Somerset vs Pakistanis | Tour Match | Taunton | Jul 3rd-5th, 2016 | Day 2

[Slog]

Good to see Azhar get some minutes in.

Sarfaraz dismissal is disappointing

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

My jaws are on the floor looking at Somerset's low score.

Never expected such a dominant performance from Pakistan in this tour game.

Must be a huge confidence boost.

It's a Div 2 county bro...

If we would've struggled against some random English domestic team then it would have been a travesty to call ourselves a top tier test team.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Good to see Azhar get some minutes in.

Sarfaraz dismissal is disappointing

and that too to a SLA

 

[marlonbrowndo]

6overs left. Azhar needs to practice scoring quick. He might have to in the actual game

 

[Slog]

It's a Div 2 county bro...

If we would've struggled against some random English domestic team then it would have been a travesty to call ourselves a top tier test team.

Not really. These are experimental games and generally touring sides don't win these as that's not the point

The good thing to see is that there seems to be a genuine gulf in quality between us and Somerset which is not always the conclusion from such tour games

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

6overs left. Azhar needs to practice scoring quick. He might have to in the actual game

He's going Way to Slow considering the situation the game is in right now. If we get Eng on the ropes in a similar kind of position, SR for our batsmens should never be below 50 I reckon....

 

[Junaids]

Sadly Hafeez is pathetic but Sami Aslam's technique isn't really inspiring

Yeah, and a guy with two away Test centuries against McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Johnson isn't selected....

 

[marlonbrowndo]

BBC radio has stopped working for me. Wont even load the page when I refresh

 

[Slog]

Yeah, and a guy with two away Test centuries against McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Johnson isn't selected....

That Guy failed spectacularly in the recent domestic one day cup and hasn't played a first class game for six years

Going by your logic we should recall Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas

 

[Junaids]

That Guy failed spectacularly in the recent domestic one day cup and hasn't played a first class game for six years

Going by your logic we should recall Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas

He only failed in the final.

In the semi-final he played Mohammad Amir better than any Pakistani batsman has since his return.

 

[JibranAnsari]

So misbah sarfraz and hafeez failed yet again , worrying signs for Pakistan.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

That Guy failed spectacularly in the recent domestic one day cup and hasn't played a first class game for six years

Going by your logic we should recall Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas

I still can't believe you guys take this bloke seriously tbh.... The day I read in one of his posts that Thommo bowled around 175-180 kph was it for me; I carry a bucket of salt whenever I read or take in anything Junaids have to say... Nothing against him personally, just think he's quite out of sync with Pakistani cricket at the moment.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Obviously Butt in Tests outside Asia is a better option than any opener we have right now but him coming back is unrealistic.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Nawaz playing brilliantly in that A game

 

[#GreenRoars]

2 overs to go.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Obviously Butt in Tests outside Asia is a better option than any opener we have right now but him coming back is unrealistic.

And what about Shehzad your favourite player?

 

[JibranAnsari]

Obviously Butt in Tests outside Asia is a better option than any opener we have right now but him coming back is unrealistic.

Based on what? His last 8 innings in test cricket? He failed spectacularly against england in his last test series. Even farhat looked better than him.

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar can bat for long periods just needs to improve his strike rotation slightly!!!

 

[marlonbrowndo]

And what about Shehzad your favourite player? ������

Lol at least Hafeez can score in ODIs outside Asia. Shehzad cant

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

It's a Div 2 county bro...

If we would've struggled against some random English domestic team then it would have been a travesty to call ourselves a top tier test team.

Well....Somerset embarrassed India in 2011.

Dunno how many quality players played for Somerset then.

I am aware this Somerset isn't a great quality side (now its a trend to give sides the worst match practice) but still how many times do you see a touring team destroy others in tour games (talking about recent times).

We can't make any predictions based on these games but still its very very good start.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Azhar man 2 overs left at least now play some shots!

 

[Abdullah]

No bat the whole day today. Shouldnt tire the bowlers. One day is enough to get them all out. Besides Sarfraz and the tail need this half an hour of practice.

Who cares about bowling. The bowlers need to bat and try for a long period. That is the main thing about tomorrow.
And yasir have a 12 over spell at the end of the day.
Who cares about winning

 

[srh]

My jaws are on the floor looking at Somerset's low score.

