Wasim Akram Feels Shoaib Akhtar's Experience Is A 'Must' Against South Africa

[Phuzz]

http://www.cricketworldcuplatest.com/news/former-pakistan-captain-wasim-akram-feels-shoaib-a-115889.html

Twenty20 may be the flavour of the month, but Test cricket needs experienced individuals like Shoaib Akhtar, feels former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram.

Akram was of the view that though the Shoaib Malik-led young team performed exceedingly well in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, the traditional version of cricket is an entirely different ball game and the Pakistan team needed the services of Shoaib Akhtar to give it an edge over South Africa.

The 41-year-old former all-rounder has urged the PCB to include Shoaib in the team for the home series against South Africa which starts at Karachi from October 1.

"Twenty20 is an entertaining form of cricket but it cannot speak about the real talent of a cricketer."

"Test cricket is the real thing and I believe Shoaib Akhtar has the talent and potential to play for the country for another two years," Akram said.

However, the controversial pacer`s future remains uncertain after the PCB imposed an indefinite ban on him over hitting fellow pacer Mohammad Asif with a bat during the team's practice session before the start of the Twenty20 World Cup in Johannesburg earlier this month.

The PCB later asked Shoaib to take the first flight back home and announced an inquiry into the incident. However, the inquiry was yet to start and Akram asked the nation's board to speed up the process of starting the inquiry so that a clear verdict can come up in the fiery pacer's case.

"The PCB should start the inquiry immediately into the case and should announce the verdict well before the start of the test series."

"I believe Shoaib is still the need of the team and he must be playing against South Africa," he said.

"To me the case is over since Shoaib has already apologised to the nation and also to Asif," he added.

The cricketer-turned-commentator, who had represented Pakistan in 104 test and 356 ODIs, said the morale of the nation was high after Pakistan played the final of the Twenty20 World Cup, but in order to maintain the winning tempo, the country's best team should be fielded against the Proteas.

[siddharth]

Me too . Bowling lacks experience . selectors got carried away by 20/20 games .

[shan2026]

Me too . Bowling lacks experience . selectors got carried away by 20/20 games .

Now expect to see likes of Misbha and Tanveer in the team. :12:

[PlanetPakistan]

After the initial punishment from the PCB it should be the captain who decides Shoaib's future. If the captain feels that the team still needs his services then he should be welcomed back other wise he should be booted out like Klusener.

[Wasim_Waqar]

Shoaib, as much as he disgusts me as a person (yes, I've met him), is a fine, fine bowler.

He is needed for test matches, although he should retire from the one-day game.

[iZeeshan]

He said this before, and he says it again. There's a reason for that.

[cricket_crazy]

As much as I hate Shoaib the person, we need him if we are to win any test series on our dead wickets and so he should be in the team.

[sagar]

We definately need Shoaib.

[hasbeen]

isnt akram meant to be in a critically ill condition? yet he has time to talk about shoaib?

[PlanetPakistan]

isnt akram meant to be in a critically ill condition? yet he has time to talk about shoaib?
No, he is fine! That was just rubbish journalism

[Plasma]

No, he is fine! That was just rubbish journalism
wow....

[12thMan]

isnt akram meant to be in a critically ill condition? yet he has time to talk about shoaib?
nothing can stop ex-cricketers from making statements :)

[deviously~fading~away]

Yousuf is important for our batting & Akhtar is important for our bowling.

[deviously~fading~away]

isnt akram meant to be in a critically ill condition? yet he has time to talk about shoaib?
Shows how important he thinks this issue really is.

[NeVerMind]

Yousuf is important for our batting & Akhtar is important for our bowling.

Agree, but unlike Akhtar, Yousaf did not attempt any batting practice on one of his collegues. Personally, if Asif and Malik forgive him and welcome him back, then he should be back in the team. otherwise, I do not think he should be forced into the team.

All these enquiries are a waste of time and money.

[deviously~fading~away]

Agree, but unlike Akhtar, Yousaf did not attempt any batting practice on one of his collegues. Personally, if Asif and Malik forgive him and welcome him back, then he should be back in the team. otherwise, I do not think he should be forced into the team.

All these enquiries are a waste of time and money.
i don't disagree with you & neither does anyone else. You can't compare Akhtars personality with that of Yousufs & vice-versa. But i feel Pakistan's chances of winning a test match increase with yousuf in the batting order & akhtar in the bowling line-up. End of the day thats what matters.

[BD-fan]

Why even this an issue? (S Akhtar)

Why can't Pakistan make pitches where dust comes out, ball spins to the n'th degree, and get 3 real spinners in the team? Everyone knows where SA is the weakest. And in these type of pitches Ntini and pollack would be the least effective. I do see SA getting out of Pakistan with 3 innings defeat. The curator needs to be fired if the pitches are batting friendly.

