Sohail Speaks: It's Time for Umar Akmal to Justify his Talent

[SOSami]

Amir Sohail discusses the T20Is against Sri Lanka, the upcoming one day series, Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad in his latest blog for PakPassion.

There's been a lot of discussion regarding the Pakistani batting line-up after the T20Is against Sri Lanka, but it's clear both sides found scoring runs a challenge as experienced batsmen struggled throughout and bowlers dominated proceedings. With respect to the 1-1 result, both teams should be happy but the matches also highlighted issues for the teams which must be addressed.

The concerns for the Pakistan think-tank should revolve around the introduction of a front-line batsman for the forthcoming series against Australia, after the tour of Sri Lanka. I would suggest Asad Shafiq or Nasir Jamshed be reintroduced the T20 starting lineup.

Another front-line seam bowler is also required and the Pakistani selection committee, coach and captain should be considering this going forward. Pakistan must identify these resources in order to become a formidable T20 side and will need to act accordingly if they want to feel confident going into the T20 World Cup.

I was a little surprised Umar Gul wasn't selected for the second T20 match against Sri Lanka but it must have been a considered decision by the team management. With Pakistan winning that particular potentially series-losing match, it actually turned out to be a very good decision and is one of the reasons I feel Pakistan need to include another front-line seamer in subsequent T20 squads.

Umar Akmal needs to perform. In the past, his inexperience at international level has shielded him from criticism but he's been around a few years now and still wasting good starts. If I could speak to him, I wouldn't give him a long lecture on the intricacies of batting. I would say just one thing – “Umar Akmal, you have to justify your talent, it is time you justified your talent.”

How can he achieve this? The answer lies in the age old cricketing mantra of a batsman focusing on occupying the crease. There are many players who have immense talent but fail at the highest level simply because they cannot translate the application of that talent to the rigours of international cricket. I would suggest he thinks deeply about his batting, cutting down the number of strokes he tries to play and focusing on a few key scoring areas.

I see a lot of parallels between Umar Akmal and the great Javed Miandad in this respect, who also had the ability to play every shot in the book. However, when Javed toured Australia and the West Indies, he realised relying purely on boundaries to score against top class bowling was not a viable option. Instead he built innings' on singles and twos, supplemented by the occasional boundary. You have to learn to manoeuvre the length of the ball and that'll help to maintain a very healthy average as will reducing reliance on boundaries.

Umar Akmal has the talent to succeed, but his shot selection is suspect. For example, Malinga is Sri Lanka's premier bowler and it's well known the Sri Lankan captain will bring him on at the crucial stages of a match to take wickets. As a batsman, you need to understand the situation, show due respect to the bowler and decide not to give away your wicket away, instead opt for singles and twos and target other weaker bowlers.

If Umar doesn't learn quickly, there is stiff competition developing with Asad Shafiq, who is playing well, along with a few other players who have come on to the scene. This competition should give Umar some food for thought and provide him with motivation for self-analysis.

There is an old Urdu saying which roughly translates to “a person learns how to sing a classical song [difficult form of music], has a good voice but just can't remember the lyrics!” If a person can't remember the lyrics, how will he sing the song? That's the problem with Umar Akmal – he knows how to sing, but can't remember the lyrics!

Umar Akmal has played under a number of coaches – Waqar Younis, Mohsin Khan and now Dav Whatmore and the development of a player like Akmal is where a coach has the real opportunity to prove his credentials. The new coach has to look into Umar's technique very closely and understand why he is not developing that ability to manoeuvre the length and place the ball into the gaps to keep picking up singles.

Dav must identify the specifics of what is wrong with Umar – is his bottom hand too rounded or tight? Or is it his top hand? Does he shuffle around the crease too much? These are the kind of questions that must be addressed in detail. Despite the intricacies of batting, I personally would offer just one piece of advice to Akmal and that would be to occupy the crease – give yourself at least 20 overs in a One Day game or Test match and seven overs in a T20 game before trying those cheeky and risky shots.