Never expected such a dominant performance from Pakistan in this tour game.

Must be a huge confidence boost.

you lost your teeths too early in age; abhi tou shaadi bhi nahin hoyi you need to find a good dental surgeon to get you fixed

 

[Slog]

He only failed in the final.

In the semi-final he played Mohammad Amir better than any Pakistani batsman has since his return.

Check his record.

I'm talking about the Pakistan One Day Cup

He averaged 27 at an earth shattering Strike Rate of 65 in 2016.

So please stop lying and making things up to suit your agenda like you generally tend to do

 

[JibranAnsari]

Azhar needs to spend time in the middle, scoring fast here is meaningless.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Azhar needs to spend time in the middle, scoring fast here is meaningless.

There could come times in the series when he will have to score fast. We wont bat for too much longer in the game so he should practice it now. Not saying he should go bersekr but as a number 3 he will need to score quick at times.

 

[Syed1]

My jaws are on the floor looking at Somerset's low score.

Never expected such a dominant performance from Pakistan in this tour game.

Must be a huge confidence boost.

How many jaws you have bro

 

[Syed1]

Oh God just saw Sarfaraz's dismissal.. this lulloo can only sweep

 

[FreePalestine]

Haha, so did you forward your message to them, how?

twitter, and they apologized for the error on air. Good of them!

 

[JibranAnsari]

There could come times in the series when he will have to score fast. We wont bat for too much longer in the game so he should practice it now. Not saying he should go bersekr but as a number 3 he will need to score quick at times.

Its fine batting at 40 SR , the more the time in the middle the better. In the series too he will more often be playing the new ball and scoring at 40/sr is perfectly fine.

 

[MRSN]

I still can't believe you guys take this bloke seriously tbh.... The day I read in one of his posts that Thommo bowled around 175-180 kph was it for me; I carry a bucket of salt whenever I read or take in anything Junaids have to say... Nothing against him personally, just think he's quite out of sync with Pakistani cricket at the moment.

He puts up some harsh truths no doubt.like it or not. When he was backing Amir,supporting him when no one even me had any hope from a guy who was out of cricket for 5 years but he knew Amir will be leading the attack. He is spot on about Salman and Asif as well. Salman was one of the leading run scorer on his return to Pakistan domestic cricket. Asif is still good and could easily replace the likes of Rahat and Wahab and Sohail lol. It's just that we have double standards. We accept Amir but don't want Asif and Butt for same crime.

What does Shan have to actually deserve a recall in the national team on SL tour?he averages low 30s in fc. I know he played a one good knock but other than that his career and fc average is pretty ordinary. If he is the best we got then Junaids backing Butt for a recall is totally justified.

Let the tour begin and we will know how good Shan is.

 

[MRSN]

Oh God just saw Sarfaraz's dismissal.. this lulloo can only sweep

It will be a repeat of SA tour for him and Misbah.

 

[Zaeem]

It's a Div 2 county bro...

If we would've struggled against some random English domestic team then it would have been a travesty to call ourselves a top tier test team.

BBC county table seems to suggest they are a division one county. http://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/county-championship-division-one/table

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

Boss, what's your issue with Salman?

Keeping everything a side, he had two decent (your "Yeah, and a guy with two away Test centuries against McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Johnson isn't selected...." is partially correct - he faced Mac, Warne & Jason in one innings & MoJo in other one) hundreds against AUS, but that actually proves more vulnerability - take out those two, he has almost nothing left. He is out of the game for 6 years, had a Series to forget last time in England, against the hosts; didn't play last FC season & haven't done anything in recent PAK Cup, a tournament dominated by openers due to the pathetic wickets. His only success is the Cool & Cool Domestic List A tournament, which is substandard, compared to PAK Cup.

He averages 24 in England in 8 Tests he played there - that too after 6 consecutive Tests (It's not that he went there, played 2 Tests & left, therefore didn't get the time to acclimatise).

I understand, you have emotional breakdowns, but it's beyond that - can you justify why Salman should be picked a head of Farhat or Taufiq, if PAK is to call back 32+ openers, who haven't featured in last 3 years? Both Taufiq & Farhat has a decent QA Tournament & Imran has slightly better career record, in England as well, while Taufiq is a legend when it comes to play out side Asia, compared to contemporary PAK openers. His technique is nothing special compared to other options either.

