Inzamam unlikely to retain Test spot

[usman_mhd123]

Inzamam unlikely to retain Test spot
By Khalid Hussain

KARACHI: National cricket officials are unlikely to allow former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq extend his Test career when Pakistan will host South Africa for a full series this fall.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official confided in ‘The News’ that it has almost been decided in principle not to retain Inzamam in Pakistan’s Test squad, a move that would be a signal for the veteran batsman that he should just let go. “The people forming the PCB think-tank are more or less convinced that Inzamam should not be a part of Pakistan’s Test squad,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.

Inzamam, 37, resigned as captain and announced his retirement from one-day cricket after leading Pakistan’s disastrous World Cup campaign in the Caribbean last month when they lost to the West Indies and minnows Ireland and were knocked out of the contest’s opening round.

The master batsman, however, kept alive his hope of extending his Test career by saying that he still feels good enough to play the longer version of the game.

Top Board officials, however, do not agree.

They believe Inzamam is now over-the-hill and also blame him for Pakistan’s humiliating World Cup performance. The Board and the members of the newly-appointed national selection committee believe that it is time Pakistan brought in new faces in a bid to rebuild the squad for the 2011 World Cup to be played in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Inzamam is easily one of the most accomplished Pakistani batsmen of all time having scored 8813 runs from 119 Test appearances at a handsome average of 50.07 with the help of 25 tons and 46 fifties. His one-day career spanned over 378 games in which he scored 11739 runs with ten centuries and 83 fifties.

But in recent times, Inzamam had cut a sorry figure on the field, having lost his golden form that had made him one of the most prolific batsmen in international cricket. A chronic back problem had added to the woes of a player who has always been a below average fielder and a bad runner between the wickets.

Off the field, Inzamam was blamed by his critics for his unimpressive leadership skills while several others believed he had become an autocratic captain. He did play a domineering role in team selection and is blamed for including under-performers like all-rounder Azhar Mahmood in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.

Sentimentalists, however, want a swansong for Inzamam during the home Test series against South Africa during Sep-Oct this year. They argue that Inzamam has achieved a lot during his illustrious career and deserves to bow out of Test cricket in style.

But the PCB official pointed out that at this juncture, Pakistan cricket needs to look beyond individuals and take decisions in the best interest of the team.

“We need to work for collective interest because personal milestones mean nothing when it comes to the future of our team,” he said.

The official said that Inzamam should have taken a bold decision like West Indian great Brian Lara, who announced his retirement from international cricket after failing to take his team into the World Cup semifinals.

“Lara was a great player and he could have still played for one more year. But he knew that it was time that the West Indies moved forward without him and decided to make way for a youngster. Inzamam should have done the same,” the official added.

[Big Mac]

Yes, Inzi is past his best but he's still better than some of the guys who are in line to replace him.

[Nakhuda]

Respect to Inzi for being a great servant to the game but all good things come to an end!.With the world cup nearly over its the perfect time for him to hang-up his shoes so that we can try some younger guys!

[Raza Sohail]

we desparately need Inzi in the test batting lineup. we dont have a settled opening pair and we are without a no.6 bat. not to mention our batting keeper can't keep or bat. and our tail...well Gul, Asif and Kaneria dont count for too many runs. Whoever this official is has totally lost his mind. The selectors must be outside their minds to drop Inzi before settling on a solid no.6 bat.

[Ilyas]

That is what Pakistani Cricket is all about...

[Mutazalzaluzzaman Tarar]

Inzi is still good enough. but maybe this is being done to send a message to other "seniors" in the team who're senior only in terms of age but not in terms of performance, maturity and professionalism.

personally, I'd rather that the relo-katta twins - Afridi and Razzaq - were sacked instead of Inzi.

[PlanetPakistan]

Well in his 2nd last test match Inzi played that wonderful innings of 90 odd so he is definitely good enough plus his experience will be very useful in the "pressure" series against IND and AUS.

[Blistering Barnacle]

Inzi is definitely good enough to play test cricket. He's still one of the best batsman on the team.

The only question is whether he would detract from Malik's authority, even unintentionally.

If there is no trouble on that front, I think Inzi could play test cricket for another year. At least he should play the SA series, maybe bowing out of int'l cricket on home ground.

[Toony™®]

the only reason he is playing on..cos he wants javed miandad's test record...

