Why do we go with the 4 bowlers strategy in Tests?

[hk031992]

(Tests) Why do we go with the 4 bowlers strategy?

Has this ever worked? Ever? This worked well for Australia when they had McGrath/Warne/Gillespie and Lee. However, they had an exceptional batting and fielding line up. Their fielding meant they didn't drop catches and their bowlers did not need to bowl long spells for the most part (except Warne)

Besides we do not have bowlers like them. McGrath averaged 21 in test cricket. Gillespie averaged less than 25 for most of his career. Warne averaged 26. That is 3 bowlers who are basically averaging 25 or less in tests. And even Lee had a few years where he was averaging in the early 20's

When we go to places like England, NZ, Aus etc. we always go with the 4 bowler strategy. And we always fail. Having 1 extra batsmen in the team is not going to change a thing. It does not prevent batting collapses. It means that our bowlers, particularly spinners like Yasir, end up getting massively overbowled.

Our ideal test line up for away games should be:

1. Opener
2. Opener #2
3. Babar
4. Batsmen
5. Batsmen
6. Rizwan WK
7. Fast/Medium fast bowling all rounder
8. Spinner
9. Quick bowler
10. Shaeen
11. Quick bowler

Frankly i am not impressed by any of our players except for Azam, Shaheen and Rizwan, who are good enough to make most if not all test teams in the world. But at least having 5 bowling options will make things a bit more interesting.

 

[gazza619]

We were doing pretty OK in tests when Faheem Ashraf was in half decent form. Unfortunately he is the best we have for that number 7 spot and need to be given confidence.

 

[hk031992]

We were doing pretty OK in tests when Faheem Ashraf was in half decent form. Unfortunately he is the best we have for that number 7 spot and need to be given confidence.

Faheem is decent. I don't mind giving him another go. Its not like we have Ben Stokes in the making.

 

[Xoib]

What are you on we are playing 5 bowlers consistently since Faheem came in and we specifically lost our last test as we played 5 bowlers inplace of 4 even though Faheem was injured

 

[hk031992]

What are you on we are playing 5 bowlers consistently since Faheem came in and we specifically lost our last test as we played 5 bowlers inplace of 4 even though Faheem was injured

I am talking away tours to NZ and Eng and Aus.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

In Asia, 2 spinners and 2 pacers can do the job provided they are good enough (Not Sajid and Nauman combo). It's easier for 2 spinners to share the workload than it is for 3 pacers. Spinners bowl long spells so it spares the pacers of excessive and long spells.

Outside Asia, 3 pacers and 1 spinner or 4 pacers can only work if the pitch is a 4 day pitch and the match doesn't stretch for all 5 days. On flatter wickets abroad, you need atleast 5 bowlers preferebly 4 pacers + 1 spinner to be successful.

 

[Saj]

7. Fast/Medium fast bowling all rounder

Any suggestions?

 

[sweep_shot]

4-bowler strategy is risky. I agree.

If a bowler is having an off-day or gets injured, things can get tricky.

4 bowlers + 1 proper all-rounder is better.

 

[hitthestump]

4-bowler strategy is risky. I agree.

If a bowler is having an off-day or gets injured, things can get tricky.

4 bowlers + 1 proper all-rounder is better.

Depends entirely how capable your tail is.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Faheem is the Best Pakistan has, he had a good 2021, and he is still good in Test Cricket. However, in Home Tests, I would prefer to choose all 3 Pace Bowlers to be 140+ proper pace, not medium, which is why I would play Faheem in away tests. Just my opinion:

7. Mohammad Nawaz
8. Sajid Khan (For Now)
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Shahnawaz Dahani
11. Naseem Shah

 

[shamaan]

Pakistan should go with a 5 man attack when going to SENA conditions

7.Nawaz or Shadab
8.Fahim
9.Shaheen
10.Dahani
11.Naseem

 

[Saj]

The Test all-rounder position with a pace-bowling all-rounder at 7 or 8 has been a huge problem for Pakistan.

I'm yet to be convinced that Faheem Ashraf is the all-rounder that Pakistan so badly needs.

 

[Junaids]

The Test all-rounder position with a pace-bowling all-rounder at 7 or 8 has been a huge problem for Pakistan.

I'm yet to be convinced that Faheem Ashraf is the all-rounder that Pakistan so badly needs.

I keep arguing that all-rounders come in three sub-types:

1. Balanced all-rounder
- can bat at 6 or 7.
- will take 3.5 wickets per Test at an average around 33.
- will average 35-40 with the bat.

2. Batting all-rounder
- can bat in top six.
- will take 2 wickets per Test at an average around 35-37.
- will average 40+ with the bat.

3. Bowling all-rounder
- can bat at 8 or 9.
- will take 4 wickets per Test at an average of 30-34.
- will average 25-30 with the bat.

Pakistan’s main problem with a 4 bowler attack is that Shaheen is over-bowled and loses pace and incision.

But Mickey Arthur was on the right track in England and South Africa in 2018 and 2019.

6. Mohammad Rizwan
7. Shadab Khan
8. Faheem Ashraf

That then allows three extra quicks to play in SENA or a spinner and two more quicks in Asia.

In a day in SENA I would see daily workloads being:

Faheem 20-7-50-1
Shadab 15-3-45-1

That allows the three quicks to bowl a single 6 over spell in each session.

And that means that Shaheen and Naseem don’t have to cut down on their pace. And they will take more wickets in 18 overs than they would in 22.

 

[jeetu]

In this time and age , teams needs 5 decent bowling options who can pick wickets. If they can bat thats good , otherwise team needs to risk losing a few but will win more matches in the long run and keep bowlers from get injured or fatigued. If the tail is too long then ideally 5th bowler should be able to keep things tight and bowl atleast 10 overs a day while averaging atleast 30 with bat. Else be brave a play a regular bowler.
A good spinner is must especially for a Asian team.