Gul and Tanvir rest all spinners.

[PlanetPakistan]

Why even this an issue? (S Akhtar)

Why can't Pakistan make pitches where dust comes out, ball spins to the n'th degree, and get 3 real spinners in the team? Everyone knows where SA is the weakest. And in these type of pitches Ntini and pollack would be the least effective. I do see SA getting out of Pakistan with 3 innings defeat. The curator needs to be fired if the pitches are batting friendly.

Gul and Tanvir rest all spinners.
We need to look beyond the series against SA! Even if the strategy works(considering what happened during the ENG's tour of 00 there is no guarantee that it would) then next time the team goes to SA, ENG or AUS it will almost be unfair to expect the batsman to perform because they would enter the away series with almost zero preparation.

[12thMan]

Why even this an issue? (S Akhtar)I don't know

Why can't Pakistan make pitches where dust comes out, ball spins to the n'th degree, and get 3 real spinners in the team?it makes for bad cricket

[Saj]

Akhtar like it or not, is still our most potent weapon when it comes to pace bowling. The other are either maturing, a bit too inexpereinced or simply not good enough.

Ive always maintained that a mentally and physically fit Akhtar is a bonus to the Pakistan team. It will be interesting to see how the PCB handle this one - will they finally come down hard on Akhtar, or give him a wrap on the knuckles, dust him down and then select him.

[kablooee87]

Akhtar like it or not, is still our most potent weapon when it comes to pace bowling. The other are either maturing, a bit too inexpereinced or simply not good enough.

Ive always maintained that a mentally and physically fit Akhtar is a bonus to the Pakistan team. It will be interesting to see how the PCB handle this one - will they finally come down hard on Akhtar, or give him a wrap on the knuckles, dust him down and then select him.
I think it comes down the whether the PCB are willing to take the hit and not use his services in order to send a message. Personally, I think they have no choice. We gain too much from having him in the team.

[Phuzz]

I was firmly against Shoaib playing for Pakistan again after the Asif incident and I think most of us were, but we don't really have anyone who has the experience at this moment of time to replace him at Test Level. His pace and ability certainly adds something to our bowling attack.

[faisalm]

Shoaib has to play in the first XI he is a quality bowler and with him our attack looks a whole lot stronger.

[161]

well since mentally weak afridi chickened out of the series .. we need to have another wicket taking threat in shoaib ... as we saw down in south africa ... kaneria is impotent and asif can not carry the attack by himself.

beating south africa is way more important then then some silly feud with shoaib.

we must include him in the series.

[BD-fan]

We need to look beyond the series against SA! Even if the strategy works(considering what happened during the ENG's tour of 00 there is no guarantee that it would) then next time the team goes to SA, ENG or AUS it will almost be unfair to expect the batsman to perform because they would enter the away series with almost zero preparation.

1st England and SA are two different teams. SA is well known for not be able to face the spin. As long as the pitches are not batting friendly That would expose them more.

Point well understood. But what purpose domestic cricket serve? Isn't it there were cricketers are being made? Why do players have to learn how to play on the bouncy pitches at the international level?

One create strategy to win. That's what Australia, SA, England does to their pitches to get advantage over others.

In College Football (US) a famous coach Steve Spurrier was asked why does he run up the score on opponents? (meaning: when the opponents are in a position where it is impossible for them to win, why would his team still score points and prolong the agony of the opponents, instead of letting the clock run down and finish the game)

His answer was: "it is not my job to stop our offense." (meaning: the opponents defense's job is to stop the offense)

You play for win. Not for the fun of it. Beat the opponents to pulp so that next time they don't look up to you eye to eye. That's how ruthless Australia plays the game. I did watch what they did to SL. And SL will pay them a visit soon. International cricket is more of a mental game. You get edge anyway you can as long as it is legal.

May be my thought process is different than most of you.

[Boi]

well if he comes bak into the team i doubt he will have a long spell of cricket cos he mifght get injured or does a silly thing

[safehands46]

shoaib shitty person but great bowler. saw him at a party.

[Oxy]

Who did Wasim give this interview to? Not a single refernce to whom or where these comments were made (if they were made)

Its Rohit again - hopefully someone else will report - as opposed the TRASHJY INDIAN GUTTER JOURNALIST that have produced plenty of recent articles with ZERO CREDIBILTY...

I wait...