[hasbeen]

the only reason he is playing on..cos he wants javed miandad's test record...

exactly. i think pak cricket needs to look forward and move on

[salman24]

Inzamam should be given a chance to play on. I don't see the point in removing him as long as he is good enough. There is no test world cup that they have to prepare for

[safehands46]

Its pointless have him have to work for his spot the last year he was in the team because he was captain. his scores are dwindling so i say let him play domestic and work for his spot.

[ehjaz]

PCB officials are just buffoons (as usual). This is what happens when the positions are assigned "politically" in an organizations, then people look for personal interests.............

[WasimG]

Good riddance. I can imagine this 'humble' guy willingly following Malik's directions. No need to let this dictator disrupt the team. Its time to give promising youngsters a chance.

[PlanetPakistan]

Its pointless have him have to work for his spot the last year he was in the team because he was captain. his scores are dwindling so i say let him play domestic and work for his spot.
Why should a man who scored a match winning 90 odd in the last series and has over 8000 test runs in his career need to work for his spot? especially when he will be competing with a complete rookie or some one who hasn't made the team for the last 18 months(Kamal).

[khalidali7070]

How ironic that Inzi is being shown the door when he still want to stay and serve the country........................He is being blamed for being money hungry and also stats hungry.......
But then comes Mr.Khan the mr county........................The cat who don't care about his country but thinks his commitment to the county team is much much more.....................And u guys have nothing but praises for him and also agree with the reasons (the dumb stupid nonsensical) reason given by that idiot for declining the captaincy...................You cant serve your country and have other stuff that you think come before Pakistan.............Pakistan don't need ya.....................good bye............................................

[ehjaz]

How ironic that Inzi is being shown the door when he still want to stay and serve the country........................He is being blamed for being money hungry and also stats hungry.......
But then comes Mr.Khan the mr county........................The cat who don't care about his country but thinks his commitment to the county team is much much more.....................And u guys have nothing but praises for him and also agree with the reasons (the dumb stupid nonsensical) reason given by that idiot for declining the captaincy...................You cant serve your country and have other stuff that you think come before Pakistan.............Pakistan don't need ya.....................good bye............................................

Mr. Khan is a typical ------

[Asim2Good]

as expected.
didn't expected PCB to let him play specially after disaster WC and coz of long gap.
if we had to play tests just after WC, then he would b seleted, but nowPCB have time to adjust team for SA series and also that series is at home, so we can play well without Inzi

[safehands46]

You know as screwed up the board is. My question is what is inzi thinking to begin with? Even the great waqar younis was thrown out in the same manner. Just save the dignity and disappear why hang around? your going to be like a hundred of our greats before chucked. from mushtaq to asif to zaheer to majid to wasim to waqar to now inzi they all get the boot.

[MIG]

No Pakistani player in his right mind will ever go "peacefully" - the idea is to milk it till the end and that is what Inzi will do.

It would be sensible to drop him only on merit and not for some odd reason as Pakistan losing to Ireland!

[salman24]

No Pakistani player in his right mind will ever go "peacefully" - the idea is to milk it till the end and that is what Inzi will do.

It would be sensible to drop him only on merit and not for some odd reason as Pakistan losing to Ireland!

There is no way you can drop him on merit. He is miles ahead of te next guy in line. Still pure class for me even after the Ireland defeat. I cannot forget all the matches he has won us before

[Amir]

I just want him to get those 19 runs.

[ahmii2002]

Inzi is the best gifted player in the game today. if he manages to cut some pounds off his body there is no batsman available for pak selectors to replace the living legend.

[aamir abbasi]

has anybody seen him recently. the kind of weight that he has put on recently. i think he is done. irrespective of his services there is a level of fitness you need to have to play ta the highest level.

i think he is gone just looking at him.

[Easa]

If this actually happens, it will be a disgusting decision from the selectors. Whichever way you look at, Inzamam is still our best batsman along with Moyo. When he makes runs, we win Test matches. Simple as that.

[salman24]

If this actually happens, it will be a disgusting decision from the selectors. Whichever way you look at, Inzamam is still our best batsman along with Moyo. When he makes runs, we win Test matches. Simple as that.

Very true

[Monsee]

I don't care for the 19 runs Inzi needs to overcome Miandad's record...honestly I don't!

I believe, with total honesty and concern for the good of our Test team for the next one year...that in the next 3 difficult series coming up (SA, Aussies, and then tour to India), Pak will be out of their mind to face any of those oppositions without one of their best batsmen, STILL!

Unless Inzi don't perform good enough to merit a place...he would be badly needed against these 3 teams.