And, please don't avoid the answer & don't try to distract it with the fixing issues & verdicts & other customary staff - I wish you give it cricket logic in straight face. Please let us know why you think Butt would have done better than MoHa or even Shaan - if you can sell that, I'll never post against that ever.

 

[LowKiiSavage]

Lol at least Hafeez can score in ODIs outside Asia. Shehzad cant

Forgive me but i couldnt stop myself from pointing out how this is a big fat lie.

 

[MMHS]

He puts up some harsh truths no doubt.like it or not. When he was backing Amir,supporting him when no one even me had any hope from a guy who was out of cricket for 5 years but he knew Amir will be leading the attack. He is spot on about Salman and Asif as well. Salman was one of the leading run scorer on his return to Pakistan domestic cricket. Asif is still good and could easily replace the likes of Rahat and Wahab and Sohail lol. It's just that we have double standards. We accept Amir but don't want Asif and Butt for same crime.

What does Shan have to actually deserve a recall in the national team on SL tour?he averages low 30s in fc. I know he played a one good knock but other than that his career and fc average is pretty ordinary. If he is the best we got then Junaids backing Butt for a recall is totally justified.

Let the tour begin and we will know how good Shan is.

There is a little bit of gap in that though - for some reason, had Wasim been dropped after his 5/21 in 1985; chances are high that still he would have won the WC in 1992. Not sure, if that would have been the case with Ramiz or Ijaz. Same goes for Asif, but he is is almost 35 now, and a genuine JACK with bat, therefore he is risky.

Regarding Salman's domestic heroics, I don't think you have checked the data - sold by his words.

 

[MMHS]

Butt's last 8 innings against ENG in 2010 tour was: 1, 8, 7, 0, 17, 48, 26, 21 = 128 runs @ 16 average - that was a time he had about 15 Tests played in an year. Now, we are expecting him to do better than regular openers coming after 6 years & without playing any FC match (OK 2 - I presume, had he been there, would have played against the Somerset & Sussex kids).

 

[New Yorker]

Good to see Sohail bowling so well too. Need a right arm new ball bowler and it will be a big mistake to play Imran over him. Don't think Arthur will make that mistake.

And it would be a mistake to pick Rahat or Wahab over Imran.

 

[Junaids]

Somerset vs Pakistanis | Tour match | Taunton | Jul 3rd-5th | Day 2

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

Boss, what's your issue with Salman?

Keeping everything a side, he had two decent (your "Yeah, and a guy with two away Test centuries against McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Johnson isn't selected...." is partially correct - he faced Mac, Warne & Jason in one innings & MoJo in other one) hundreds against AUS, but that actually proves more vulnerability - take out those two, he has almost nothing left. He is out of the game for 6 years, had a Series to forget last time in England, against the hosts; didn't play last FC season & haven't done anything in recent PAK Cup, a tournament dominated by openers due to the pathetic wickets. His only success is the Cool & Cool Domestic List A tournament, which is substandard, compared to PAK Cup.

He averages 24 in England in 8 Tests he played there - that too after 6 consecutive Tests (It's not that he went there, played 2 Tests & left, therefore didn't get the time to acclimatise).

I understand, you have emotional breakdowns, but it's beyond that - can you justify why Salman should be picked a head of Farhat or Taufiq, if PAK is to call back 32+ openers, who haven't featured in last 3 years? Both Taufiq & Farhat has a decent QA Tournament & Imran has slightly better career record, in England as well, while Taufiq is a legend when it comes to play out side Asia, compared to contemporary PAK openers. His technique is nothing special compared to other options either.

And, please don't avoid the answer & don't try to distract it with the fixing issues & verdicts & other customary staff - I wish you give it cricket logic in straight face. Please let us know why you think Butt would have done better than MoHa or even Shaan - if you can sell that, I'll never post against that ever.

Mohammad Hafeez has never shown any sign of being able to score runs against decent bowling outside Asia.

Shan Masood was the bunny of Anderson and Broad even in the UAE.