Ahmed Shehzad is not dissimilar to Umar Akmal. He was thrown out of the side after the T20 World Cup in 2009, made a comeback at the end of 2010 and was subsequently selected for the World Cup in 2011 after which he was dropped again. He looks like he's learnt a lesson and it'll be interesting to see if it lasts.

Nasir Jamshed is nursing an injury at the moment and he has made his mark and there are other opening options too. With this new approach however, Ahmed Shehzad can cement his place in the side - he's looking more compact and not trying to play every shot in the book by reigning himself in. However, if he carries on with the issues which resulted in his previous ousting from the side, then he will again have a problem.

Looking forward to the Tests and ODIs against Sri Lanka, Pakistan will be strengthened by the inclusion of the trio of Misbah ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq and the batting looks dependable. Pakistan of course have a very very strong bowling line-up. Whilst Sri Lanka have a strong batting line-up, but their bowling resources are thin. As a result, I believe Pakistan have a very strong opportunity to win both the one day and Test series.

25551

[Bullet Drive]

Amazing read, do agree with him. Very good cricket analyser. Very good commentator too. Respect his views highly.

[z-one-z]

Yes he is a great and he plays really good mostly, but sometimes he play's like a little kid which tells us that he can't always be talented.

BTW great read and fantastic thread.

[Sherlock]

I think that's what everyone's saying.

On his current form he doesn't deserve to be in the team and before certain user comes along stating "but he's our best player, just look at his rankings", I'm judging what he's done in the last few matches.

To score just two 50's in his last 8 games is truly poor. The funny thing is he gets starts but get's himself out over and over again.

[z-one-z]

one of the best players is Umar Akmal, which everyone must know

[Saj]

There is an old Urdu saying which roughly translates to “a person learns how to sing a classical song [difficult form of music], has a good voice but just can't remember the lyrics!” If a person can't remember the lyrics, how will he sing the song? That's the problem with Umar Akmal – he knows how to sing, but can't remember the lyrics!


Pure genius !

[violet_may]

He's been given a lot of time already.

[z-one-z]

Pure genius !

i agree, alot of intelligence used!

[Sherlock]

If Umar Akmal doesn't know what needs to be done and whats wrong with his batting then he'll get dropped sooner rather than later.

Everyone can see the issues, yet he himself can not.

[z-one-z]

If Umar Akmal doesn't know what needs to be done and whats wrong with his batting then he'll get dropped sooner rather than later.

Everyone can see the issues, yet he himself can not.

it's not about he will it's about he should

[SOSami]

If anyone can sort out Akmal, it'll be batting coach Whatmore. If he can't do it, then we'll have to seriously assess whether Umar has a future at international level outside of T20s.

30s, 40s, 50s are not enough - Azhar Ali scored similarly but with him there was always the promise of bigger things. With Umar, I'm now beginning to get the feeling the 40s are the upper level of his scoring abilities.

He's immensely talented, still the best Pakistani batsman aside from Younis Khan, and times the ball on pitches where all other batsmen are struggling.

The solution is to coach him into a number four test and ODI batsman. It's the only way a player of that type can harness his talent. Leave the sloggers to bat down the order.

[jy1970us]

And Afridi call this man ghatiya? Afridi is ghatiya himself then.

[Thees_Mar_Khan]

Allah sub ko Akmals jaisey kismat day. Team say nikaltay nikaltay bhee saloo lay laytay hai, just on the basis of hype. Itnay chances kay baad tu gadhaa bee gorha ban jaataa hai

[Tay'yab-Ali Malik]

is every one watching a different game to me....can some one just explain to me what is UA supposed to do at number 6 when he comes out to bat during the slog overs????

[LegCutter]

What a brilliant analysis, I usually just skim through long interviews but I read every word of it, and I completely agree with everything he has to say. Fabulous, truly a very intelligant man, Amir Sohail.