Any rookie or someone like Asim Kamal (making a come back after a long time), will be already under huge pressure to perform and then to be facing 2 of the best teams in the world, will be just 'Unjust' for him! With this thought that 'My Place is still not confirmed' and facing some of the top notch bowlers...anyone will be more likely to fail; in fact chances of India finding a Tearaway fast bowler are probably better then that :D

How do you expect a new comer or someone making a come back to face this mountain of pressure and still score more runs then they ever have on the Int'l scene...remember even Asim Kamal has never scored a century at Test level.

If Inzi still performs and also helps Malik in his new role as the skipper and makes his transition a little smoother...then I would not drop him for at least the next year or until the end of the Indian series.

It is not like we are preparing for a Test Championship that we must start building right away for the future!

[shan2026]

We need Inzy in tests as long as he keep performing.

[Prince]

That sublime 92* Inzamam made just a few months ago, more than demonstrates that he can still play at this level. He should play on till the Aussies tour and then call it a day

[Lahoria]

As Monsee stated we have some really tough series coming up and I don't think there is any harm in playing Inzi for the SA series and then evaluate him from there. If he scores there is absolutely no reason to replace him.

[Lara400]

The shambles continues..

Why get rid of Inzi?

Is there someone knocking on the door that severely?

Lets get the priorities right here. PCB have enough on their plate in putting the top order in place before removing the bails. A bail that is hard to dislodge as it is, should not be disturbed!!!

[Wazeeri]

Stupid move
You can't just change the whole setup of the team just like that.
Change has to be eased in.

[Nauman]

Good riddance.

[PlanetPakistan]

I don't care for the 19 runs Inzi needs to overcome Miandad's record...honestly I don't!

I believe, with total honesty and concern for the good of our Test team for the next one year...that in the next 3 difficult series coming up (SA, Aussies, and then tour to India), Pak will be out of their mind to face any of those oppositions without one of their best batsmen, STILL!

Unless Inzi don't perform good enough to merit a place...he would be badly needed against these 3 teams.

Any rookie or someone like Asim Kamal (making a come back after a long time), will be already under huge pressure to perform and then to be facing 2 of the best teams in the world, will be just 'Unjust' for him! With this thought that 'My Place is still not confirmed' and facing some of the top notch bowlers...anyone will be more likely to fail; in fact chances of India finding a Tearaway fast bowler are probably better then that :D

How do you expect a new comer or someone making a come back to face this mountain of pressure and still score more runs then they ever have on the Int'l scene...remember even Asim Kamal has never scored a century at Test level.

If Inzi still performs and also helps Malik in his new role as the skipper and makes his transition a little smoother...then I would not drop him for at least the next year or until the end of the Indian series.

It is not like we are preparing for a Test Championship that we must start building right away for the future!

spot on, all Inzi needs to do is what he did for the most part of his career...doze in the slips and score a bucket full of runs!

[Disco_Lemonade]

He is still our best batsman.. but what else can u expect from pcb.

[Easa]

Good riddance.
:)))

[BD-fan]

In pressure situation Inzi is still the best Pakistani batsman. A bad idea if he is really not in the test team.

[Amjid Javed]

Time to say thanks inzi and move on.

[Amoeba]

This is the problem with a new broom. It may sweep clean but there is also the danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I feared that we may get this kind of political shenanigans from the kingmakers to ensure that everyone sings from the same hymn sheet for their new golden boy. Is that enough metaphors? Anyway we need Inzi - without him we lose effectively conservatively 40% of our batting. However if you go down the ludricrous road of making Malik the Test Captain then you should expect such rubbish.

[Noman]

People who want INZI to retire hasnt any clue about cricket...

We need Inzi to stay as long as possible in test cricket, he should bat at 5 or 6, he is still a living legend and as long he is performing there is no reason for we can drop a guy like inzi.
I still feel he has 1-2 years left in him as a test cricket, I want him to cross 10000 runs in test cricket which can be done over 1,5 years. if he performs..

No need to drop him..PCB will make a huge mistake if they drop him against teams like Aus, south afrika and India especially Inzi would want to make big runs against teams like Aus and South Africa..

[Noman]

Time to say thanks inzi and move on.


Aj, whatever you say, we still need inzi in out batting line in test cricket, Yes we need to groom new talent,, but inzi is still a class act in test cricket, we need to give him a last shot, we can forget a living legend like inzi...

give inzi some respect..

[JammydodgA]

Yeah, leaving Inzi out is a great idea, our battling line up will be strengthened a heck of a lot by leaving Younis Khan AND Inzi out!!??? :20:

We can groom new talent with Inzi IN the side!

