West Indies v Pakistan | 1st Test | Jamaica | Apr 21-25, 2017 | Pre-Match Thread

[Rayyman]

Shafiq should definitely not be dropped. Of course, people will have their personal agendas against him, but he is a pretty good player. Average is around 40 which is fine for a #6. Lack of big scores is also due to his batting position. As he is not a quick scorer like Gilchrist or Stokes.

He should be more consistent though to get to the next level. Especially as he enters his prime. Needs a lot of more runs and/or a man of the series. Has an opportunity here against WI.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Shafiq should definitely not be dropped. Of course, people will have their personal agendas against him, but he is a pretty good player. Average is around 40 which is fine for a #6. Lack of big scores is also due to his batting position. As he is not a quick scorer like Gilchrist or Stokes.

He should be more consistent though to get to the next level. Especially as he enters his prime. Needs a lot of more runs and/or a man of the series. Has an opportunity here against WI.

He can't take ODI pressure. We have been down this road many a time. Look at his record. There are other options.

 

[Rayyman]

He can't take ODI pressure. We have been down this road many a time. Look at his record. There are other options.

Was talking Test matches.

If this off-spin experiment works, then we can finally say goodbye to Hafeez.

 

[dildildalwalla]

I don't know where to begin.

Shafiq got 5 ducks last year, most by a Pak test batsman, all while he is supposed to be on his peak, don't forget 2 pairs, 1 in Eng and 1 in UAE vs WI. He has lost us more games than he has helped us win.

His 100 in Aus is the most overrated performance since that Wahab spell. He got out while Yasir held up the other end. It was Shafiq who lost concentration and we lost, he was also dropped on 72 so even that 100 was lucky, conditions also became batting friendly.
He has most 100s at 6 because he has played a ton of games at number 6, usually good batsmen get promoted when they're doing good at 6, but whenever Shafiq was promoted, he failed. There are a dozen batsmen who have a better average at 6. Heck, even Sarfraz has a slightly better overall average than Shafiq, and he has played almost all of his games at 7.
If I ask you to give me 1 game where Shafiq has single handedly won us a test or even played a match winning innings when everyone else failed, You'll fail to point that out.

You can look at every batsman's season and find faults but tell me how someone with 5 centuries in 2 years (with not as many tests as other teams play i n2 years) and an average of over 50, with that average over 60 in the period Pak were unbeaten, is inconsistent?

You haven't backedu p your own claim.

No idea what your problem with Shafiq is but it obviously isnt about cricket.

 

[Citizen4]

You can look at every batsman's season and find faults but tell me how someone with 5 centuries in 2 years (with not as many tests as other teams play i n2 years) and an average of over 50, with that average over 60 in the period Pak were unbeaten, is inconsistent?

You haven't backedu p your own claim.

No idea what your problem with Shafiq is but it obviously isnt about cricket.

Blatant and shameless lies, a pathetic reply to my post which was filled with 100% truth.

When did Shafiq average 50 over the course of a year?! He's nowhere near our best batsman

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...al2=span;team=7;template=results;type=batting

Since the start of Last year:

Azhar 60.95
Yonis 45.31
Sami 36.35
Sarfraz 36.22
Shafiq 34.86

even if you look at the stats since the start of 2015, Shafiq is still 5th best in terms of average.

IF most ducks in a calender year by a Pak test batsman isn't inconstent in your book, I don't know what will be then. keep living in your fantasy and enjoy supreme delusion with some whipped cream

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Was talking Test matches.

If this off-spin experiment works, then we can finally say goodbye to Hafeez.

Best bowler of the tour game after Amir.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Team for first Test

Ahmed Shehzad
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Younis Khan
Misbah Ul Haq
Asad Shafiq
Sarfraz Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Mohammed Amir
Wahab Riaz/Hasan Ali
Yasir Shah

 

[dildildalwalla]

Blatant and shameless lies, a pathetic reply to my post which was filled with 100% truth.

When did Shafiq average 50 over the course of a year?! He's nowhere near our best batsman

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...al2=span;team=7;template=results;type=batting

Since the start of Last year:

Azhar 60.95
Yonis 45.31
Sami 36.35
Sarfraz 36.22
Shafiq 34.86

even if you look at the stats since the start of 2015, Shafiq is still 5th best in terms of average.

IF most ducks in a calender year by a Pak test batsman isn't inconstent in your book, I don't know what will be then. keep living in your fantasy and enjoy supreme delusion with some whipped cream

I said in the last 2 years he averaged 50+, a simple look on cricinfo will confirm that.

I said in the period where Pakistan went unbeaten in 7 test series, his average was 60. Once again, very easy to confirm.

If you dont think thats consistent, fine but that would mean you are a few marbles short of a full bag.

 

[hadi123]

Any idea whether Hasan Ali will be fit?

 

[Ellipsism]

Any idea whether Hasan Ali will be fit?

Not for the test, at least.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Pakistan bowling attack should now comprise of Amir, Yasir , Wahab Riaz and one of Abbas/Shadab, depending on the pitch.

 

[The_Odd_One]

I think the only changes will be Shehzad replacing Sami/Sharjeel and Hassan replacing Sohail from the Australian tour.

1. Shehzad
2. Azhar
3. Babar
4. Younis
5. Misbah
6. Asad
7. Sarfraz
8. Yasir
9. Wahab
10. Aamir
11. Hassan

 

[Square Drive]

I think the only changes will be Shehzad replacing Sami/Sharjeel and Hassan replacing Sohail from the Australian tour.