[Sherlock]

is every one watching a different game to me....can some one just explain to me what is UA supposed to do at number 6 when he comes out to bat during the slog overs????

He's not being batting in the #6 all the time. He's batted #4/5 too.

What more excuses can one give.

It's not about position anymore, more of his mental fragility.

[alberto]

Sohail should be Batting consultant to the team before important series as he knows what he is talking about. He should work with our ODI openers as he can pass on useful advice to them

[Markhor]

Umar Akmal is really struggling. Ever since he made that impressive debut and first six months, there was a heck of a lot of pressure on him. Then he was not given a properly defined role in the team by various captains and coaches. He turned into a glorified slogger at No 6. Then his attitude has gone downhill, his shot selection increasingly poor and has become increasingly reckless.

He needs to cut down on the flashy, pre-meditated shots.

Too many times he makes good starts, but doesn't go on to make the big innings. I agree with Aamer Sohail, pretty 40s and 50s aren't enough. Is it mindset ?

I have criticised him a lot in the past, and now I almost feel sorry for him.

Time for him to go back to domestic cricket for a season, and regain his confidence and form. If Dav Whatmore, the toughest of all taskmasters cannot sort him out then not many others can. Its up to him to apply himself.

[MRSN]

Umar Akmal has to bat either at 3 or 4..look what he did when he came to bat early against SL just two ODIs ago ?Scored match winning 77 so he has to be promoted to get best out of him..Yes he has played well in few matches at no.6 but I don't think he can do that consistently.Slogging is just not his game...He does well if he bats at 3,4..I remember Afridi sending him at 3 in 2 T20s against Kiwis and he scored 50s in both innings.

Umar Akmal is really struggling. Ever since he made that impressive debut and first six months, there was a heck of a lot of pressure on him. Then he was not given a properly defined role in the team by various captains and coaches. He turned into a glorified slogger at No 6. Then his attitude has gone downhill, his shot selection increasingly poor and has become increasingly reckless.

He needs to cut down on the flashy, pre-meditated shots.

Too many times he makes good starts, but doesn't go on to make the big innings. I agree with Aamer Sohail, pretty 40s and 50s aren't enough. Is it mindset ?

I have criticised him a lot in the past, and now I almost feel sorry for him.

Time for him to go back to domestic cricket for a season, and regain his confidence and form. If Dav Whatmore, the toughest of all taskmasters cannot sort him out then not many others can. Its up to him to apply himself.

I agree with that but when you come so late and required run rate is so up that you have to find boundaries in every over I'm sure you are bound to play one of those shots? but still agree he has to cut those if 9 out of 10 times he will be unsuccessful.

[Thees_Mar_Khan]

We should try UA on all positions 1 -11 until then the fan club will keep coming up with excuses.

[Amar786]

We should try UA on all positions 1 -11 until then the fan club will keep coming up with excuses.

If umar is a 30-40 player then misbah and asad are his bigger brother first get rid of them.

[Markhor]

I agree with that but when you come so late and required run rate is so up that you have to find boundaries in every over I'm sure you are bound to play one of those shots? but still agree he has to cut those if 9 out of 10 times he will be unsuccessful.

I don't like how the team management has put him at No 6 turning him into a glorified slogger, as he should be up the order as a proper batsman.

It was the same with Abdul Razzaq, he was wasted at No 8. With only 2/3 overs to go or after a batting collapse he could not influence the match.

[w8in_4_0402]

Umar really has a mental issue. Don't know what the coaches are doing.

He plays a decent innings vs lesser bowlers and that is about it.

[Thees_Mar_Khan]

If umar is a 30-40 player then misbah and asad are his bigger brother first get rid of them.

Who said he is 30-40 player. He has to be lucky atleast one time to get to 30-40 runs:yk

[iZeeshan]

I completely agree. I'm losing my patience with him and can no longer defend him.

He just either needs to "put up or shut up".