And as for Younis khan, he obviously felt he couldn't put 100% into being captain, so it was the RIGHT decision for him to decline the role. I'm still not convinced he should be dropped from the test side either.....unless he's one of the seniors that undermine Malik's role as captain.

[Blistering Barnacle]

I don't think Inzi should be forced out of test cricket if he still has something to offer as a batsman and he doesn't cause any problems, unintentional or otherwise, for Malik.

Saeed Anwar still had something to offer when he was booted and that was wrong.

Wasim Akram still had something to offer when he was booted and that was wrong too.

I hope the same doesn't happen to Inzi.

[SameerM]

If INZI dont play TEST cricket for us, then PAK is gonna be CRAPPER than bangledesh in tests.. i can guarantee it

we gonna go to the bottom of the pile.. EVEN now INZI coming into bat scares bowlers!

[Saj]

I'd like Inzi to play some domestic cricket, score big and leave the selectors with no choice but to select him.

As far as test cricket is concerned, I believe he still has a lot to offer and is stil amongst our best 3 batsmen.

[kablooee87]

I wish the selectors would give him a sort of send off and select him for one test so we could all watch it knowing it is definitely his last. It probably won't happen(because the match will be important) but I wish they would do it.

If Inzamam is selected for that South Africa series then he he should his retirement just before the last match. That last thing I want to see is Inzamam being dropped and another great getting an unceremonious farewell.

If all this BS and guessing games weren't around, I would definitely want Inzamam to be around for a few series yet.

[isr]

The knives are out, the vultures close in for the kill. The cowards mutate into heroes. Emerging from the shadows, suddenly emboldened by the change in the prevailing wind. Where were they before, no-one knows. For they are all around now - blocking the sunlight, falling over each other to be the first to plunge the dagger in.

The old champion stands alone. Deep down, he always knew it would end like this. Nothing left, but to stand and take it. Past triumphs are forgotten. No final farewell for this great warrior. He readies himself for the first cruel embrace of cold steel in his back.

The newly elected champion stands to the side. Watching. Knowing. One day, years hence, no matter how many battles he wins, no matter how many laurels he brings back. One day, he will be there. Alone. Facing the same fate.

Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.

[Raza Sohail]

The knives are out, the vultures close in for the kill. The cowards mutate into heroes. Emerging from the shadows, suddenly emboldened by the change in the prevailing wind. Where were they before, no-one knows. For they are all around now - blocking the sunlight, falling over each other to be the first to plunge the dagger in.

The old champion stands alone. Deep down, he always knew it would end like this. Nothing left, but to stand and take it. Past triumphs are forgotten. No final farewell for this great warrior. He readies himself for the first cruel embrace of cold steel in his back.

The newly elected champion stands to the side. Watching. Knowing. One day, years hence, no matter how many battles he wins, no matter how many laurels he brings back. One day, he will be there. Alone. Facing the same fate.

Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.

what are you talking about? Naved is no vulture. or is he.... :13:

[Ilyas]

I just want him to get those 19 runs.

This is called Selfishness and those, who adopt such a policy are never remembered with good words...

[Raza Sohail]

I cannot believe this. Inzamam...let me say that again...INZAMAM...of ALL the people, INZAMAM is now accused of being a selfish player? are we that obtuse? could our character sink any lower and could our memory be any worse? this is UNVELIEVABLE stuff. its Inzamam FFS!

[Mutazalzaluzzaman Tarar]

This is called Selfishness and those, who adopt such a policy are never remembered with good words...

agreed. getting those runs is about the worst reason for playing Inzi.

either he deserves to play or he doesn't. but he definitely shouldn't be in the team so that he can break some individual record.

[Monsee]

You guys are making this up unless I can see any link where Inzi said it like that...

Worse then 'Selfishness' is creating 'Theories' out of thin air :21:

[Raza Sohail]

You guys are making this up unless I can see any link where Inzi said it like that...

Worse then 'Selfishness' is creating 'Theories' out of thin air :21:

didnt you hear about the new rule. form now on athletes must retire as soon as they get close to a personal milestone. this will prove to the public that they play for the team, even when they are not playing anymore. its simple logic really.

[Monsee]

didnt you hear about the new rule. form now on athletes must retire as soon as they get close to a personal milestone. this will prove to the public that they play for the team, even when they are not playing anymore. its simple logic really.



