Can someone tell Umar to recognize the value of his wicket? [merged]

[PapaBear]

As much as I am impressed with this young man I have watched him throw away his wicket on at least three occasions, do you think he needs a batting coach or a psychologist to make him understand how valuable his wicket is? Only once he was out on a very good ball, all other times he was caught trying to hit the ball out of the park.

I am all for playing your natural game but I am not impressed by the label commentators are putting on him that he is is a flasher. I think he is much better than that. He has all the shots in the book but it saddens me to see that he has picked up some bad habits while playing in the backyard with his elder brother. He is a different class all together.

When UA surfaced I thought we have a new Miandad who plays like Afridi with a brain on his shoulders but I am not so sure now.

I can now understand why Mudassar Nazar had thrown him out of the academy. I love this guy and I wish he can be guided and coached again to put a price on his wicket. He is like 50% of Pakistan batting. I did not see Yusuf asking him to calm down today, instead he let him play with flare and flash.

He could have told him, look boy today is your golden opportunity to make a double hundred, calm down son, I heard so many ppers saying that today.

Is there nobody in the Pakistan camp who can guide him?

He can become another Tendulkar and break all records if he can just play ground strokes, eliminate risks and play like a Test Match player.

He is a national asset I think; but I am not sure if he is being groomed to become a great player. I have some questions for you.

1. Do these batsmen get any help in setting up their long term and short term goals?

2. Do you think our coach understands setting milestones and goals for individual players and how to develop their mental game by setting strategies?
3. Do we need a psychologist and strategist in the Pakistan team?

4. Can you help me analyze the 4 times Umar Akmal has been dismissed in the last two tests. How many times did he get out to a good ball and how often did he give his wicket away?

5. Do you see him developing into a solid test batsman of Inzimam/Miandad/Tendulkar/Ponting category or you think he will disappear into the horizon like Imran Nazir and Imran Farhat or become a drag like Malik or Misbah.

Please quote the question number while you answer these questions. By all means please add more questions. Perhaps the mods can summarize these answers and send them to Umar, and we can say we have done our two cents worth for Pakistan.

[Oxy]

When those shot pay off - we drool over his stroke play.

The kid is 19 - he's been thrown into the deep end, batting in an alien position at this level.

He'll learn.

I think our 'anger' should be directed at those non-contributing 'batsmen' around him

[AZ]

indeed...too much overanalysis of Umar...he has already exhibited his battling abilities in the SL ODI series, the CT and in this test series as well...let him live a little!

[bluffmasterv2]

Good post. You basically mean "Umar Akmal - handle with care"

[cricket_fever]

Good post. You basically mean "Umar Akmal - handle with care"

nope thats stictly for aamir but with experience umar akmal will realise that he forms the spine of paks batting

[OZGOD]

He's a bit loose, but he's only young. That's why he shouldn't be batting in the top 3 - he should be batting in the lower middle order so he can learn the value of your wicket. He's an immensely talented player but I fear he will be @#$#% up again by the perpetual musical chairs game that the Pak selectors play. If he were an Ozzie we would look after this bloke. There's a reason that Ponting batted at 6 for years before he moved to 3, and why Clarke has been batting at 5 and 6, and why Hussey batted at 7 for a long time before moving to 5 and then 4. You look after your assets and don't throw them under the bus after 3 Tests.

[Tay'yab-Ali Malik]

Kevin Peterson comes to mind. When his shots come off and he scores 50 plus it's a joy to watch but when he gets out playing in the same way it's frustrating but we have all come learn that's his game.

[murphyslaw79]

he will learn with experience, at the moment he only knows how to bat one way, so let him continue, as it is working for him.

I remember when Sachin tendulkar made his debut, ravi shastri said something along the lines of "enjoy yourself young man, and play how you know how to play, leave the responsibility to the more senior player"

[MIG]

He obviously, does not do this deliberatley. He has been given carte blanche by Pak management to hit us out of trouble and he is performing his duties admirably.

What he needs to become is a little selfish and start worrying about milestones...

His other mistake is to think that he is a junior in this team of so called seniors.

[Amjid Javed]

He brings a devilish like excitement to the game and is still only 19 and am sure he will learn with time. You cant expect the complete package all at once.