[DRS]

Spot on by Aamir Sohail. Although he is immensely talented yet we see him getting out cheaply and being unable to play match winning innings. This dude lacks many things, and among the things are, patience. He also has got bit of attitude problem and a touch of the substance,"Proud" in him.

He need to sort out his basic problems if he wants to make his way towards a journey of success. And as some Pper stated if the current coach is unable to bring him on track then no one would ever be able to do so.

[Bashira_taeli]

Who said he is 30-40 player. He has to be lucky atleast one time to get to 30-40 runs:yk

Put aside your vile hatred for non Karachi players and then compare UA's performance with the rest of the squad.

[LegCutter]

Put aside your vile hatred for non Karachi players and then compare UA's performance with the rest of the squad.

Is it just me or there has just been way too much regional talk these days on these forums

[Justcrazy]

Umar Akmal must be given more responsibility.

[z-one-z]

Umar Akmal has to bat at either 3 or4...
He already bats at 3 or 4 ...

[freelance_cricketer]

Well said, Umar needs to be given a role in top order. He doesn't belong in the slogging group

[Bullet Drive]

He already bats at 3 or 4 ...

He bats at 6 most of the time and 5 sometimes.

[JibranAnsari]

The greatest ODI batsman of all times had worst stats than umar akmal's at similar stage of his career and that guy played mostly at 4th and 5th position and averaged only 31 after 68 games after 4 years making his debut.

Umar akmal has mostly played at number 6 and guess what? he averages above 40 at number 6, what more would you expect from a 21 years old with a lot of dead brain cells? and guess what? he averages 40 plus at number 5 as well. played only 3 games @ number 3 which does not count. I would like to know how exactly is he a failure? 15 fifty plus scores is not that bad in 55 innings with 7 not outs especially when he comes to bat either we need slogging or are deep in trouble @ 50/4 kind of situations. Blame him all you want but he is currently the top ranked pakistani ODI batsman and you can suck on it!

[miandadrules]

I think Umar is being singled out because he is so well.

Personally, I think he has done better than Asad and if given the same chances as Asad Ali, he would have achieved more.

I think it's wrong that he is continually being singled out and being asked to change his natural game and to bat in a particular manner (which is a very Pakistani thing to do - force a batsman to play a certain way no matter what). It's almost as if your not responsible unless you bat slowly.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Someone have a word with Aamir Sohail and get him in charge of Pakistan cricket!!!!!

[MR__KHAN__JI]

The greatest ODI batsman of all times had worst stats than umar akmal's at similar stage of his career and that guy played mostly at 4th and 5th position and averaged only 31 after 68 games after 4 years making his debut.

Umar akmal has mostly played at number 6 and guess what? he averages above 40 at number 6, what more would you expect from a 21 years old with a lot of dead brain cells? and guess what? he averages 40 plus at number 5 as well. played only 3 games @ number 3 which does not count. I would like to know how exactly is he a failure? 15 fifty plus scores is not that bad in 55 innings with 7 not outs especially when he comes to bat either we need slogging or are deep in trouble @ 50/4 kind of situations. Blame him all you want but he is currently the top ranked pakistani ODI batsman and you can suck on it!

Glad you are back on side! :)

But I would like to see Akmal improve to get even better, and what Sohail says is very very true.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

I think that's what everyone's saying.

On his current form he doesn't deserve to be in the team and before certain user comes along stating "but he's our best player, just look at his rankings", I'm judging what he's done in the last few matches.

To score just two 50's in his last 8 games is truly poor. The funny thing is he gets starts but get's himself out over and over again.

No shi-t Sherlock!

He IS our best ODI player. :)

[Sherlock]

No shi-t Sherlock!

He IS our best ODI player. :)

:))

Well it goes to show how bad our batting is then :)))

[MR__KHAN__JI]

:))

Well it goes to show how bad our batting is then :)))

I wouldn't argue with that!!