[W63L35]

For all those people, who think....."we need Akhar", well....if you think, fans need him for entertainment value, then I may agree...that, yes...him running in, bowling 90+ mph, anticipation of blood on the pitch (remember Kirsten)......those sights are pretty entertaining.

But if you think, Pakistan needs him to win matches, then think twice.....or at least look at these stats;

Here is Pakistan's win/loss records in Tests and ODIs since his entry into Pakistan team. I have listed the results of the matches he has played and the matches he has missed due to different reasons. Was he an exceptional match winner for us? You be the judge?

Tests Won Lost Draw
Played 43 20 15 8
Missed 45 16 16 13

In test matches, he has been part of ONLY 4 more wins in 2 less matches.

....and isn't is AMAZING that he has missed more tests than he has played since his test debut!

Look at this table below. We have won ODIs at a BETTER ratio without Shoaib than WITH him in the team! (61% vs 55%).

ODIs Won Lost N/R Tie
Played 133 73 57 3 0
Missed 119 72 44 2 1

[161]

For all those people, who think....."we need Akhar", well....if you think, fans need him for entertainment value, then I may agree...that, yes...him running in, bowling 90+ mph, anticipation of blood on the pitch (remember Kirsten)......those sights are pretty entertaining.

But if you think, Pakistan needs him to win matches, then think twice.....or at least look at these stats;

Here is Pakistan's win/loss records in Tests and ODIs since his entry into Pakistan team. I have listed the results of the matches he has played and the matches he has missed due to different reasons. Was he an exceptional match winner for us? You be the judge?

Tests Won Lost Draw
Played 43 20 15 8
Missed 45 16 16 13

In test matches, he has been part of ONLY 4 more wins in 2 less matches.

....and isn't is AMAZING that he has missed more tests than he has played since his test debut!

Look at this table below. We have won ODIs at a BETTER ratio without Shoaib than WITH him in the team! (61% vs 55%).

ODIs Won Lost N/R Tie
Played 133 73 57 3 0
Missed 119 72 44 2 1


??

why u did that all that work to prove nothing i don't understand.

is shoaib a better bowler then whoever will replace him ?

the answer is a HUGE yes.

[W63L35]

??
why u did that all that work to prove nothing i don't understand.

I am glad....somebody is concerned about my time!!!! :)
.........and by the way your point is????


is shoaib a better bowler then whoever will replace him ?
the answer is a HUGE yes.

.....since I have not proven anything yet, can you "prove" what this better bowler has done or will do in the team - in addition to assault a few team mates here and there?

....as far as entertainment proved by your "better" bower, some people find clowns in a circus pretty entertaining!

[safehands46]

I think it has to be appealing to have a four prong attack of shoaib asif gul and tanvir. I mean it would seem quite match winning.

[161]

W63L35,

you can't analyze cricket like that ..

there are way too many other variables.

[OZGOD]

Here's how the Australian Rugby League treated our own version of Shoaib Akhtar. Talented as he was, they weren't begging him to come back or anything, because attitude comes ahead of everything.


PARRAMATTA star Eric Grothe's representative career is dangling by a thread after the erratic winger again failed to turn up to a team session.

Grothe's second rep football no-show in two years prompted a stinging rebuke from Test coach Ricky Stuart and left Eels officials and his management also wondering where he was.

The 27-year-old, who played in last Sunday's preliminary final loss to Melbourne, failed to appear at the Australian train-on squad's gathering at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Last year, he infamously slept in and turned up two hours late to a team medical after he was selected to play for City.

In May this year, Grothe failed to answer a call from the NRL judiciary after he'd offered to help defend Manly's Jamie Lyon over the phone because he needed to practice with his rock band.

"I'm not going to lie, he didn't lob," Stuart said. "He knew about it and he'll be no longer in my plans and I hope the selectors and the ARL understand that's only my decision, but I hope they take it on board.

"A person who's not going to respect the jumper, as I said from day one when I got this job, he won't be in my plans this year or in the future."

Asked how he felt about Grothe's no-show, Stuart said: "Satisfied actually. He gives me great evidence as to where his indications lie and that's obviously to have a drink with his mates."

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22485713-23214,00.html

[161]

ozgod .. but here's the difference .. when shoaib does play .. he put's in 200% effort.

he bends his back and tries his best with every delivery !

to me that means much more then what happens off the field.

[OZGOD]

ozgod .. but here's the difference .. when shoaib does play .. he put's in 200% effort.

he bends his back and tries his best with every delivery !

to me that means much more then what happens off the field.

How often does he play again?

[Wasim_Waqar]

well since mentally weak afridi chickened out of the series .. we need to have another wicket taking threat in shoaib ... as we saw down in south africa ... kaneria is impotent and asif can not carry the attack by himself.

beating south africa is way more important then then some silly feud with shoaib.

we must include him in the series.