Salman Butt has been inconsistent but is on a completely different level, able to survive and score Test runs against far better bowlers in difficult conditions. He is so much better than Hafeez and Masood that the very comparison is ridiculous.

Which, of course, is why in 2010 he was elevated to the Test captaincy, when the 29 year old Mohammad Hafeez couldn't even break into the squad, let alone the team.

Patriotic Pakistanis just delude themselves in imagining that Salman Butt isn't their best opener. He is their ONLY international class opener outside Asian conditions. But they feel so hurt by his appalling behaviour six years ago that they concoct absurd playing arguments against him.

 

[Zain Zaidi]

It will be a repeat of SA tour for him and Misbah.

Sarfaraz and misbah have saved our butts so many times and especially sarfraz on sl tour. They fail in one match then you guys say that...seriously

 

[Zain Zaidi]

Forgive me but i couldnt stop myself from pointing out how this is a big fat lie.

To be honest you can expect hafeez to single handedly win a match in 1 out of 5 odi on a tour

 

[Junaids]

Sarfaraz and misbah have saved our butts so many times and especially sarfraz on sl tour. They fail in one match then you guys say that...seriously

Oh dear.

Not one of Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez or Sarfraz Ahmed - let alone Shan Masood - has ever scored a significant Test innings against a decent attack outside Asia.

The real worries are not the likes of Sarfraz but rather Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq. It's completely obvious that they have massive technical flaws outside Asian conditions, and the only hope of either coming off requires desperately flat, grassless wickets and England to suffer injuries.

 

[Adijazz1706]

Somerset were demolished here, are there any more practice matches? There should be at least 1 more imo.

 

[MRSN]

Butt's last 8 innings against ENG in 2010 tour was: 1, 8, 7, 0, 17, 48, 26, 21 = 128 runs @ 16 average - that was a time he had about 15 Tests played in an year. Now, we are expecting him to do better than regular openers coming after 6 years & without playing any FC match (OK 2 - I presume, had he been there, would have played against the Somerset & Sussex kids).

His knock in a run chase was really good one considering the situation. Well I don't think other than Azhar any other batsman looked good even English batsmen were struggling. Conditions were really good for bowlers.

If we really compare him with all the other openers in Pakistan with their past records in mind then not many can beat Salman Butt. He has played far more vital knocks in his career and he was a bigger match winner. No one can forget his match winning knocks against India and a wonderful partnership he formed with Kamran Akmal against a formidable Aussie attack of that tournament in 2010 t20 wc.

Personally I feel our openers should be Baber Azam-Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad but if Salman can outperform these players in domestic tournaments then he should be picked but if we are to pick players like Shan and Khurrum then Salman has a decent case to be selected as well.

 

[Zain Zaidi]

Oh dear.

Not one of Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez or Sarfraz Ahmed - let alone Shan Masood - has ever scored a significant Test innings against a decent attack outside Asia.

The real worries are not the likes of Sarfraz but rather Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq. It's completely obvious that they have massive technical flaws outside Asian conditions, and the only hope of either coming off requires desperately flat, grassless wickets and England to suffer injuries.

If I go with stats hafeez stats are in 30s at opening and in 50s at one down. I think new ball's the issue? Batting flaw just makes it worse

 

[Zain Zaidi]

If I go with stats hafeez stats are in 30s at opening and in 50s at one down. I think new ball's the issue? Batting flaw just makes it worse

And for misbah he gets good 50s frequently and most importantly has a cricket brain as captain

 

[MRSN]

Sarfaraz and misbah have saved our butts so many times and especially sarfraz on sl tour. They fail in one match then you guys say that...seriously

only on flat tracks. Outside Asia even Zimbabwe's part timers become McGrath. We will see if the likes of Misbah,Sarfraz can bust this myth of being ftbs or keep it alive.

 

[MRSN]

And for misbah he gets good 50s frequently and most importantly has a cricket brain as captain

lol brain and Misbah. Misbah just waits for things to happen. He goes through all pre night plans instead of being proactive and taking decisions according to situation.

 

[Zain Zaidi]

lol brain and Misbah. Misbah just waits for things to happen. He goes through all pre night plans instead of being proactive and taking decisions according to situation.