I am sorry if I messed up...yeah that proves that he/she is not selfish

BTW, ask this Unselfish Union Inc., then whose Abba will break any records if any or ever? :20:

[the true passionist]

The knives are out, the vultures close in for the kill. The cowards mutate into heroes. Emerging from the shadows, suddenly emboldened by the change in the prevailing wind. Where were they before, no-one knows. For they are all around now - blocking the sunlight, falling over each other to be the first to plunge the dagger in.

The old champion stands alone. Deep down, he always knew it would end like this. Nothing left, but to stand and take it. Past triumphs are forgotten. No final farewell for this great warrior. He readies himself for the first cruel embrace of cold steel in his back.

The newly elected champion stands to the side. Watching. Knowing. One day, years hence, no matter how many battles he wins, no matter how many laurels he brings back. One day, he will be there. Alone. Facing the same fate.

Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.

Where have i heard/read this before..?
May be not..probably something similar...probably in a documentary on lions.

[Miraz]

This is not an ideal way to say good bye to arguably the best batsman of Pakistan cricket history (my personal opinion). He saved pakistna from numerous blushes, do you remeber Multan test against Bangladesh in which he single handedly defeated Bangladesh when the rest failed miserably.

PCB should arrange a proper farewell or him. A player like Inzi would have retired amid respect and on-pitch guard of honor in any western test playing country.

Can you remember Steve Waugh's last day at office? Inzamam deserves a similar farewell. You should not use one or two failure to dishonor a legend.

[salman24]

I agree with all the guys that want inzi to continue. There is no one better than him. There is no doubt about it

[Geordie Ahmed]

Why on earth the article mentions rebuilding for 2011 World Cup is beyond me - i mean do these people not know the difference between TEST and ODI cricket?

Inzi is still NEEDED in tests, anyone that says otherwise is a few sarnies short of a picnic

Like Monsee mentioned we have 3 MASSIVE series coming up and the worst thing we can do is drop a batsman of Inzi's calibre. We need Inzi considering our openers are as useful as a fart in a spacesuit

[PlanetPakistan]

The knives are out, the vultures close in for the kill. The cowards mutate into heroes. Emerging from the shadows, suddenly emboldened by the change in the prevailing wind. Where were they before, no-one knows. For they are all around now - blocking the sunlight, falling over each other to be the first to plunge the dagger in.

The old champion stands alone. Deep down, he always knew it would end like this. Nothing left, but to stand and take it. Past triumphs are forgotten. No final farewell for this great warrior. He readies himself for the first cruel embrace of cold steel in his back.

The newly elected champion stands to the side. Watching. Knowing. One day, years hence, no matter how many battles he wins, no matter how many laurels he brings back. One day, he will be there. Alone. Facing the same fate.

Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.
:14:

[isr]

Where have i heard/read this before..?
May be not..probably something similar...probably in a documentary on lions.

I'm sure you have read similar sentiments elsewhere, about someone, somewhere. Unfortunately, I can't blame someone else for putting those overly sentimental words in my mouth - buck stops here.


plagiarism!!! I always knew there was something fishy with this isr guy.


Dashed bounder. Wait till I set my lawyers on you. Where's that card again ....

:25:

[kablooee87]

The knives are out, the vultures close in for the kill. The cowards mutate into heroes. Emerging from the shadows, suddenly emboldened by the change in the prevailing wind. Where were they before, no-one knows. For they are all around now - blocking the sunlight, falling over each other to be the first to plunge the dagger in.

The old champion stands alone. Deep down, he always knew it would end like this. Nothing left, but to stand and take it. Past triumphs are forgotten. No final farewell for this great warrior. He readies himself for the first cruel embrace of cold steel in his back.

The newly elected champion stands to the side. Watching. Knowing. One day, years hence, no matter how many battles he wins, no matter how many laurels he brings back. One day, he will be there. Alone. Facing the same fate.

Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.
I swear I've read this somewhere. Or something like it.

POTW anyway.

[feather]

Beautiful post isr.

[the true passionist]

I swear I've read this somewhere. Or something like it.

POTW anyway.

yeh, thats what i said.

[Daoud]

The knives are out, the vultures close in for the kill. The cowards mutate into heroes. Emerging from the shadows, suddenly emboldened by the change in the prevailing wind. Where were they before, no-one knows. For they are all around now - blocking the sunlight, falling over each other to be the first to plunge the dagger in.

The old champion stands alone. Deep down, he always knew it would end like this. Nothing left, but to stand and take it. Past triumphs are forgotten. No final farewell for this great warrior. He readies himself for the first cruel embrace of cold steel in his back.