RUBBISH!! How is Kaneria impotent? He was much improved in SA and was brilliant. He could've had even more wickets if it wasn't for dropped catches esp from Akmal and missed stumpings.

Asif and Kaneria carried out attack there. It just needed Gul or Shoaib to finish off SA.

So please, don't jump on the bandwagon and criticise Kaneria because it's popular to do so. His 6/150 or 5/130's have come when we've had none of our fast bowlers fit!! A spinner can not carry our attack, especially when we are and always will be a fast bowling team primarily.

[W63L35]

W63L35,
you can't analyze cricket like that ..

I am still waiting for your analysis (or any point for that matter)...........beside telling me what I can or can not do!


there are way too many other variables.


...yes, and a lot of people don't know that these variable also include.........attitude, discipline, getting along with the team mates, respecting the authority, etc etc etc..........not just blind hero worshiping!

[Plasma]

i heard on PTV that Imran Farhat, Inzi and one more person, have signed ICL contracts and will not be available for selection for Team Pakistan.

But nothing was said about Akthar and his ban. What i make of this is that they haven't confirmed his exclusion from the team yet. so there is still a chance.

[sportacus]

ooh i'm an aussie, ooh i'm scared of Shoaib, please don't pick him

how pathetically transparent and vacuous you are

[W63L35]

ooh i'm an aussie, ooh i'm scared of Shoaib, please don't pick him

how pathetically transparent and vacuous you are

....no wonder, you don't want him playing against you.........since he has such wonderful win/loss records vs Aus; ;-)

Played Won Lost Draw
Test 10 0 8 2
ODIs 22 4 18 0



:)) :))

[sportacus]

Shoaib couldn't help the fact that his brilliantly destructive bowling was let down by supine batting or other no-shows from likes of Inzamam

[W63L35]

Shoaib couldn't help the fact that his brilliantly destructive bowling was let down by supine batting or other no-shows from likes of Inzamam
True...but his bowling record is also not out this world either;

T overs runs wick BI BM Ave.
10 291.5 1105 31 5/21 8/72 35.64

ODI Overs runs Wick BB Ave Econ.
22 167.4 961 29 5/25 33.13 5.73

[161]

I am still waiting for your analysis (or any point for that matter)...........beside telling me what I can or can not do!


u can do whatever u want mate ...

i'm just saying ur analysis was silly...


and my analysis is quite simple ... shoaib is a way better bowler then anyone we have to replace him ... can't argue with that.

[161]

RUBBISH!! How is Kaneria impotent? He was much improved in SA and was brilliant. He could've had even more wickets if it wasn't for dropped catches esp from Akmal and missed stumpings.

Asif and Kaneria carried out attack there. It just needed Gul or Shoaib to finish off SA.

So please, don't jump on the bandwagon and criticise Kaneria because it's popular to do so. His 6/150 or 5/130's have come when we've had none of our fast bowlers fit!! A spinner can not carry our attack, especially when we are and always will be a fast bowling team primarily.


ok believe what u want ...

but in his last 20 tests (a considerable period of time) his bowling average if 37.

that's crap in my book.

[Zechariah]

Shoaib is a match winner and its unfortunate he never played to this full potential.

[161]

Shoaib is a match winner and its unfortunate he never played to this full potential.


well when he plays ... he gives 200% effort and plays beyond his potentiol..

is just that for one reason or another he doesn't play enough.

first it was inzi trying to screw him ... now dna has taken aim at him .. i guess he just makes a lot of enemies.

[Zechariah]

well when he plays ... he gives 200% effort and plays beyond his potentiol..

is just that for one reason or another he doesn't play enough.

first it was inzi trying to screw him ... now dna has taken aim at him .. i guess he just makes a lot of enemies.

lol kashif bro you were bashing him full time last week, now you seem to have cooled down about it :))

[Islamabadi]

time to move on...don't let this guy play for pakistan again

[161]

lol kashif bro you were bashing him full time last week, now you seem to have cooled down about it :))


yes he deserved to be bashed for what he did .. but now he has served his punishment and deserves to play again.

[Zechariah]

time to move on...don't let this guy play for pakistan again

NO we need him in the side, until the day he can play!

[Zechariah]

yes he deserved to be bashed for what he did .. but now he has served his punishment and deserves to play again.

I know but I am saying last week you were mad at PCB for not banning him for life and now you are mad at PCB for not letting him in the test side. :20:

Khair, I want him in the team until he can play and he is fully fit, Lawson will get the best out of him as he was a fast bowler himself and understands the situation.