So you're basically saying that misbah takes no credit in winning a match as a captain for his decisions? I see that settles everything so we got to #3 in test by miracle

 

[MRSN]

So you're basically saying that misbah takes no credit in winning a match as a captain for his decisions? I see that settles everything so we got to #3 in test by miracle

good spinners and atg ftbs against the likes of current Aussie,English and weak Sri Lankan side on UAE tracks is achievable even if you have Shahid Afridi leading the side. Misbah couldn't win series even against Zimbabwe outside Asia. Tells a lot about his record.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Brilliant display by Pak team.

 

[Slog]

Check his record.

I'm talking about the Pakistan One Day Cup

He averaged 27 at an earth shattering Strike Rate of 65 in 2016.

So please stop lying and making things up to suit your agenda like you generally tend to do

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

you gonna avoid this like you avoided the tear down of your pro Akmal argument?

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Forgive me but i couldnt stop myself from pointing out how this is a big fat lie.

Was I imagining the New Zealand ODI series and the 2015 world cup (Hafeez didn't play but Shehzad did and we saw what happened)

 

[MMHS]

His knock in a run chase was really good one considering the situation. Well I don't think other than Azhar any other batsman looked good even English batsmen were struggling. Conditions were really good for bowlers.

If we really compare him with all the other openers in Pakistan with their past records in mind then not many can beat Salman Butt. He has played far more vital knocks in his career and he was a bigger match winner. No one can forget his match winning knocks against India and a wonderful partnership he formed with Kamran Akmal against a formidable Aussie attack of that tournament in 2010 t20 wc.

Personally I feel our openers should be Baber Azam-Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad but if Salman can outperform these players in domestic tournaments then he should be picked but if we are to pick players like Shan and Khurrum then Salman has a decent case to be selected as well.

You are mixing the format - no question about his LO career here. We can discuss that during the team selection of ODI/T20 Series. His last FC match was in August 2010 - then he'll go to face Jimmi & Berby after 6 years.

 

[Square Drive]

Great stuff by the bowlers.

As for batting, Hafeez was not out IMO.

Misbah & Sarfraz, both great players of spin, fall to spin. Why was Misbah trying reverse-sweeps when he was supposed to spend some time in the middle?

Shan has had a decent game but let's not forget he was dropped twice - yes twice in the 1st innings.

I back Shan to come good but I'd still give Shan & Hafeez the next game. Sami can maybe replace YK/Asad against Sussex if they score big in the 2nd innings of this game.

As many have said, Amir & Sohail are pretty much confirmed at Lord's. I'd pick Wahab over Rahat, providing he plays against Sussex and does well.

 

[MMHS]

Mohammad Hafeez has never shown any sign of being able to score runs against decent bowling outside Asia.

Shan Masood was the bunny of Anderson and Broad even in the UAE.

Salman Butt has been inconsistent but is on a completely different level, able to survive and score Test runs against far better bowlers in difficult conditions. He is so much better than Hafeez and Masood that the very comparison is ridiculous.

Which, of course, is why in 2010 he was elevated to the Test captaincy, when the 29 year old Mohammad Hafeez couldn't even break into the squad, let alone the team.

Patriotic Pakistanis just delude themselves in imagining that Salman Butt isn't their best opener. He is their ONLY international class opener outside Asian conditions. But they feel so hurt by his appalling behaviour six years ago that they concoct absurd playing arguments against him.

I am not a Pakistani - so no emotional attachment here. He could be a decent opener 6 years back (because, to be honest that time Tamim & Porterfiled would have walked into PAK Test opening slot). He was made Test Captain for a different circumstance - though he indeed was a good Captain (Only in the field unfortunately). But that logic (PCB & it's appointment of Captain) actually doesn't prove anything - they appointed Afridi Captain for UK Test Tour & before that made Malik Captain for Test team; doesn't prove anything.

How do you know, without a single FC match, he can walk into PAK Test side to face the Poms in their home? Had he played the last QA Tournament, been in top scorer's list; maybe we could have fast tracked his case. Why are you comparing Butt of 2010 with Shaan & MoHa? Instead of MoHa & Shaan (pls. note my post) - I have mentioned 2 other names - Taufique & Farhat - why not them?