A hundred and two fifties in a debut series away in new zealand in tough conditions is a good career start point.

[Easa]

Its the exuberance of youth, I think its great to watch him play with such a carefree attitude: he looks like he doesn't have a worry in the world and while playing in a team like Pakistan, that is very impressive!

He'll learn with time. If we stifle his immense talent and shot-making ability so early, we might ruin him completely. Dare I say it, we should learn from England of all teams in their handling of Kevin Pietersen. They realized from the get go that here was a maverick: a superb, original batsman, one who could be lost if over-coached. I think Umar Akmal can be our answer to England's Kevin Pietersen in due time.

[*sallu*]

He should most definitely not change his game

These things happen overtime.

Tendulkar was apparantly similar in style.

Let him play like this. He'll just get confused if he tries to change his game.

[Saudi]

Its the exuberance of youth, I think its great to watch him play with such a carefree attitude: he looks like he doesn't have a worry in the world and while playing in a team like Pakistan, that is very impressive!

He'll learn with time. If we stifle his immense talent and shot-making ability so early, we might ruin him completely. Dare I say it, we should learn from England of all teams in their handling of Kevin Pietersen. They realized from the get go that here was a maverick: a superb, original batsman, one who could be lost if over-coached. I think Umar Akmal can be our answer to England's Kevin Pietersen in due time.

Yep Pietersens shown that its possible to be belligerent and maintain a 50+ average. No need to for anyone to ask Umar to tone it down.

[On_the_up]

He's a bit loose, but he's only young. That's why he shouldn't be batting in the top 3 - he should be batting in the lower middle order so he can learn the value of your wicket. He's an immensely talented player but I fear he will be @#$#% up again by the perpetual musical chairs game that the Pak selectors play. If he were an Ozzie we would look after this bloke. There's a reason that Ponting batted at 6 for years before he moved to 3, and why Clarke has been batting at 5 and 6, and why Hussey batted at 7 for a long time before moving to 5 and then 4. You look after your assets and don't throw them under the bus after 3 Tests.
With Pakistanis the more senior you get the lower you want to bat

[mindless slogging]

When those shot pay off - we drool over his stroke play.

The kid is 19 - he's been thrown into the deep end, batting in an alien position at this level.

He'll learn.

I think our 'anger' should be directed at those non-contributing 'batsmen' around him

Absolutely spot on. He actually batted really really well till he was on 48 I think. Then he tried an audacious pull, and after he got to 50 he tried to smash it down the ground.

He will obviously learn from this, but how about the rest. I wouldn't be surprised if the others bored him ****less and he just had to swing the bat. Seriously, who else in our side looks any bit as good as him. Already he is our best player (Moyo seems still not to found his form of old. He may never get it back). I would put all my anger at the rest. Even the W.I. got 450 vs Australia. The N.Z. commentators were talking about us batting the whole day, and Bam, we get out at tea.

[On_the_up]

The concern is he might pick up bad habits from his team mates. He seems to be able to play the audacious inns as well as the watchfull one. He needs to realise when you have got a side down you dont give them a helping hand by giving your wkt away.

Ironically getting bowled out might be in the best interest of Pakistan with the weather potentially disrupting play.

[Howzat]

That's an advice the most experienced in the Pakistani team don't listen to. Who will tell this to Umar and who will he learn from?

[Inswinger]

He's a 19 year old playing his first Test series. We aren't talking about a robot here from whom you expect perfection. He'll learn and improve with every match. His aggressive innings were required yesterday. Too bad the incompetent fool that followed couldn't continue what he had started.

[zaid65]

If he is 19 that does not mean, he will be given the benefit of doubt to play that kind of inning. Some one said in this thread that he might would pick up the bad habits early and this is so true.

Umar is the best talent we have seen after long time, He is not Faisal, Fawad, Malik, Butt, Farhat,...He should be treated like Mianadad, Inzi and Yousuf, every single effort and attention should be given to take care of this diamond.

[tahaqureshi]

That's an advice the most experienced in the Pakistani team don't listen to. Who will tell this to Umar and who will he learn from?


He will learn from his own personal experience.

The more time he spends playing test cricket, the more variety of situations he will face and the more he will learn about how to handle these different situations.

