innings and people here tear into him. No wonder we are a thankless nation.

 

[sa]

Younis averages 52 after the age of 35. Let's accord him some respect. He has played for Pakistan with utmost dedication and hard work. He deserves to be respected. 10-11 bad innings and people here tear into him. No wonder we are a thankless nation.

I totally agree...Average 52 is not joke for Pakistan... If I remember correctly, Younis started his career late because alot of Misbah like player didn't want to retire at that time. He had to make his name when the likes of Inzi and Moyo were there. We should show him utmost respect for his service to the country and plus him and Imran got Pakistan worldcup trophy.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

I thought you rated Babar quite highly.

Yeah, it's a positive.

 

[Syed1]

The biggest positive is that, this might be the last match we have to bare with Misbah as captain. Good riddance.

Amir and Babar did not perform at all and that is a HUGE negative for Pakistan. Sami lovers will also be disappointed that their golden boy turned out to be nothing more than a glorified nightwatchman.

Azhar and Asad performed to potential and are finally shedding the tag of "youngters"


Sohail, Imran and Rahat might be ditched if Inzi the revolutionary was actually paying attention to the matches.

 

[saabir]

Only positive to me Misbah & YK nearing it's end & Pak finally got a solid test openin star Azhar Ali. Biggest negative is the form of Babar Azam, Amir & Yasir Shah. I was nt expecting much frim Sami who always plays like they r playing for draw..Sami looks to be more of a night watchman in his approach.of course he only knows one thing how to leave the ball

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar and Asad are the only positives. They shut people like [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] up who called them out for being wasted investments, backed them both since day one.

 

[Boi]

Azhar Ali has been the only shining light. Asad has done well as but I'm still not convinced he'll ever be the consistent bat we need in the middle order.

 

[Barragan]

Only Azhar has been the positive and the rest have been ordinary.

Dreadful tour and the Aussies have mentally destroyed this team.

 

[world cup captain]

I thought you rated Babar quite highly.

He means Younis and Misbah are exposed.

 

[MMHS]

The biggest positive is the realization that 6+4 formula won't work with this fitness level & PAK must find couple of all-rounders for a 5-1-2-3 formation. Last few years, playing almost entirely in Asia has made this team obsolete with 2 spinners bowling 130+ overs & 2 pacers being used to take off the shine. PAK can't operate with 4 bowlers strategy with the fitness & stamina level of their bowlers.

It's not important if there is all-rounder available or not - rather more important is to realize the need that all-rounders are needed - person can be found or groomed only after the necessity is recognized. Yasir, Amir & may be Whaba/Asif or a new kid as the 3 regular bowlers; for the 2 all-rounders spot - depending on condition there are several choices - Imad, Nawaz, Ghulam, Shadab, Aga Salman, Yamin, Ashraf, Amad, Hammad .......... may be 2nd option can be to play 5 bowlers with 3/4 of them at least Amir/Sohail level batsman.

Apart from that, Azhar's batting for is double positive - may be now PCB won't over burden him with Captaincy.

Misbah might retire before 2020 now, YK as well - but I am not sure, it can be so smooth. PAK captain retiring without a fight, leaving his team & country in tough time - they are not so mean. I think, Misbah will give a fight for the sake of Pakistan & YK as well - positives/negatives I can tell after that fight.

Also, I think, going forward, Arthur'll go to conflict route than the comfort of compromise; so my No. 1 wish in the list should take place gradually - PAK team's average official age should come down to <27 in Test & <25 in LO, from current 32 level.

 

[msb314]

1) Sharjeel is a hack who should not play Tests or ODI's - only T20's.
2) Shafiq is best suited at no. 6
3) Misbah has been well past at for a long time and should retire immediately.
4) Azhar is a good batsman but in Tests only - cashing in on good form.

No other positives for me...

 

[Kianig89]

Azhar came out as a world class player
Shafiq has permanented his spot
Babar has got a huge learning experience
pace attack is completely exposed which means we need to look for other options
So long for YK n MIsbah
Fielding problems cannot be solved by foreign coaches rather we need to change our culture from grass roots

Giving test cap to Sharjeel is insult to all those legends lik Majid Khan Javed Saeed etc

 

[Walidad]

1. The investment in Azhar and Shafiq and Sarfraz has paid loff.

2. The Aussies treat Babar Azam as a huge wicket, showing his increasing stature.

3. Misbah's negative captaincy is at long-last world famous and discredited.

4. Picking batsmen over 35 years of age is now discredited too.

5. Imran Khan and Sohail Khan are now discredited too, and Mickey can secure their exclusion.

6. Sami Aslam did okay, and hopefully returns ASAP.

7. Mickey can now demand that Sarfraz go up to Number 6 with an all-rounder at 7.

The only things which need changing are:

Number 4
Number 5/skipper
Third quick

It's not a disaster - it's an opportunity.

What sarfraz is paid 3 50+ scores in whole year he us most overrated i also note in odi he delibratley play slow and he is part of mafia who is not want to see azhar succses as captain in odi


I also want azhar taking over as captain its poor to see some peplole comparing sarfraz & ms dhoni captaincy skils

 

[Walidad]

The biggest positive is the realization that 6+4 formula won't work with this fitness level & PAK must find couple of all-rounders for a 5-1-2-3 formation. Last few years, playing almost entirely in Asia has made this team obsolete with 2 spinners bowling 130+ overs & 2 pacers being used to take off the shine. PAK can't operate with 4 bowlers strategy with the fitness & stamina level of their bowlers.

It's not important if there is all-rounder available or not - rather more important is to realize the need that all-rounders are needed - person can be found or groomed only after the necessity is recognized. Yasir, Amir & may be Whaba/Asif or a new kid as the 3 regular bowlers; for the 2 all-rounders spot - depending on condition there are several choices - Imad, Nawaz, Ghulam, Shadab, Aga Salman, Yamin, Ashraf, Amad, Hammad .......... may be 2nd option can be to play 5 bowlers with 3/4 of them at least Amir/Sohail level batsman.

Apart from that, Azhar's batting for is double positive - may be now PCB won't over burden him with Captaincy.

Misbah might retire before 2020 now, YK as well - but I am not sure, it can be so smooth. PAK captain retiring without a fight, leaving his team & country in tough time - they are not so mean. I think, Misbah will give a fight for the sake of Pakistan & YK as well - positives/negatives I can tell after that fight.

Also, I think, going forward, Arthur'll go to conflict route than the comfort of compromise; so my No. 1 wish in the list should take place gradually - PAK team's average official age should come down to <27 in Test & <25 in LO, from current 32 level.

I like to shadab hussien to become a good allrounnder he has capablity just needs right time