1. Shehzad
2. Azhar
3. Babar
4. Younis
5. Misbah
6. Asad
7. Sarfraz
8. Yasir
9. Wahab
10. Aamir
11. Hassan

Hasan is ruled out of the first Test.

Guess we'll see Abbas get his debut.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Hasan is ruled out of the first Test.

Guess we'll see Abbas get his debut.

Then Shadab will play if he is in the test squad and pitch is spin friendly.

 

[Ami]

No matter what you guys think is the best possible eleven...and no Miandad is too old.

This is what they gonna end up, not necessarily in this order.

Shehzad
Azhar
Babar
Younus
Misbah
Asad
Sarfaraz
Amir
Yasir
Wahab
Hasan...

End of debate.

 

[Sadevdesai]

WI are like a loose Canon .... no way to predict how they will play .... have to be on the toes all five days !!!!!

 

[Abdullah719]

Captains prepare for historic 50th Test at Sabina Park

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Captains Jason Holder of West Indies and Misbah ul-Haq of Pakistan have described it as an honour to lead their teams in the opening Test match of Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile Cup Test Series. The April 21-25 match marks two special occasions – the 50th Test at the Sabina Park and also the 50th Test between West Indies and Pakistan.

“This is a huge honour to lead the West Indies team again in Test cricket, and it is made even more special because of this great occasion. West Indies and Pakistan have a rich history going back close to 60 years, so as a team we are mindful that we have to carry on the legacy established by those great men who paved the way,” Holder said.

“It is also significant that we will be part of the celebrations to mark the 50th Test at Sabina Park – a splendid occasion at one of the iconic venues in world cricket. To host 50 Test matches is something to be very proud of and as a team we want to do something memorable to commemorate the moment for the people of Jamaica and the entire Caribbean.”

Misbah said: “It is a great honor and privilege for me to lead Pakistan team in the 50th Test match between our two sides. I would like to congratulate West Indies Cricket Board, the team and the local people on this auspicious occasion.

“West Indies has produced some great players over the years and it is always heartening to see both teams go against each other on the field. I once again congratulate the host country on this occasion and look forward to a great Test series ahead.”

West Indies and Pakistan played their first Test match back in January, 1958, when the visitors toured the Caribbean for the first time. The first series featured two historic innings – the first being Hanif Mohammad’s 337 in the second innings of the first Test in Barbados.

A month later, a young Garfield Sobers made his first Test century – 365 not out in the third Test at Sabina Park – which set a new record for the highest score in Test cricket. This remains the highest score ever at Sabina Park.

The first Test at Sabina Park was between West Indies and England in 1930, when Karl Nunes led the home side. In that match George Headley made 223 in the second innings and the home side earned a draw.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

No matter what you guys think is the best possible eleven...and no Miandad is too old.

This is what they gonna end up, not necessarily in this order.

Shehzad
Azhar
Babar
Younus
Misbah
Asad
Sarfaraz
Amir
Yasir
Wahab
Hasan...

End of debate.

Hasan is not fit for first Test.

 

[PakLFC]

Going a bit off topic but can someone tell me what time the match starts UK time? Don't want to start another thread for this.

 

[Abdullah719]

Going a bit off topic but can someone tell me what time the match starts UK time? Don't want to start another thread for this.

15.00 GMT, so I suppose that's 16.00 BST.

You can also see the countdown at The PP homepage.

 

[On_the_up]

Looks like the weather will prevent any chances of a result in this test.

Good for Pakistan, as the solitary warm up game didn't inspire any confidence, hence a good chance to get some match practice and remove the cobwebs.

 

[Xoib]

Shadab is too risky for a 4 man attack his control can completely desert him sometimes and the most important thing for a test spinner is control.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Shadab is too risky for a 4 man attack his control can completely desert him sometimes and the most important thing for a test spinner is control.

He is still better a better option than Asghar and Abbas.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Shadab is too risky for a 4 man attack his control can completely desert him sometimes and the most important thing for a test spinner is control.

He is still a better option than Asghar and Abbas.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Shehzad
Azhar
Babar
Yk
Misbah
Asad
Sarfraz
Shadab
Yasir
Amir
Wahab

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

I have no clue what bowling attack they might use... PAKISTAN need to have a solid bowling lineup today..

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Media reports say that Holder is saying pitch is lively with grass as they demanded

So, basically it is a bowl first pitch.

 

[Amirforpresident]

Media reports say that Holder is saying pitch is lively with grass as they demanded

Then we should be prepared to be all out for 120.

 

[wasimjunior]

Weather update?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Interesting to see what bowling line up pakistan go with, with rain around and some pace expected in surface you would expect it to favour the seamers, although we probably will end up playing two seamers. Wahab and Amir need to step their game up with the ball if we are to really force W.I back in this 1st game of the series.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Looking forward to see how good Abbas is. Don't trust Pakistani pitches one bit so lets see. Holder's asked for lively pitches to spoil the farewell so Abbas should definitely turn it up.

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar
Shehzad
Babar
Younis
Misbah
Shafiq
Sarfraz
Yasir
Wahab
Abbas
Amir

 

[Canistani Hero]

Shehzad
Azhar
Babar
YK
Misbah
Shafiq
Sarf
Shadab
Yasir
Amir
Abbas