If couple of hundreds, 1st one made over a decade back, makes Butt ONLY international class opener outside Asia, then Taufiq would be in history for PAK for his 2 knocks against a far better pace attack (at least compared to 2nd one) on more demanding conditions (among Aussie wickets, SCG is the best suited for Asian batsmen - his scores in other Aussie grounds actually doesn't back that claim). And, his 135 on a poor West Indian wicket on Day 3/4 is better than any innings played by any PAK opener outside Asia in last 10 years - may be Farhat's 117* carrying through can come closer. Doesn't matter much between 2003 & 2005; standing on July 2016, does it - therefore, why not Taufiq, who has scored lot in last QA tournament as well.


I have absolutely nothing against his "behavior" - I have seen bigger "fishes" in PAK team, but I am not sure how many here are against his inclusion for his act 6 years back. I am sure, had Butt been among top 5 scores in QA tournament, many here would have raised voice for him. And, all your praises for an opener who averages 30 in 33 Tests & outside AUS (& PAK), averages barely 25/26, which includes matches against SRL & BD.

On technical terms, Shaan wasn't a bigger bunny than what Salman was, on his debut innings against Styen & his new ball partner (& Morkel) at their prime. While, MoHa is a problem for Arthur, not selection - Micky has to take out "micky" of Misbah & MoHa to put him at 5/6 & force Azhar to open. A set MoHa can run with the Pom attack one the ball is old & their new ball pair has finished their 2nd spell.

 

[sully3]

Look at their players, apart from an expired Trescothick and Hildreth, none of their players are anywhere near international standard.

This is a complete mismatch; Zimbabwe will whitewash this team in a Test series.

This isn't good practice for Pakistan. They should have played against a competitive team.

When there is such a big gulf between the quality of two teams, pitch doesn't matter.

On a green pitch, Amir alone will probably take 8 wickets against this lineup.

On a turning pitch, Yasir will take all 10 wickets.

This isn't PCB's fault, ECB decides the tour games.

In the winter all the county clubs bid for england internationals for the summer, The big county clubs with big grounds like Middlesex at Oval, Lancs at Old Trafford, Yorkshire at headingly, Hampshire at Rose bowl end up getting the international matches, after distributing the international fixtures at the biggest grounds which usually are home of the best county clubs the tour fixtures are distruputed amongst the smaller country clubs so they can get their revenues up and local community get a chance to see an international team, even though england won't probably ever play a fixture at these grounds.

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

Another point you are trying to prove is MoHa, Misbah or Shaan 's record outside Asia. How many matches have they played outside Asia - last one I can recall is 2013 in SAF. Butt had a full tour in NZ, then AUS,then again AUS in ENG & finally England - then finished 4 Tests with 128 @ 16.

I am a BIG critic of MoHa, but he is actually axing his own feet by holding on to openers spot. Misbah is a gone case in his mid 40s, but MoHa, Masood can definitely better Butts "performance" - it's an identical 4 Test series, therefore we'll revisit this discussion again - for now MoHa & Shaan has to put 129 in 8 innings to be PAK's two more "International quality opener outside Asia".

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

Another point you are trying to prove is MoHa, Misbah or Shaan 's record outside Asia. How many matches have they played outside Asia - last one I can recall is 2013 in SAF. Butt had a full tour in NZ, then AUS,then again AUS in ENG & finally England - then finished 4 Tests with 128 @ 16.

I am a BIG critic of MoHa, but he is actually axing his own feet by holding on to openers spot. Misbah is a gone case in his mid 40s, but MoHa, Masood can definitely better Butts "performance" - it's an identical 4 Test series, therefore we'll revisit this discussion again - for now MoHa & Shaan has to put 129 in 8 innings to be PAK's two more "International quality opener outside Asia".

Bro don't get involved in a debate with him over team selection. He is a sensible poster other than his obsession with proving his selection of the team right and everyone else's wrong. He wants Amad Butt in the team and he hasn't even seen him play.

 

[MMHS]

Bro don't get involved in a debate with him over team selection. He is a sensible poster other than his obsession with proving his selection of the team right and everyone else's wrong. He wants Amad Butt in the team and he hasn't even seen him play.

That's not a problem - we all are sometimes emotional. Problem is, he has seen Butt playing.