I don't think there are any batsmen in our team, except maybe Yousuf, who can give him any advice whatsoever.

[mindless slogging]

That's an advice the most experienced in the Pakistani team don't listen to. Who will tell this to Umar and who will he learn from?

So very true. Imagine Misbah telling him to block 50 balls before scoring a run. Or Malik telling him how to make average bowlers seem world-beaters. Or Butt and Farhat teaching him the all important art of fishing. Meanwhile Moyo tells him to bat at 3. The only guy I see offering reasonable advice in the side is Kamran Akmal (like he did on Umar's debut).

In response to the guys that say we should criticise him. He is only 19!!! He scored a 50. It is he's second test. It aint his darn fault the rest are rubbish. He has bailed them out in every innings he's played so far. Over-burdening him by giving him this role of bailing us out in every match will kill him. We should be having a go at the other ''batsmen'' who contribute jack all to the side. Get rid of that dead weight and we might get somewhere. Don't expect a 19 year old in his second test to be Inzi/Ponting yet that he gets his team out of trouble in most innings.

[Juggernaut]

To be honest with the way our batting is nowdays we need Don Bradman.
Someone who can get us a 100 runs every innings. So give the guy a break. He's 19 years old for Gods sake. He seems to have a decent head on his shoulders. I'm confident he'll get better and better.

[pun500]

what worries me more if this is the approach the team management has set for him because he is a better player than that.

if it is his own then its ok as he might learn with time but still the coach must tell him.

i know he is 19 but it is a lot better if he gets out defending for 30 then slogs his way to 50 and gets out because in the former he is on the right track

this approach looks glamorous but is hardly of any use.

[Inswinger]

what worries me more if this is the approach the team management has set for him because he is a better player than that.

if it is his own then its ok as he might learn with time but still the coach must tell him.

i know he is 19 but it is a lot better if he gets out defending for 30 then slogs his way to 50 and gets out because in the former he is on the right track

this approach looks glamorous but is hardly of any use.
But his performance in the first test shows that he's capable of playing to the situation. The first innings was flash but the second innings was very defensive.

[khalil1986]

He didn't really play any reckless shots and i think its good for his confidence aswell, its not like he got out without reaching double figures 52 is a very good score considering his contribution throughout the series.

[pun500]

But his performance in the first test shows that he's capable of playing to the situation. The first innings was flash but the second innings was very defensive.
thats what worries me ...

has the team management told him to play like this??

or has he himself decided that this is the best method for him as he was worked over in the 2nd test 1st innings?

both ways are dangerous because he is a damn fine bat but today he was slogging when there was no need for it.

I never doubted the talent and i know he is capable of playing both ways but it is just that in test cricket he should adopt the sedate approach and not waste his talent.

[Juggernaut]

what worries me more if this is the approach the team management has set for him because he is a better player than that.

if it is his own then its ok as he might learn with time but still the coach must tell him.

i know he is 19 but it is a lot better if he gets out defending for 30 then slogs his way to 50 and gets out because in the former he is on the right track

this approach looks glamorous but is hardly of any use.

Can I just point something out? He didn't slog his way to 50 last night if thats what your implying. They were all good cricketing shots. The shot he got out to,however, was poor.

Please do not place him in the same bracket as Afrid, Nazir et al by calling him a slogger.

Merci.

[tahaqureshi]

Can I just point something out? He didn't slog his way to 50 last night if thats what your implying. They were all good cricketing shots. The shot he got out to,however, was poor.

Please do not place him in the same bracket as Afrid, Nazir et al by calling him a slogger.

Merci.

Yup.

That one shot where he swiveled on the crease and held the pose while on his knees watching the ball sail over the fielders was classic!

[kayanni]

but his shot to get out was reckless and the excubrance of youth.

my beef is that Moyo should have been talking to Umar telling to take his time etc we had NZ by the throat........ and to pick and choose his shots.........

[Gollum]

Leave him be until he's 24, or 38! Just leave him be.

[amar1212]

OK, I'll tell him

[Inswinger]

but his shot to get out was reckless and the excubrance of youth.

my beef is that Moyo should have been talking to Umar telling to take his time etc we had NZ by the throat........ and to pick and choose his shots.........
He was picking and choosing his shots. He got out to an outstanding catch. He would have cleared any other fielder.

