West Indies v Pakistan | 2nd Test | Bridgetown | Apr 30-May 4, 2017 | Pre-Match Thread

[Abdullah719]

Pakistan Squad
Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Sarfraz Ahmed, Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asghar, Shadab Khan, Shan Masood, Usman Salahuddin, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Younis Khan

Match starts on Sunday. Interesting to see what kind of pitch is on offer. Previous matches at the ground suggest that three pacers will be a must so Shadab/Asghar might need to wait for a debut. Hasan Ali could be in the picture though. Batting lineup will probably stay the same.

 

[MenInG]

Very quiet out there! Seems that Pak team keeping a low profile.

So No chance of Shadab playing as Shah did so well but maybe in place of Wahab? 2 man spin attack?

 

[Monsee]

Depends on the pitch, if it has moisture like the last one, maybe have Hassan Ali replace Wahab (if he is fit)...or else Shadab replacing Wahab would be great on a spinning pitch especially since he can bring in better depth with his fielding and batting as well!

 

[Arsalan Pro]

I would like Pakistan to go with 5 genuine bowling options.

My XI:

Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Asad Shafiq
Younis Khan
Misbah Ul Haq
Sarfraz Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Mohammed Amir
Yasir Shah
Hasan Ali
Mohammed Abbas

 

[Markhor]

Thank you, let's back to talking about the cricket.

We'll probably be unchanged with the exception of Hasan Ali (if fit) in for Wahab Riaz. But I'd really like to see a 5th bowler to ease burden on Yasir.

 

[Big Mac]

I would like Pakistan to go with 5 genuine bowling options.

My XI:

Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Asad Shafiq
Younis Khan
Misbah Ul Haq
Sarfraz Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Mohammed Amir
Yasir Shah
Hasan Ali
Mohammed Abbas

I don't feel like taking wickets will the problem so much as scoring enough runs so 5 bowling options is never going to happen unless the 5th bowler is a batsman who can bowl e.g. Hafeez

There are times where the 4 man attack obviously struggles in good batting conditions but our batting lineup is more likely to collapse than the bowling attack is going to fail, especially in the Caribbean.

 

[Hasan123]

Hasan Ali in for Wahab.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

If Wahab once again makes it then may Allah have mercy on our pacers as they will have to bowl extra overs to cover up.

 

[Citizen4]

there's a chance they might go with the same winning combination. Hasan should play in place of Wahab. But I think management trust Wahab a lot despite mediocre performance and Abbas might not play next game, although Abbas should play. Slight chance that Shan replace Shehzad.

 

[Kianig89]

So its historic Barbados have Pak ever won a Test at Barbados

 

[MMHS]

Why start a Test on Sunday, when it could have started on Saturday, even Friday, considering that last Test ended on Tuesday

Should be 2, if not 3 changes, despite PAK winning the 1st Test.

Ahmed, Asad out - Shadab & Usman in, because I believe Shadab can bat better than Shan.
Not sure if Wahab should stay or not - on performance, he should be dropped, but Kensington is the fastest wicket there.

Inzamam should be asked explanation why Sami wasn't picked - would have been perfect opener to replace Ahmed.

 

[dildildalwalla]

I agree with the idea that we need 5 bowlers. A four bowler strategy is pretty bad, considering the workload the guys are under. Is there any one who can ball some pace and bat in the squad?

 

[Arsalan Pro]

I agree with the idea that we need 5 bowlers. A four bowler strategy is pretty bad, considering the workload the guys are under. Is there any one who can ball some pace and bat in the squad?

Only all rounder in the squad is Shadab Khan, and he is a leg spinner.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

there's a chance they might go with the same winning combination. Hasan should play in place of Wahab. But I think management trust Wahab a lot despite mediocre performance and Abbas might not play next game, although Abbas should play. Slight chance that Shan replace Shehzad.

It would be shocking if they drop Abbas for next game, and keep that phasst Wahab Riaz.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

I don't feel like taking wickets will the problem so much as scoring enough runs so 5 bowling options is never going to happen unless the 5th bowler is a batsman who can bowl e.g. Hafeez

There are times where the 4 man attack obviously struggles in good batting conditions but our batting lineup is more likely to collapse than the bowling attack is going to fail, especially in the Caribbean.