You know - I was wondering who is more idiot - Chelsea, willing to pay £25mn for Stones or Everton, not accepting that offer.

Eventually, I came to conclusion that it has to be Everton - they watch him 7 days a week in training.

 

[Zain Zaidi]

Great stuff by the bowlers.

As for batting, Hafeez was not out IMO.

Misbah & Sarfraz, both great players of spin, fall to spin. Why was Misbah trying reverse-sweeps when he was supposed to spend some time in the middle?

Shan has had a decent game but let's not forget he was dropped twice - yes twice in the 1st innings.

I back Shan to come good but I'd still give Shan & Hafeez the next game. Sami can maybe replace YK/Asad against Sussex if they score big in the 2nd innings of this game.

As many have said, Amir & Sohail are pretty much confirmed at Lord's. I'd pick Wahab over Rahat, providing he plays against Sussex and does well.

I felt sarfraz decision was 50-50

 

[Hasan123]

That's not a problem - we all are sometimes emotional. Problem is, he has seen Butt playing.

You know - I was wondering who is more idiot - Chelsea, willing to pay £25mn for Stones or Everton, not accepting that offer.

Eventually, I came to conclusion that it has to be Everton - they watch him 7 days a week in training.

Oh all right I thought he hadn't.

Hahah but what's his reasoning for wanting Salman Butt in the squad

 

[Arham_PakFan]

[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

Boss, what's your issue with Salman?

Keeping everything a side, he had two decent (your "Yeah, and a guy with two away Test centuries against McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Johnson isn't selected...." is partially correct - he faced Mac, Warne & Jason in one innings & MoJo in other one) hundreds against AUS, but that actually proves more vulnerability - take out those two, he has almost nothing left. He is out of the game for 6 years, had a Series to forget last time in England, against the hosts; didn't play last FC season & haven't done anything in recent PAK Cup, a tournament dominated by openers due to the pathetic wickets. His only success is the Cool & Cool Domestic List A tournament, which is substandard, compared to PAK Cup.

He averages 24 in England in 8 Tests he played there - that too after 6 consecutive Tests (It's not that he went there, played 2 Tests & left, therefore didn't get the time to acclimatise).

I understand, you have emotional breakdowns, but it's beyond that - can you justify why Salman should be picked a head of Farhat or Taufiq, if PAK is to call back 32+ openers, who haven't featured in last 3 years? Both Taufiq & Farhat has a decent QA Tournament & Imran has slightly better career record, in England as well, while Taufiq is a legend when it comes to play out side Asia, compared to contemporary PAK openers. His technique is nothing special compared to other options either.

And, please don't avoid the answer & don't try to distract it with the fixing issues & verdicts & other customary staff - I wish you give it cricket logic in straight face. Please let us know why you think Butt would have done better than MoHa or even Shaan - if you can sell that, I'll never post against that ever.

His arguments on this topic are quite irrational.He also wanted Asif in the test team,even though he hadn't played a FC match for 6 years nor was he selected in the Pakistan Cup.

Other than that he's a good and insightful poster.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Oh all right I thought he hadn't.

Hahah but what's his reasoning for wanting Salman Butt in the squad

Apparently 2 centuries in Australia 13 years ago compensate for an otherwise exceptionally woeful record.Including England.That too without having batted in an Fc match for 6 years.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Obviously Butt in Tests outside Asia is a better option than any opener we have right now but him coming back is unrealistic.

Taufiq Umar is better bro.He has actually played FC cricket consistently and has a better record outside Asia.

 

[Hasan123]

Apparently 2 centuries in Australia 13 years ago compensate for an otherwise exceptionally woeful record.Including England.That too without having batted in an Fc match for 6 years.

He wants umar akmal in the team as well. I can't decide which one is more funnier.

 

[kingusama92]

English openers right now:

 

[Mamoon]

This isn't PCB's fault, ECB decides the tour games.

In the winter all the county clubs bid for england internationals for the summer, The big county clubs with big grounds like Middlesex at Oval, Lancs at Old Trafford, Yorkshire at headingly, Hampshire at Rose bowl end up getting the international matches, after distributing the international fixtures at the biggest grounds which usually are home of the best county clubs the tour fixtures are distruputed amongst the smaller country clubs so they can get their revenues up and local community get a chance to see an international team, even though england won't probably ever play a fixture at these grounds.