[Gollum]

OK, I'll tell him


yaar pyar se kursi par bitha ke batana...Umar qaumi assasa hai!

[amar1212]

yaar pyar se kursi par bitha ke batana...Umar qaumi assasa hai!
??

[Inswinger]

??
An asset to the country.

[Nazir_ Rules]

Inshallah, he will learn and improve and get better as time passes by, just let him play as he doing right now, he needs a good platform, and at the moment thats exactly what he is doing. Any how, it was a brilliant innings, and a fun one to watch. Thank the almighty Allah for the talent that the pakistani team have got (Aamir, Umar, etc) without them, our team is just nothing.

[amar1212]

An asset to the country.
oh lol yea thats true...

[Rizie]

For once he could play a game without pressure let him enjoy that

[Kriketer]

Others realized the value of their wicket and played tuk tuk and got out. This guy took a totally different approach to Test cricket. It's good to see that he can play any form of cricket under any tough and easy circumstances. He will learn by time, but don't devalue his valuable contributions so far. Yesterday's inning was a good thing for a change, since we are so used to seeing our several batsmen playing cowardly with weak mindset just to save their spot and then always end up throwing their wicket away.

[kingusama92]

Why are we worrying about Umar Akmal?

How about looking at Farhat, Butt, Malik and Misbah before commenting on this guy who has actually done something valuable for the team.

This is the way he plays and when the shots don't come off they seem irresponsible. We can't expect him to be the perfect batsman already. He's not going to be flawless right from the start.

[Gollum]

Why are we worrying about Umar Akmal?

How about looking at Farhat, Butt, Malik and Misbah before commenting on this guy who has actually done something valuable for the team.

This is the way he plays and when the shots don't come off they seem irresponsible. We can't expect him to be the perfect batsman already. He's not going to be flawless right from the start.

:14: :14: :14:

[zaid65]

Why are we worrying about Umar Akmal?

How about looking at Farhat, Butt, Malik and Misbah before commenting on this guy who has actually done something valuable for the team.

This is the way he plays and when the shots don't come off they seem irresponsible. We can't expect him to be the perfect batsman already. He's not going to be flawless right from the start.


You missed the point of the post, you don't need to care and worry about garbage and 3rd class players, you only need to care about class player.

By the way, didn't people create million posts and thread about above mentioned garbage players?

[umarf76]

You missed the point of the post, you don't need to care and worry about garbage and 3rd class players, you only need to care about class player.

By the way, didn't people create million posts and thread about above mentioned garbage players?

Umar Akmal will have to get used to this. There are a lot of expectations from the man. He is our future star and therefore his career and every decision he makes will be dissected from now on.

[On_the_up]

Why are we worrying about Umar Akmal?

How about looking at Farhat, Butt, Malik and Misbah before commenting on this guy who has actually done something valuable for the team.

This is the way he plays and when the shots don't come off they seem irresponsible. We can't expect him to be the perfect batsman already. He's not going to be flawless right from the start.
I think majority of people believe the Butts, Maliks, Misbahs and Farhats of this world are beyond any hope so no point trying to teach old dogs new tricks.

Us supporters do not want a new star to go down the same route.

[PapaBear]

Umar Akmal will have to get used to this. There are a lot of expectations from the man. He is our future star and therefore his career and every decision he makes will be dissected from now on.
The topics of Farhat, Butt, Malik and Misbah have been done and dusted by this forum. We have beaten those subjects to death.

Dont misunderstand this thread, noone is angry at Umar Akmal or criticizing him here. We are discussing how best can he be helped to become a great player.

[jattafridi]

jawaan khoon tua joosh maray gha hee na

[kingusama92]

You missed the point of the post, you don't need to care and worry about garbage and 3rd class players, you only need to care about class player.

By the way, didn't people create million posts and thread about above mentioned garbage players?

I am just saying that why complain about a 19 year old batsman not recognizing the value of his wicket when he has been scoring huge runs?

I brought up those players because before telling Umar Akmal he needs to recognize the value of his wicket we need to clear up the junk we've collected. As of now ... we don't need to fix something that ain't broke.