Then, only change should be Hasan Ali in, Wahab Riaz out.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Why start a Test on Sunday, when it could have started on Saturday, even Friday, considering that last Test ended on Tuesday

Should be 2, if not 3 changes, despite PAK winning the 1st Test.

Ahmed, Asad out - Shadab & Usman in, because I believe Shadab can bat better than Shan.
Not sure if Wahab should stay or not - on performance, he should be dropped, but Kensington is the fastest wicket there.

Inzamam should be asked explanation why Sami wasn't picked - would have been perfect opener to replace Ahmed.

I agree, it has been poorly planned and a early Test match could have also saved time for practice of Champions Trophy.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Drop Wahab and include Hasan or Shadab considering the pitch..

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Drop Wahab and include Hasan or Shadab considering the pitch..

Pitch is suited to fast bowling, I believe.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Pitch is suited to fast bowling, I believe.

Hasan Ali might be useful then.. but if they cant play Yasir Shah then surely they wont be able to handle SHADAB AS WELL...

 

[ExplicitAI]

Should go with a winning combination, if we win the 2nd Test then we should give a debutant a chance in the last Test. For the 2nd Test, replace Wahab for Hasan.

 

[dildildalwalla]

Only all rounder in the squad is Shadab Khan, and he is a leg spinner.

That's the problem! He is young, has played a lot of cricket in quick succession and to put him in iwth hopes of batting well, aged 18, in tough conditions...no, I'm against that.

Maybe bite the bullet and get rid of an opener and move Babar up? Just so we can get Hassan in the side.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Pakistan will go in with same playing eleven.

Make or break Test for Wahab Riaz.

If the wicket has pace and bounce than no better place to give Hasan a Test Debut.

 

[kingusama92]

Hasan Ali for Wahab Riaz.

I doubt we'll see any other changes since they won.

 

[idrizzy]

Funny we're playing a 4 man bowling attack. Huh. Didn't even feel like we had Shafiq playing last test lol. I would stick with same XI and as many others said, replace Wahab with Hasan. Hasan has proved to be a very useful bowler in the shorter formats (so much better than Wahab) and we should invest in him now. We should win though even if Wahab plays.

 

[Mir jibran]

if shafiq fails in this test match also
then we need to give usman sallahudin a chance in 3rd test

 

[Arsalan Pro]

if shafiq fails in this test match also
then we need to give usman sallahudin a chance in 3rd test

I agree, but I don't think this will happen in reality.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Pakistan will field the same team. Misbah does not like changing the winning combination.

 

[Waseem]

West Indies squad for 2nd Test match in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN – The Selection Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board announced the 13-member squad for the second Test of the Brighto Paints presents the Q Mobile Cup Series against Pakistan, starting on Sunday at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Pakistan lead the series 1-0 after a comprehensive victory at Sabina Park in Jamaica. The third and final Test will be played at Windsor Park, Dominica. - See more at:

SQUAD: Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell and Vishaul Singh. (PR/SAT)

http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/96245/west-indies-squad-2nd-test-match-barbados

 

[Justcrazy]

I would like Pakistan to go with 5 genuine bowling options.

My XI:

Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Asad Shafiq
Younis Khan
Misbah Ul Haq
Sarfraz Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Mohammed Amir
Yasir Shah
Hasan Ali
Mohammed Abbas

They will never do that.

 

[Justcrazy]

That's the problem! He is young, has played a lot of cricket in quick succession and to put him in iwth hopes of batting well, aged 18, in tough conditions...no, I'm against that.

Maybe bite the bullet and get rid of an opener and move Babar up? Just so we can get Hassan in the side.

Babaar should have a permanent place in the side , he should not be done anything with.

 

[Justcrazy]

if shafiq fails in this test match also
then we need to give usman sallahudin a chance in 3rd test

He he should have been given a chance in first place. Asad averages only 40 after so many games.

 

[dildildalwalla]

Babaar should have a permanent place in the side , he should not be done anything with.

I'm not saying to drop him, what I mean is that Babarr could go in to open with there is the need for a 5th bowler. It's not ideal but I feel like Pak do need that 5th option.

 

[Mir jibran]

He he should have been given a chance in first place. Asad averages only 40 after so many games.

he is very inconsistent
he has to step up now as yk and misbah are retiring

 

[Markhor]

This is the pitch for tomorrow's Test in Barbados. Looks dry and flat, suited to Pakistan's strengths. Might be worth playing Shadab or Asghar as it might offer turn as the match progesses.