[pakistanigoneaussie]

he needs to get rid of the paddle sweep while he is below 20 runs, each time he does it an SSG sniper should shoot the dirt next to him

[JibranAnsari]

Glad you are back on side! :)

But I would like to see Akmal improve to get even better, and what Sohail says is very very true.

Yah , he needs to improve but so does every batsman in the side. But to call for his head after watching him do a lot better than the other batsmen in the side can only be attributed to hatred towards him.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Yah , he needs to improve but so does every batsman in the side. But to call for his head after watching him do a lot better than the other batsmen in the side can only be attributed to hatred towards him.

top quality post

[Dr Khan]

Umer is singled out for the mannerism in which he gets out. Rarely he gets out to good balls. It’s usually the cross batted shots and paddle sweeps. He is also singled out because he has immense talent and it’s frustrating to see him throw it down the gutter so often. Nothing personal, we all want him to flourish and be successful.

[Sherlock]

top quality post

:))

Not really. I don't hate Akmal but I do dislike the way he's throwing away his career to impress the spectators at the matches.

If only he realised how important his wicket was...

[SOSami]

Also get the feeling Sohail rates Asad Shafiq. Mentions him quite a few times.

[Saj]

Much better from Umar today.

Played aggressively but not in a reckless way.

Also played shots that are in his "zone". Nothing silly or unecessary.

Well done Umar.

[w8in_4_0402]

I saw no paddle shot or any sweeps. Played a good innings. Guided us in the end to a comfortable win.

[JibranAnsari]

:))

Not really. I don't hate Akmal but I do dislike the way he's throwing away his career to impress the spectators at the matches.

If only he realised how important his wicket was...

Well I am talking about calling for his head , I criticize him a lot but how are you going to replace him and on what basis. Which other batsman is doing better than him other than misbah in the current side. If you want his head , begin with the others. He would be the last to be executed.Hafeez totally ruins the concept of opening with taking most of the strike and scores @ less than 70 SR in the first 20 overs followed by younis khan who totally screws the momentum of the innings , then comes the great misbah who can't score fast to save his life and then comes umar akmal with a lot of dead brain cells and is expected to score fast and safely with only getting 35-40% of the strike batting with misbah. I would call him a failure if he fails @ number 3-4 for consecutive 10 innings , right now he has done alright @ 5,6 with average over 40 and strike rate over 85.

[Saj]

Strong opinions as ever from Aamir, plenty more to come from him in the coming weeks, months etc

[waqar goraya]

it is also time for team management to show some sense....

again he is being forced to bat at 6..if you want desired results then agree to his desire to bat at 4

[Asif khan]

Why don't these ex-pros ever give their two penneth worth on some of the the seniors that keep their place in the side despite persistent failures.

[Garuda]

Now Umar Akmal needs to write a message for Aamir Sohail and keep it in his pocket.

[shah_1]

I really don't think he will ever progress judging by where he bats. Basically tuk tuk players (Asad safiq, hafeez, misbah and younis khans, azhar ) play as slow as snails and get out cheaply.

All the pressure is on Umar to score runs and get out trying to cover up for others slow pathetic batting. I just don't get it why does he not bat at no 4.

[Desi_Joker]

Wham bam thank you Umar. (Read: 6, 4, 6, OUT)

[PB]

He needs to open...

[whyamir]

I really don't think he will ever progress judging by where he bats. Basically tuk tuk players (Asad safiq, hafeez, misbah and younis khans, azhar ) play as slow as snails and get out cheaply.

All the pressure is on Umar to score runs and get out trying to cover up for others slow pathetic batting. I just don't get it why does he not bat at no 4.

DING! DING! DING! DING!

This retarded PCB management really needs to address that issue. How can they let the best batting talent in the squad go to waste like that..I just don't get it..:manzoor

[asif9138]

pakistani team wants umar akmal to score some runs!

[Saj]

He seemed to be rattled today by the 3 short deliveries from Malinga when he first came in.