The newly elected champion stands to the side. Watching. Knowing. One day, years hence, no matter how many battles he wins, no matter how many laurels he brings back. One day, he will be there. Alone. Facing the same fate.

Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.
Excellent post again. Agreed totally. Some things just stay the same

[Officer Barbrady]

Go Inzi go.

[isr]

I swear I've read this somewhere. Or something like it.


yeh, thats what i said.

Hmm, I thought you were joking around before. Seems like you're serious - so I'll respond.

Ok, fact is - I don't plagarise and try to dishonestly pass it off as my own. If you read something similar (which I'm sure you have), its coincidental.

[Easa]

Wow, fantastic post ISR. Completely agree..

[Amjid Javed]

monsee quote:- 2- Why you folks are pushing for Inzi's exculsion from the Test side when we are facing 2 of the best teams in the world in the next two series and then go on the difficult trip of India? Have you guys forgotten what happenend when we last faced Australia in Sharjah (without any dependable batsmen) and the 'Huge 2 Digit Scores' our team put up in that series? If Inzi plays for the next year, it will be easier to have him help Pakistan groom his replacement; what do you think?

------------------------------

Monsee why dont you tell me about inzis superb string of single digit scores against Australia. Am sure hes goingt o make huge difference in the series next year if he plays!!

[feather]

a cheap shot? how about string of 50's after the single digits.

[Ilyas]

After leaving One Day Cricket at such a low position, Inzi just wants to leave on a high note by beating Miandads' record of most runs in test cricket for Pakistan...May be Younis and Yousuf will beat that record in the future, if their careers are not hampered by King Selectors and / or unfortunate injury...

[salman24]

This is sad
Thats all i can say

[Amjid Javed]

a cheap shot? how about string of 50's after the single digits.

Not a cheap shot! its called the truth.

Inzamam was a top class performer for pakistan but is past his best and its time for him to retire and for pakistan to look forward.

Am sick of this we need experience BS for the so called Big series. New players will only learn and benefit for playing in such series. time to say thanks inzi and move on..

[Monsee]

Monsee why dont you tell me about inzis superb string of single digit scores against Australia. Am sure hes goingt o make huge difference in the series next year if he plays!!





You do remember the Sharjah series...can you guarantee another youngster will be able to stand and deliver right away after inclusion in our team against the Aussies/SA?

Our last victory did come courtesy Inzi's 93* on a bouncy SA pitch...unless your memory has gone so bad in just a short while!

BTW, name one guy who you have faith will deliver against the Aussies/SA?

On one side you guys talk about not having backups for Shoaib and that we need him even if he is not even 50% fit...yet you argue against Inzi's inclusion even though he has been one of top batsmen even during his last average year

[Monsee]

Not a cheap shot! its called the truth.

Inzamam was a top class performer for pakistan but is past his best and its time for him to retire and for pakistan to look forward.

Am sick of this we need experience BS for the so called Big series. New players will only learn and benefit for playing in such series. time to say thanks inzi and move on..



Don't try this BS Amjid, unless you have some replacements for Inzi in mind...can you name a few who have been groomed as Inzi's replacements?

Please do improve my knowledge and do tell me the World Class batters we have waiting to pounce on the chance?

[Amjid Javed]

Monsee,

1st of all wether inzis in the side or not for pakistan to beat Australia will be a tough task. Right now pakistan to move forward and stop living in recent past. Youre making out as thou inzamam is going to some how single handedly win pakistan that series. Quit dreaming!

You keep harking on about inzis replacement? No one will replace inzamam, just like no-one replaced imran khan, javed miandad, wasim akram etc... Inzi been retiring/dropped etc opens up a spot for another batsmen to try and establish himself into side and make a name for himself. Not everything has to be compare to youre beloved inzamam.

Pakistan have beaten S.A and india at home in test matches without inzamam before. When we played S.A in 2003 in 1st test inzamam didnt play and we won that match and won series 1-0 later on. In deciding test match in 2006 in karachi v india inzamam didnt play and we won that game and the series. We can quite capably beat india/S.A in Asian conditions without inzamam.

Without Shoiab akthar pakistan could actually cope right now aslong as Muhammed asif, Umar gul etc remain fully fit.

[Amjid Javed]

Monsee,

If youre logic of replacing legends/top players etc is criteria then pakistan should recall saeed anwar, amir sohail, wasim akram, waqar younis and then can groom the world class replacements when they turn up.

[Monsee]

Amjid, you don't get it, do you?