Courtesy of Ian Bishop's Twitter.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I think Asghar should play for AGGRESSIVE Riaz

 

[Markhor]

Why start a Test on Sunday, when it could have started on Saturday, even Friday, considering that last Test ended on Tuesday

I agree, it has been poorly planned and a early Test match could have also saved time for practice of Champions Trophy.

There's the Digicel reggae concert at the Kensington Oval on Saturday. Its a public holiday on Sunday.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Azhar Ali
Ahmad Shahzad
Babar Azam
Younis Khan
Misbah Ul Haq
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Shadab Khan
M. AMIR
Yasir Shah
Hasan Ali
M. Asghar

 

[Poutine]

He he should have been given a chance in first place. Asad averages only 40 after so many games.

Only 40? 40 is not world class but still a pretty decent average.

 

[coy0607]

Only 40? 40 is not world class but still a pretty decent average.

not really

maybe in the 90's a test average of 40 was reasonable but not in the modern day

for a batsmen who's played over 50 test matches, a 40 average isn't very good at all

 

[Sarfarazian92]

I wish Mickey Arthur had twitter. I'd spam him with Wahab's garbage stats.

 

[Justcrazy]

I'm not saying to drop him, what I mean is that Babarr could go in to open with there is the need for a 5th bowler. It's not ideal but I feel like Pak do need that 5th option.

Babar should remain at number 3.

Need to find proper openers in Test Matches , not make shift ones.

 

[Junaids]

This is the pitch for tomorrow's Test in Barbados. Looks dry and flat, suited to Pakistan's strengths. Might be worth playing Shadab or Asghar as it might offer turn as the match progesses.

Courtesy of Ian Bishop's Twitter.

But also it's not green and it might reverse because its dry and brown.

I'd actually drop Shehzad and Abbas on this surface:


1 Azhar
2 Babar
3 Shafiq
4 Younis
5 Misbah
6 Sarfraz
7 Shadab
8 Amir
9 Yasir
10 Hasan
11 Wahab

I get that Wahab Riaz is erratic, but this pitch actually suits him.

So out go Shehzad and Abbas, in come Shadab and Hasan.

 

[Justcrazy]

not really

maybe in the 90's a test average of 40 was reasonable but not in the modern day

for a batsmen who's played over 50 test matches, a 40 average isn't very good at all

At least should have been in mid forties , but often scores less . He needs to look up and try and match the best in the world rather than only in Pakistan.

 

[Justcrazy]

But also it's not green and it might reverse because its dry and brown.

I'd actually drop Shehzad and Abbas on this surface:


1 Azhar
2 Babar
3 Shafiq
4 Younis
5 Misbah
6 Sarfraz
7 Shadab
8 Amir
9 Yasir
10 Hasan
11 Wahab

I get that Wahab Riaz is erratic, but this pitch actually suits him.

So out go Shehzad and Abbas, in come Shadab and Hasan.

I do not think Misbah is bold enough to play with 5 bowlers.
Wahab , yasir , aamir have to get some runs with the bat.

 

[Citizen4]

Azhar
Shehzad
Babar
Younis
Misbah
Sarfraz
Shadab
Amir
Yasir
Hasan
Abbas

Shafiq and Wahab out, Shadab and Hasan in

Salahuddin should play next game Asghar too. Amir Bobby might rest in the next match so Wahab might come in depending on the pitch.

 

[Square Drive]

From what I hear, Shadab will come in for Abbas.

 

[Square Drive]

not really

maybe in the 90's a test average of 40 was reasonable but not in the modern day

for a batsmen who's played over 50 test matches, a 40 average isn't very good at all

A 40 average is very good.

45-50 is excellent and 50+ is world-class (if maintained for a long period of time, obviously).

 

[Ellipsism]

From what I hear, Shadab will come in for Abbas.

What's wrong with that?

Knowing the management prefer bowlers who are capable of bowling around 140 km/h Abbas isn't going to have a prolonged career.

 

[pakistani pride]

A 40 average is very good.

45-50 is excellent and 50+ is world-class (if maintained for a long period of time, obviously).

