Pakistan v Australia (in England)

You cannot and you wont this time either. Having fielders like Farhat, Butt and Kamran Akmal doesn't win you test matches.

It'll be very tough for the Pakistanis , but they won't lack for support!   Afridi is showing great enthusiasm as captain and let's hope that gives some confidence to an inexperienced side. The Aussies should win comfortably , bu the fickle English weather might play a major role.

Yasir should have played this match.  Malik could have help with his off spin but his batting isn't needed in test matches.
Hopefully we can find another batsman like umar akmal from the new guys.

Pakistan have asked a question here, how do you bat against Asif, Aamer, Gul and Kaneria under bowling friendly conditions?

Actually, I think Australia have done well to score 220 odd for 9. I'm sure any other country (perhaps except India) against this Pakistani attack under those conditions would have got bowled out for less than 150. All the bowlers were superb (except Afridi of course) that delivery by Asif to get rid of North was a beauty!

I expected Amin to play ahead of Yasir but never expected Malik to be dropped for Azhar Ali, that was indeed a surprise. Batting won't be easy for Pakistan either may be it'll be great if the sun comes out and conditions improve for batting. Either way, we have seen that Butt and Farhat have the ability to see off the new ball. they get off to very slow but solid starts, hopefully they can do the same again.

Originally posted by sam_ahmed Pakistan have asked a question here, how do you bat against Asif, Aamer, Gul and Kaneria under bowling friendly conditions? Actually, I think Australia have done well to score 220 odd for 9. I'm sure any other country (perhaps except India) against this Pakistani attack under those conditions would have got bowled out for less than 150. All the bowlers were superb (except Afridi of course) that delivery by Asif to get rid of North was a beauty! I expected Amin to play ahead of Yasir but never expected Malik to be dropped for Azhar Ali, that was indeed a surprise. Batting won't be easy for Pakistan either may be it'll be great if the sun comes out and conditions improve for batting. Either way, we have seen that Butt and Farhat have the ability to see off the new ball. they get off to very slow but solid starts, hopefully they can do the same again.

Pakistan need a good start from Salman and Farhat. It will be very tough for the youngsters under pressure to perform.
Catching was good yesterday. The captaincy was also good. once Pakistan was on top Afridi went for the kill and got rewarded. I never saw 5 slips in last years in pakistani field.
Afridi has given a strong message to all the players by leaving out Malik. Performance is important than name.

and there is a good reason why I always say I rate Watson with the ball guys.

Good to see you back Robbie. I think batting lineup is fine the only change needed is Farhat out Hameed or Malik in.

Edited by mystery - 14 July 2010 at 11:28pm

I'm enjoying this test , some fine performances by a number of players. As Milky said , low scoring affairs where the ball dominates are so much better to watch. The ball is swinging and seaming throughout and it's testing the batsmen's technique - quite a few have been found wanting.  Play as late as possible with a shortened backlift and you can prosper. Katich's movement through the crease looks ungainly , but when he plays the ball he's nice and still. Butt also looked comfortable and I was surprised when that inswinging full delivery got through - I think he expected to pick up 4 through square leg !   
        Australia are favourites , but those late wickets have given Pakistan a sniff.  If they can get through this morning and leave themselves 280 or so , we could have a terrific match on our hands. 
         As an afterthought , can anyone tell me the last time an Aussie innings contained Ponting 0 and M.Hussey 0  ?


Edited by Sledger - 15 July 2010 at 5:35am

Originally posted by sam_ahmed and there is a good reason why I always say I rate Watson with the ball guys.

thats true. It was really bad batting from the pakistani. Afridi was picking him with ease, but he failed to understand the game of test cricket. He was still playing T20. He could have easily stay at the wicket as he was the last recognized batsman. Australia can declare now as Pakistan can never reach 200 in these conditions.
Even with Inzamam, Yousuf, Younis Pakistan was unable to score 300 against Australia.

Originally posted by Clobber Originally posted by sam_ahmed and there is a good reason why I always say I rate Watson with the ball guys.   Inept batting being the good reason?   Seriously, being bowled out by Shane Watson should rank as a low point for any cricket side.

Originally posted by mystery Originally posted by Clobber Originally posted by sam_ahmed and there is a good reason why I always say I rate Watson with the ball guys.   Inept batting being the good reason?   Seriously, being bowled out by Shane Watson should rank as a low point for any cricket side. I think Watson is still better than most of the bowlers currently playing in the England side apart from Broad and Anderson.

Why did England side come into picture here?

Originally posted by mystery Originally posted by kahmad thats true. It was really bad batting from the pakistani. Afridi was picking him with ease, but he failed to understand the game of test cricket. He was still playing T20. He could have easily stay at the wicket as he was the last recognized batsman. Australia can declare now as Pakistan can never reach 200 in these conditions. Even with Inzamam, Yousuf, Younis Pakistan was unable to score 300 against Australia. I think its better to make quick 30 than get out on slow 20. Most teams were struggling to get to 300 at that time when Aussies had Warne and McGrath.

I dont agree with that. slow 20 would be better. Its about a partnership. With a slow 20 the other batsman can also score 15 to 20 runs. for slow 20 the bowler has to work hard for the wicket. Afridi scored 31 in a partnership of maybe 33 runs.
The batting must play more overs to give rest to their bowlers. Pakistani bowlers had to bowl again after 40 overs.

its not the 2 Ys. They can help but not win. Its the mindset of the pakistani batsmen. since 15 years they didn't win a test against Australia with Inzamam, Younus, Yousuf. They are not so strong in test cricket.