A lack of foot movement contributed to the dismissal also.

[cricketworm]

Not moving his feet. And he seems to have trouble with Swinging balls.

[Anfield]

DING! DING! DING! DING!

This retarded PCB management really needs to address that issue. How can they let the best batting talent in the squad go to waste like that..I just don't get it..:manzoor

There was no pressure on him today..

[LegCutter]

Cannot play the swinging ball at all

[SOSami]

Don't think he's unduly troubled by swing, no more than most other batsmen.

[I Believe in the Teesra]

Chokes under pressure.

[Zamee]

Not surprised! Ab to adat si hogai hai :D

[LegendAli]

Chokes under pressure.

there was pressure when he came in today? :facepalm:

[farazaidi]

played well in the first game, rough decision in the 2nd, DNB in 3rd and got a good ball in 4th. So the final game is all set for Umar Akmal special suicidal scoop? :)

[Pete Rose]

Don't think he's unduly troubled by swing, no more than most other batsmen.

Todays dismissal was partly swing. The first three deliveries had more to do with it.

[Green Leopard]

This guy only turned 22 recently.

Show me how many and which players at this age achieved what Umar has achieved so far?

Not many, maybe Tendulkar, Lara and Kohli only come to mind, one day int games are not easy to adapt especially for a youngster.

[Sherlock]

No pressure this time, yet people still state otherwise.

Excuses, excuses!!

[786warrior]

There you are Mr Sohail - what a reply from mr lippy! maybe if he kept his cool like you did, no wait a minute weren't you the joker who was gesturing to Prasad that I'm going to cart you over the boundary and then had your stumps decimated the next ball?? Yes, I do recall that was you sir!! No wonder we are in this mire - with pundits like you claiming to be experts - God help us!!!!!

[Areesh]

He played cr@p today. Was totally rattled by those short deliveries of Malinga. But still the best batting talent in this team.

[pakistanalltheway]

There you are Mr Sohail - what a reply from mr lippy! maybe if he kept his cool like you did, no wait a minute weren't you the joker who was gesturing to Prasad that I'm going to cart you over the boundary and then had your stumps decimated the next ball?? Yes, I do recall that was you sir!! No wonder we are in this mire - with pundits like you claiming to be experts - God help us!!!!!

Good post and well said .

[786warrior]

He seemed to be rattled today by the 3 short deliveries from Malinga when he first came in.

A lack of foot movement contributed to the dismissal also.

Please add lack of common sense, temperament, coordination, composure, and grossly misfiring cerebral synapses - that about covers it

[pakistanalltheway]

I think he needs to be dropped for a while . This will show him he needs to perform to stay in the team and it will give him time to eradicate his flaws .

[786warrior]

Good post and well said .

I just can't believe any other intl "batsmen" would have tried mr lippy's antics today!!!

[Aampakistani]

There you are Mr Sohail - what a reply from mr lippy! maybe if he kept his cool like you did, no wait a minute weren't you the joker who was gesturing to Prasad that I'm going to cart you over the boundary and then had your stumps decimated the next ball?? Yes, I do recall that was you sir!! No wonder we are in this mire - with pundits like you claiming to be experts - God help us!!!!!

Mr. Sohail won the world cup you know.. What are your credentials..

Umar Akmal is frankly either a mindless slogger or he is just crap.. How hard is it to play with a straight bat? His inability to play into the gap has been exposed.. In all honesty he needs to dropped and coached to build innings because he is right now not good enough for the longer format of the game

[iZeeshan]

Those calling to drop him...dropping him isn't going to do anything, just make our batting even worse.

[pakistanalltheway]

Those calling to drop him...dropping him isn't going to do anything, just make our batting even worse.

Yes but that is temporary . Dropping him will improve umars game for the future .

[waqar goraya]

Yes but that is temporary . Dropping him will improve umars game for the future .

then drop ever batsman in the team so they can improve :P