[Zaz]

yousuf shouldve had words

I doubt he wouldve played like that batting with yk, thats why yk was so important to the tem, yousuf im afraid doesnt have any authority

[Kamranz]

If it isn't broken why fix it?? He is fine as he is, I'd rather watch attacking player play than fall asleep regardless of which cricketing format it may be.

[Zaz]

If it isn't broken why fix it?? He is fine as he is, I'd rather watch attacking player play than fall asleep regardless of which cricketing format it may be.


The point is if he takes responsibility and puts a prize on his wkt he will make a whole lot more runs

He should always look to bat through the innings, if he does that these regular collapses would be avoided

[PapaBear]

I brought up those players because before telling Umar Akmal he needs to recognize the value of his wicket we need to clear up the junk we've collected. As of now ... we don't need to fix something that ain't broke.

Fair comment but the most depressing fact is that the dead wood will not be purged by PCB. Sadly Malik, Farhat, Misbah, Butt will be selected again in the 3rd Test and will go to Australia.

[PapaBear]

The point is if he takes responsibility and puts a prize on his wkt he will make a whole lot more runs

He should always look to bat through the innings, if he does that these regular collapses would be avoided
Absolutely right!! :14: :14: :14:

[insaaniyat]

Fair comment but the most depressing fact is that the dead wood will not be purged by PCB. Sadly Malik, Farhat, Misbah, Butt will be selected again in the 3rd Test and will go to Australia.
Agreed, I don't see much changes for Australia tour either. May Khalid Latif for Khurram Manzoor.

[kingusama92]

Fair comment but the most depressing fact is that the dead wood will not be purged by PCB. Sadly Malik, Farhat, Misbah, Butt will be selected again in the 3rd Test and will go to Australia.

This is the most depressing fact of our cricket.

Honestly, we would be better off playing youngsters then these guys. They are all in absolute atrocious form and it seems like it'll last for life.

[insaaniyat]

Can we leave Omar Akmal alone, please? He is doing just fine.

[Atif]

Its the Coach's job to tell him, but hes too busy eating pies...

[Amjid Javed]

I think with Pakistan having series in New zealand, Australia and then Series in England over next summer its will test Umar to the max and this is a good thing rather then him playing on dead flat wickets in india etc.. and then been exposed to playing on tougher wickets after.

I think Umar will get rave reviews in Australia for his combative batting style.

[insaaniyat]

I think with Pakistan having series in New zealand, Australia and then Series in England over next summer its will test Umar to the max and this is a good thing rather then him playing on dead flat wickets in india etc.. and then been exposed to playing on tougher wickets after.

I think Umar will get rave reviews in Australia for his combative batting style.

I think Omar would be the difference in Australia.

[pak4life]

The point is if he takes responsibility and puts a prize on his wkt he will make a whole lot more runs

He should always look to bat through the innings, if he does that these regular collapses would be avoided


I dont think he should change anything thats the way he bats and thats the way he scores his runs. Theres no guarantee taking less chances will lead to more runs sometimes you can just get bogged down. Him putting pressure on the bowlers straight away will lead to bowlers setting defensive fields as we saw vettori do yesterday.

Some players just need to be left to play their natural game ie sehwag, akmal etc

[Kamranz]

The point is if he takes responsibility and puts a prize on his wkt he will make a whole lot more runs

He should always look to bat through the innings, if he does that these regular collapses would be avoided


Why are you being soo picky? How about other batsman like: :malik :butt :misbah :moyo and Farhat They tend to go out there "to bat through the innings" what happens to them?? Can you explain?

You're missing a point that's lacking in Pakistani batsman, as I've mentioned time after time again, The metal approach of our batsman isn't correct. They think by staying out there defending/blocking take them to Higher total...So, what happens next Last ball of the over they built enough pressure on themselves they try hitting either goes Slip or Catch out.

^^Keep the above comment in mind. It'll prove to you.

Regardless of Cricketing format player Should play his NATURAL GAME!!! Look at the Australian's and Indian's (Sewag) against balls faced.

OPENERS HAVE TO BE ATTACKING!

WHY do you think Waqar mentioned Saed Anwar and Amir Sohail as our longest opening pair - becuz they were aggressive, Rotated the strike early on.
Now Salman Butt and Imran Farhat BOTH have bad foot work. Both can not play fast tracks.