[siddharth]

until the day he can play![/QUOTE]

Now thats a question when he can play ? how long he can last before gets injured ? How many tests/innings he can play ?

[Zechariah]

Now thats a question when he can play ? how long he can last before gets injured ? How many tests/innings he can play ?

well he has had a long break so he should be fit for a while now.

[W63L35]

I know but I am saying last week you were mad at PCB for not banning him for life and now you are mad at PCB for not letting him in the test side. :20:

:))) :))) :))) :)))
.....so much for being, Mr. "I know my variables" Analyst!!!

[OZGOD]

ooh i'm an aussie, ooh i'm scared of Shoaib, please don't pick him

how pathetically transparent and vacuous you are

Why would I be scared of Shoaib? He can't even finish a series against us! :))

[161]

I know but I am saying last week you were mad at PCB for not banning him for life and now you are mad at PCB for not letting him in the test side. :20:


not me mate .. u must have me confused with someone else .. i never wanted him banned for life.

as monsee will tell ya .. i ain't exactly and enemy of shoaib.

[Farhad]

Well, in retrospect he has already been punished as he missed the T20 event. But coming so close to the Test Series, I feel the fair thing would be to let him back for the Second Test at the latest.

Last time around when Safs were in Pak, Shoaib silenced their main guns in the first Test to play the crucial role in our win, and then Pak scraped through for a draw in the match he was banned for - for sledging Admas.

[sportacus]

For all those people, who think....."we need Akhar", well....if you think, fans need him for entertainment value, then I may agree...that, yes...him running in, bowling 90+ mph, anticipation of blood on the pitch (remember Kirsten)......those sights are pretty entertaining.

But if you think, Pakistan needs him to win matches, then think twice.....or at least look at these stats;

Here is Pakistan's win/loss records in Tests and ODIs since his entry into Pakistan team. I have listed the results of the matches he has played and the matches he has missed due to different reasons. Was he an exceptional match winner for us? You be the judge?

Tests Won Lost Draw
Played 43 20 15 8
Missed 45 16 16 13

In test matches, he has been part of ONLY 4 more wins in 2 less matches.

....and isn't is AMAZING that he has missed more tests than he has played since his test debut!

Look at this table below. We have won ODIs at a BETTER ratio without Shoaib than WITH him in the team! (61% vs 55%).

ODIs Won Lost N/R Tie
Played 133 73 57 3 0
Missed 119 72 44 2 1


hmm well i wonder who has been proved right ?

a fast bowling legend of Pakistan who might know something about cricket or ...

[Gunner786]

For all those people, who think....."we need Akhar", well....if you think, fans need him for entertainment value, then I may agree...that, yes...him running in, bowling 90+ mph, anticipation of blood on the pitch (remember Kirsten)......those sights are pretty entertaining.

But if you think, Pakistan needs him to win matches, then think twice.....or at least look at these stats;

Here is Pakistan's win/loss records in Tests and ODIs since his entry into Pakistan team. I have listed the results of the matches he has played and the matches he has missed due to different reasons. Was he an exceptional match winner for us? You be the judge?

Tests Won Lost Draw
Played 43 20 15 8
Missed 45 16 16 13

In test matches, he has been part of ONLY 4 more wins in 2 less matches.

....and isn't is AMAZING that he has missed more tests than he has played since his test debut!

Look at this table below. We have won ODIs at a BETTER ratio without Shoaib than WITH him in the team! (61% vs 55%).

ODIs Won Lost N/R Tie
Played 133 73 57 3 0
Missed 119 72 44 2 1
right,
but how many of those matches have we played against the big teams like australia and south africa?

[PlanetPakistan]

hmm well i wonder who has been proved right ?

a fast bowling legend of Pakistan who might know something about cricket or ...
it was worth it!
Guy had to be punished but now i am looking forward to seeing him back in the team

[saffer]

1st England and SA are two different teams. SA is well known for not be able to face the spin. As long as the pitches are not batting friendly That would expose them more.



Anyone still making the statement that we can't play spin demonstrates a extreme lack of ability to assimulate and accomodate new information and data and to adapt to it .These days S.A are VERY good players of spin .

[aussie-pak]

Anyone still making the statement that we can't play spin demonstrates a extreme lack of ability to assimulate and accomodate new information and data and to adapt to it .These days S.A are VERY good players of spin .

i wouldnt say "very good", but they can play spin.

i still remeber wen SA toured Aus and it was the first test match, day 5 at the WACA. damn rudolph and prince took on warne and played out the whole day. i never expected that.

they are an average spin playing team. by the looks of this series, it seems pakistan is worse spin playing team than SA.