When history tells you how we got ripped to pieces trying to face Aussies on the dead tracks of Sharjah because we were witout the 'Experienced players'...why you are in such hurry to go down that road again?

It's not like the Test Championship is in one year and we desparately need Inzi's replcement now so he can be ready by then...I am not suggesting Inzi plays all the matches in the coming 3 series, rather allow a youngster or two to play alongside him in a few games to pick up the finer points of absorbing pressure, playing according to the situation, not trying to play too many shots under pressure etc. etc.

And if we work like that, by the time we end the series in India, we may end up grooming a new player for Inzi's spot!

BTW, you have no set openers, no set 5 and 6 position batsman, your keeper is having the worst year as a batsman, your captain is not sure of his batting yet and your tail is long...what do you do, go without experienece and injuect new players; that is Haara Kari at best!

On the subject of the SA series win without Inzi being in the team, you do remember that our openers were giving us decent starts or at least one of them (Taufeeq in this case) was scoring quite decently; who amongst our current pretending openers will do that against even India, forget SA or Aussies?

[Amjid Javed]

Monsee,

1) Arent the likes of Moyo, Y khan going to be playing in next few series arent they experienced? Pakistan could pick players like asim kamal, yasir hameed etc in middle order as well who have some experience over last few years etc..

2) so lets go with youre plan Inzamam plays on. With moyo, Y khan and S malik filling 3 other spots in side where exactly are these new players going to be groomed? We will basically be plodding along with same kind of batting line up we have for last few years.

3) Yes we dont have settled opener or players in number 6 spot but inzamams been round for years and new players in-general havent come on like they should so what is inzamam playing on for another year going to do? nothing. It hasnt over last 4 years and its unlikely over next few months.

[Noman]

I am on Monsee side this time..You have to play your best team against Australia. Mind u it we are playing on sub contient inzi wll be very keen to perform here...

[Amjid Javed]

I am on Monsee side this time..You have to play your best team against Australia. Mind u it we are playing on sub contient inzi wll be very keen to perform here...

so tell me is inzamam likely to be any better a player in a years time? I doubt it his reflexs etc.. will be alot slower.

Then again back pains may re-appear as soon as Aussies land at karachi airport :)

[Monsee]

so tell me is inzamam likely to be any better a player in a years time? I doubt it his reflexs etc.. will be alot slower.

Then again back pains may re-appear as soon as Aussies land at karachi airport :)



That should go along well with your favorite player's 5-10 overs :P

On one side you defend a half fit Fast Bowler because of his experience/ability and on the other hand you want to go with a youngster in Inzi's place (who actually is there to win/save matches); which he more than ably demonstrated in SA a few months ago!

By your logic, we should just drop Inzi and Shoaib for good and go with youngsters...If you agree then I am with you

[Amjid Javed]

That should go along well with your favorite player's 5-10 overs :P

On one side you defend a half fit Fast Bowler because of his experience/ability and on the other hand you want to go with a youngster; by your logic, we should just drop Inzi and Shoaib for good and go with youngsters...

If you agree then I am with you

I have said that Akthar should only be fit when fully fit. Right now thou pakistan should do away with both players and move forward.

[Hash]

I am afraid I am going to have to agree with the 'Inzi retire' camp.

Inzi has been great for Pakistan cricket, he has been a consistent performer, he has won us countless matches and is one of my heroes. He can hold his head high as an all time Pakistani great and amongst the best 2 or 3 batsman we have ever produced in history.

But now is the time for Pakistan cricket to move on. Inzi is clearly past it......he has gone over the hill. He may have a series or two left in him, but now we have to think about the future and give someone else a chance.

[Monsee]

I am on Monsee side this time..You have to play your best team against Australia. Mind u it we are playing on sub contient inzi wll be very keen to perform here...



It's not that we are playing in Sub-Continent/or that Inzi is keen to play and perform...it is the bad memories of our young side being ripped to shreds on the dead tracks of Sharjah!

And the number one reason that happened was Australia puts this pressure on you that you will not be able to handle if you are facing them very early in your career, no matter whether the pitches are from India/Pakistan/Sharjah!

For one to have a decent chance, one must have:

1- Decent pair of openers - Not even in wildest dreams we have that!