[jwizle]

well, you also have to understand the situation in the match. when umar akmal came in yesterday, pakistan were sitting pretty. he was able to play his natural game yesterday, but when in situations where things are looking sketchy, there is no way he should be allowed to play some of the shots that he did.

[161]

His innings yesterday was both amazing and disturbing at the same time.

You don't bat like that in Test cricket .. period !

[PapaBear]

[I]

You're missing a point that's lacking in Pakistani batsman, as I've mentioned time after time again, The metal approach of our batsman isn't correct. They think by staying out there defending/blocking take them to Higher total...So, what happens next Last ball of the over they built enough pressure on themselves they try hitting either goes Slip or Catch out.
[/B]

Well said, I agree with you there, by not scoring at all you just allow the pressure to build, which is the other extreme. YK even does that in ODI and Misbah too.

All we are saying is stay away from these extremes, play your shots, rotate strike, take calculated risks but don't be rash and be like a walking wicket. Even commentators had their heart in their mouth as long he stayed there. He was fearless, brave and entertaining, but if he had not gone for the shot that he went out on Pakistan would have scored at least 300.

[saqlain]

Everyone is commenting as Umar Akmal has already played 100 plus test matches. We dont even know if he would be in the team after 6 months or something. I suggest please keep your frustration and comments for later use. Let him have his good time, play his own brand of cricket and most important cement his place in the time. We all have seen when players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mohammad Yousaf, Younis Khan were booted from the team for no good reason but politics. I think he is doing a fine job with the way he is playing at the moment.

[PapaBear]

His innings yesterday was both amazing and disturbing at the same time.

You don't bat like that in Test cricket .. period !
:))) :))) :)))

[ahsanib]

Yeah I'm sympathetic to the original post. We care more about Umar than the others because he has more talent and can be one of the world's three best players. If you're a teacher, will you care more about the A- student who you think can get an A, or the D student who at best will get a C+?

I think Umar's performance in the first test got him just a touch overconfident. He played no false strokes -- literally none -- in either innings of the first test. In the second, he was trying some very ambitious shots, some of which came off and some of which did not. It's not a big deal; he's 19 and he will learn for sure. But I think he's the type of guy who just needs a veteran at the other end to keep talking to him. For example, I think he would bat very well with Younis at the other end (Yousuf is probably more laid back).

The bottom line is that in OZ, we need him to make big runs because frankly the rest of the lineup is utter crap. It's unfair to be putting so much responsibility on a 19 year-old, but with his talent and skill level, we really have no other choice.

[kingusama92]

Yeah I'm sympathetic to the original post. We care more about Umar than the others because he has more talent and can be one of the world's three best players. If you're a teacher, will you care more about the A- student who you think can get an A, or the D student who at best will get a C+?



To be honest.. you're not a good teacher if you think like that. A teacher's role is to help all of his/her students no matter how poorly they do.

Although I get what you are saying. I think we have to ease off on our expectations from the lad. If we keep adding more pressure on his young shoulders he will fall and perhaps never get up again.

We need him to keep batting the way he does. We can't expect him to carry the team no matter how good he is. Not many teams are successful when they start banking on only rookies to win them games.

[iafzal]

but his shot to get out was reckless and the excubrance of youth.

my beef is that Moyo should have been talking to Umar telling to take his time etc we had NZ by the throat........ and to pick and choose his shots.........
If Akmal sr was batting with him I am sure he would have scord another ton and would not have played that careless shot.

[insaaniyat]

If Akmal sr was batting with him I am sure he would have scord another ton and would not have played that careless shot.
Well I think he did just fine. If he needs to be a star, he doesn't need to tag along with his brother all the time. He himself is very talented, will do good on his own.

[90MPH]

The moaning has already begun.

Give it a rest guys, just leave this dynamite well alone.
With time he will be adjust and become more careful with some of his shot selections, but at the moment he is just fine on what he is doing.

[Juggernaut]

To be honest.. you're not a good teacher if you think like that. A teacher's role is to help all of his/her students no matter how poorly they do.

Although I get what you are saying. I think we have to ease off on our expectations from the lad. If we keep adding more pressure on his young shoulders he will fall and perhaps never get up again.