Yes, I know all of that. I'm not playing PCB, just saying that this is not good practice.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

He wants umar akmal in the team as well. I can't decide which one is more funnier.

UA deserved a longer run back then but it would seem like a joke if he was included now.

 

[Thivagar]

Good contest on so far.

 

[Hasan123]

UA deserved a longer run back then but it would seem like a joke if he was included now.

But not in place in of current middle order. If azhar had started his test career opening than maybe there would have been space for him to have a longer run.

 

[Junaids]

He wants umar akmal in the team as well. I can't decide which one is more funnier.

Umar Akmal played every Test of his career outside Asia, averaged 36, was dropped at 21 and is still only 26.

Having seen him bat away against Shane Bond, Jimmy Anderson and Mitchell Johnson then yes, I think he has more right to be in the team than Mohammad Hafeez or Misbah - both of whom just go fishing outside off-stump each time they leave Asia.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

But not in place in of current middle order. If azhar had started his test career opening than maybe there would have been space for him to have a longer run.

Theres no doubt that Akmal was unfairly dropped from the Test team but now he needs to prove himself to even come near it

 

[Hasan123]

Theres no doubt that Akmal was unfairly dropped from the Test team but now he needs to prove himself to even come near it

It was better to invest in azhar and asad. Akmal should have learnt after being dropped instead of blaming others.

 

[Hasan123]

Umar Akmal played every Test of his career outside Asia, averaged 36, was dropped at 21 and is still only 26.

Having seen him bat away against Shane Bond, Jimmy Anderson and Mitchell Johnson then yes, I think he has more right to be in the team than Mohammad Hafeez or Misbah - both of whom just go fishing outside off-stump each time they leave Asia.

He played a game in the UAE before.

He averaged 36, that hundred vs new zeeland inflates his average. On the England tour azhar scored 92 akmal didn't come close to that if I recall.

Hafeez is an opener so not fair to ask akmal to replace him and misbah has done well in new zeeland when we won a series there. Your getting happy over akmal peformance in new zeeland but forget Misbah won a series there and he played not bad there.

 

[Muhammad10]

Cunning strategy employed by Misbah and Sarfaraz (giving away their wickets to a spinner).

I don't reckon England will take the bait, though.

 

[Hawkeye]

Cunning strategy employed by Misbah and Sarfaraz (giving away their wickets to a spinner).

I don't reckon England will take the bait, though.

) )

Good one.

I hope they go for it though.

 

[Muhammad10]

) )

Good one.

I hope they go for it though.

Indeed.
Very unlikely though, as Eid never comes twice in a fortnight.

 

[Junaids]

He played a game in the UAE before.

He averaged 36, that hundred vs new zeeland inflates his average. On the England tour azhar scored 92 akmal didn't come close to that if I recall.

.

Actually in the final Test at Lords on the day the spot fixing news broke he hit 79 not out in a total of 147 all out!

 

[MMHS]

Umar Akmal played every Test of his career outside Asia, averaged 36, was dropped at 21 and is still only 26.

Having seen him bat away against Shane Bond, Jimmy Anderson and Mitchell Johnson then yes, I think he has more right to be in the team than Mohammad Hafeez or Misbah - both of whom just go fishing outside off-stump each time they leave Asia.

True, massive injustice with him. He was dropped when he should never had been dropped. Problem is, no matter whose fault, the boat has sailed past by 4 years. Since that Harare Test, where Umar managed to get out on the penultimate ball of the day, Misbah has kept him out of Test side & Umar himself hasn't helped him either. His work ethics gone down, his FC stats had a nose dive; while players who made the team at his expense (MoHa, Asad, Azhar, Ahmed even Malik has taken their chances and this is a very settled PAK Test batting line up.

Umar doesn't open while he himself opted not to keep, therefore opening 2 spots & the WK spot is out of question. Misbah is captain & Selectors can't drop him for his perceived failure outside Asia, when he is averaging 56 as Captain - stay that includes 7 Tests in SAF, NZ & WI. Asad & Azhar are future of PAK Tedt batting for at least 5 more years, therefore only spot I see open for Umar is to drop YK.