2- A set and established 1 down player who is under no pressure - Well YK is good for the first 2 criterias but he will be under one heck of a pressure due to his recent refusal to be the next captain

3- MoYo's dream run will come to a halt some time and if it happens against Aussies, then there goes our one set chance

4- Number 5 slot (Malik) will be under huge pressure

5- Number 6 slot, Kamal/Bazid etc. are doubtful or promising at best

6- Our keeper who is at his worst batting form ever

So is Asif/Kaneria/Gul gonna score the 300+ runs we will need to have a decent chance against Aussies or even SA

[Monsee]

I am afraid I am going to have to agree with the 'Inzi retire' camp.

Inzi has been great for Pakistan cricket, he has been a consistent performer, he has won us countless matches and is one of my heroes. He can hold his head high as an all time Pakistani great and amongst the best 2 or 3 batsman we have ever produced in history.

But now is the time for Pakistan cricket to move on. Inzi is clearly past it......he has gone over the hill. He may have a series or two left in him, but now we have to think about the future and give someone else a chance.



You do these at first against weaker oppositions not against Aussies!

I am afraid, 'Sharjah II' is coming our way very soon if we don't include Inzi against SA/Aussies

[Amir]

I want to give someone else a chance but I also want Inzi just to get those 19 runs. He deserves that atleast.

[pakcric123]

I think that Inzamam should play for another year just so the pakistan team can find a decent player from the domestic scene.

[sehsan]

I am afraid I am going to have to agree with the 'Inzi retire' camp.

Inzi has been great for Pakistan cricket, he has been a consistent performer, he has won us countless matches and is one of my heroes. He can hold his head high as an all time Pakistani great and amongst the best 2 or 3 batsman we have ever produced in history.

But now is the time for Pakistan cricket to move on. Inzi is clearly past it......he has gone over the hill. He may have a series or two left in him, but now we have to think about the future and give someone else a chance.

I definitely agree with monsee. We need a player like inzimam in the middle order if we want to do well in the upcoming tests. Its unfair for a young bloke to start or resume his career against tough opposition. Inzi should be part of team until aus series ends.

[sehsan]

I want to give someone else a chance but I also want Inzi just to get those 19 runs. He deserves that atleast.

I am sure inzi is not bothered about 19 runs. He can play in test and should try pakistan to win those 3 test series.

[Amjid Javed]

So when should a youngster come in? against zimbabwe or maybe bangladesh?

People are making out as if South africa are world beaters. They are a poor side away from home in test cricket nowadays. We beat S.A last time without Inzamam in 2003 in 1st test and india?

well pakistan could easily bring in someone else with moyo/Ykhan etc still around and compete. Pakistan are not a one man team!

[Amjid Javed]

You do these at first against weaker oppositions not against Aussies!

I am afraid, 'Sharjah II' is coming our way very soon if we don't include Inzi against SA/Aussies

Please! :21: S.A away from home are a poor side.

They have struggled in pakistan, india and sri lanka in recent years. There pace attack on slow, low wickets and lack of spinner means they will struggle to take 20 wickets at any decent rate!

[Amjid Javed]

Its unfair for a young bloke to start or resume his career against tough opposition. Inzi should be part of team until aus series ends.

so what easy oppostion do you recomend?

shall we arrange a ten match series v zimbabwe so they can score 8/9 easy hundreds and then be exposed when they play a tougher side?

[feather]

Serious question for you folks. Have you guys ever planned anything in life at all? If you did how many times did everything go according to the plan. Cricket isn't all about the WC which is 4 years from now. There are so many tests and ODI series. It is extremely simple the BEST team should play. If you have someone who is better than Inzi than sure Inzi should make a way for that person.

Inzi is still better than YK and we will have to see if Moyo will score like he has last year. Both of these bats are not half as reliable as Inzi...how many times in last 12 months both of them played an inning that saved us from a certain defeat?

It isn't Inzi's fault that he is the most reliable or the best batsman...nor is his fault that he is aging...however let us throw away talent for something which is so far away. He has some cricket left in him...let him go on and play. Let him leave on a high note...he deserves that.

[Monsee]

Please! :21: S.A away from home are a poor side.

They have struggled in pakistan, india and sri lanka in recent years. There pace attack on slow, low wickets and lack of spinner means they will struggle to take 20 wickets at any decent rate!



You conveniently ignored my points in my other posts...

Without a decent pair of openers, we will even struggle against India, forget SA or Aussies!

There are so many unsettled players in our team for the next series that only a madman would wanna fill the team only with 'Newer Players'

You do know that YK will be under extreme pressure due to his refusal and MoYo's run might stop any time soon; who will score runs then?

If my worst fears become a reality, as I have mentioned above, are you willing to bet that we will even score 150-200 runs against SA, forget Aussies?