Uhmmm no. 40 is not good enough. He bats at 6. Plays majority in the uae. Should by average 45.

But this guy only clicks in lost matches.

 

[Brilliance]

From what I hear, Shadab will come in for Abbas.

Nothing wrong with that. Shadab is a fantastic bowler and more than capable with the bat. Our batting line-up is fragile and he can add strength to it. West Indies batsmen are more susceptible to spinners.

 

[dildildalwalla]

Babar should remain at number 3.

Need to find proper openers in Test Matches , not make shift ones.

I agree but I am talking about a scenario of having 5 bowlers

 

[pakistani pride]

How is the weather going to be?

 

[MenInG]

Sunny today and some chances of rain tomorrow and other days

 

[waleed88]

Misbah is the sort of captain who will go unchanged if you ask me.. He has alot of faith in Wahab, maybe more than we can imagine

 

[Barragan]

Apparently, it is a dry wicket and that means two spinners playing.

Bring in Asghar for riaz and keep the rest unchanged.

 

[yasir]

A bit of selection headache. Wicket is dry, second spinner is almost a must, Wahab is vital for dry wickets, his reverse skills become lethal in those conditions, we have seen that in last 3/4 years, he is our best fast bowler in dry conditions.

Some how Shadab has to be brought in, probably in place of Abbas, Pakistan is not going to play with 5 bowlers.

As far as which spinner to play, well it has to be Shadab, he spins a lot more, much better batsman, spin both ways, Asghar is not that special. Shadab has trouble them so much in limited over, he can do lot more in test, he is the future, there is no comparison between him and Asghar.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Shady has to play.

 

[161]

Shadab and Hafeez for Shezad and Wahab

 

[Friend786]

Shadab and Hafeez for Shezad and Wahab

Wasn't Hafeez playing in the final of Pakistan Cup yesterday? I would go with Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan in for Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Abbas

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

A bit of selection headache. Wicket is dry, second spinner is almost a must, Wahab is vital for dry wickets, his reverse skills become lethal in those conditions, we have seen that in last 3/4 years, he is our best fast bowler in dry conditions.

Some how Shadab has to be brought in, probably in place of Abbas, Pakistan is not going to play with 5 bowlers.

As far as which spinner to play, well it has to be Shadab, he spins a lot more, much better batsman, spin both ways, Asghar is not that special. Shadab has trouble them so much in limited over, he can do lot more in test, he is the future, there is no comparison between him and Asghar.

Asghar not special? Are you serious?

He has been one of the best in the domestic arena for the last 2,5 years. He has dismissed guys like Younus Khan, Kamran Akmal, Misbah ul Haq several times in FC while Shadab hasn't even played that much FC.

Mohammad Asghar is a smart bowler who turns the ball a mile. The guy never disappoints the reason he deserves a go. Besides do you really want 2 legspinners in the same team? I am sure we do not want to make it too easy for the Windians.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

From what I hear, Shadab will come in for Abbas.

A dry wicket will save Wahab. Poor Abbas.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

How many FC matches has Shadab played? Do we know his stats?

FC is very different from T20. The batsman can simply tuk tuk till you're taken out of the attack not allowing you to take wickets. The reason Yasir/Asghar have done well in FC/tests is that they do not rely on variations but their immaculate line and length.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

How many FC matches has Shadab played? Do we know his stats?

FC is very different from T20. The batsman can simply tuk tuk till you're taken out of the attack not allowing you to take wickets. The reason Yasir/Asghar have done well in FC/tests is that they do not rely on variations but their immaculate line and length.

4 first class games

taken 24 wickets @ 26.47 ave

also averages 47 with the bat from 4 innings, though a lot of that is from a 132 he made against Zimbabwe while playing for Pak A

 

[LordJames]

But also it's not green and it might reverse because its dry and brown.

I'd actually drop Shehzad and Abbas on this surface:


1 Azhar
2 Babar
3 Shafiq
4 Younis
5 Misbah
6 Sarfraz
7 Shadab
8 Amir
9 Yasir
10 Hasan
11 Wahab

I get that Wahab Riaz is erratic, but this pitch actually suits him.

So out go Shehzad and Abbas, in come Shadab and Hasan.

You have changed the batting order which has been fairly settled for sometime. I don't think that its a Good idea.

I don't know why Azhar Ali didn't bowl at all during the last Game