|
|
Going places
Wisden CricInfo staff - February 20, 2002
Wednesday, February 22, 2002
These are happy days for Pakistan cricket. Waqar Younis's team has been successful and consistent, and they have the opportunity to move back up the international rankings. Although there are one or two problem areas like the opening slot, there are also plenty of positive signs. Let's dwell on the positives today.
The best thing that has happened to Pakistan is that Shoaib Akhtar is back. He took important wickets in Sharjah and that will work wonders for his confidence. In the past he has struggled for fitness and rhythm, but he managed to bowl longish spells and played throughout the series. He has great pace and loves to attack. He is the type of bowler who can win a match single-handedly.
Overall, Pakistan's strength remains in bowling. In the last couple of years Pakistan have been unable to use their best bowlers because of
fitness problems or throwing reports. Now, with Wasim Akram back as
well, the bowling is at full strength. There is also competition for
places which is a healthy sign. Mohammad Sami showed his potential in
Sharjah, and Mohammad Zahid is another fast bowler who could step in if
needed. If Pakistan choose to play one spinner, Saqlain Mushtaq has to
look over his shoulder at Danish Kaneria in Tests and Shoaib Malik in
one-dayers.
The batting can still be a cause for concern but Abdur Razzaq and
Rashid Latif have come good in the middle order. Latif is a fighter and
has a good temperament. Razzaq has become one of the top three allrounders in the world. One of his most outstanding qualities is that he can switch easily between the two forms of the game. He also adds an
extra dimension to the bowling attack because he is not just a support
bowler. He has enough pace to unsettle international batsmen.
Yousuf Youhana has been the rock of the batting line up. When I was
coach I noticed that he had a slight problem with his approach. He had a tendency to go for his shots as soon as he went in. This can be exciting but if you are not set, you end up playing loosely and getting out. I encouraged him to settle down at the start, collect singles, and build an innings. Now he plays with his mind and chooses the right ball to hit. Still, it is easy to fall back into bad habits and a batsman must never believe that he is the finished product. You have to keep working on your technique. Every day is a new challenge because the wicket and the bowlers are never the same two days in a row.
Let's not forget Waqar. He is doing a great job. Each day you can see him maturing and improving as captain. His bowling is beyond question. Waqar's greatest attribute is that he is cool and calm. I have never seen him panic though he can be aggressive when he needs to be. Waqar's influence on the team is good for Pakistan cricket and I hope it continues.
Javed Miandad, Pakistan's most prolific batsman and later their coach, was talking to Kamran Abbasi. His column appears every Wednesday.
More Javed Miandad
Open question
Front-foot bullies are history
© Wisden CricInfo Ltd
|
|
|