We need him to keep batting the way he does. We can't expect him to carry the team no matter how good he is. Not many teams are successful when they start banking on only rookies to win them games.

I think you completely missed the point of ahsan's post.

[McBoom]

Don't mess with him.

Let him be.

[kingusama92]

I think you completely missed the point of ahsan's post.

I understood his point. I just thought he used the wrong metaphor that's all.

It makes sense that if you have a good player then you should look to improve him because he has potential. While what's the point of helping a poor player when his potential level is low and he can't increase it that much.

Which I completely agree with but I thought using the teacher metaphor was incorrect because teachers are there to help everyone regardless of potential.

[Juggernaut]

I understood his point. I just thought he used the wrong metaphor that's all.

It makes sense that if you have a good player then you should look to improve him because he has potential. While what's the point of helping a poor player when his potential level is low and he can't increase it that much.

Which I completely agree with but I thought using the teacher metaphor was incorrect because teachers are there to help everyone regardless of potential.

Wow

That's over analysis and taking things too seriously if ever I saw it. :))

[PapaBear]

The moaning has already begun.

Give it a rest guys, just leave this dynamite well alone.
With time he will be adjust and become more careful with some of his shot selections, but at the moment he is just fine on what he is doing.
Now shall we leave him the way he is? What an atrocious shot was that? Would it hurt if someone had talked to him about the value of staying at the wicket?

[*sallu*]

I think he fell today because of the case of him trying to "value" his innings too much

He defended about 15 balls in a row and played a poor shot because of frustration.

I was looking forward to him coming out and playing like his usual self. Wouldn't surprise me if someones had a "chat" with him.

Umar, please play your natural game always

[AZ]

or maybe he just played a poor shot? over-analysing everything doesn't help

[shane]

I was so disappointed with the shot he played today. It was a lazy waft more typical of Pakistan's lesser batsmen (like Yousuf). The ball was a bad one and should have bee hit hard over the infield.

[mindless slogging]

or maybe he just played a poor shot? over-analysing everything doesn't help

Yeah spot on.

[Cheguvera]

I was so disappointed with the shot he played today. It was a lazy waft more typical of Pakistan's lesser batsmen (like Yousuf). The ball was a bad one and should have bee hit hard over the infield.

He played plenty of similar shots in the previous matches...his luck final caught up with him...

[fawad_wellwisher]

It's an unwritten rule if you play for Pakistan that you get to sit out if score a duck to keep the musical chairs game going.

Who's next? K Manzoor or Malik maybe??

[kingusama92]

I was so disappointed with the shot he played today. It was a lazy waft more typical of Pakistan's lesser batsmen (like Yousuf). The ball was a bad one and should have bee hit hard over the infield.

Lesser batsmen like Yousuf? :46:

The shot was certainly a bad one though. We can't expect him to score every single time though. Like the NZ commentators were saying "He was due to fail".

[PapaBear]

He played plenty of similar shots in the previous matches...his luck final caught up with him...
Good test players eliminate the factor of luck by playing straight and leaving outside balls alone, grind a long inning and smash these balls ones they are set the eye is in. From this analysis it seems that Umer Akmal is a slogger, someone who rides his luck, and scores quickly in one innings and may get out on zero in the next.
Pakistan needs someone who can build and craft a long innings, and I thought UA was one. But I guess I was wrong.
Perhaps it is best if he just makes a quickfire 50 and once in a while hit an odd century.
How many batsmen do we have in with this style? All of them are like that?

Where is Mr. Dependable that Pakistan needs in the middle order?

[Muhammad]

Good test players eliminate the factor of luck by playing straight and leaving outside balls alone, grind a long inning and smash these balls ones they are set the eye is in. From this analysis it seems that Umer Akmal is a slogger, someone who rides his luck, and scores quickly in one innings and may get out on zero in the next.
Pakistan needs someone who can build and craft a long innings, and I thought UA was one. But I guess I was wrong.
Perhaps it is best if he just makes a quickfire 50 and once in a while hit an odd century.
How many batsmen do we have in with this style? All of them are like that?

Where is Mr. Dependable that Pakistan needs in the middle order?

I know it's difficult but patience is required from the fans as well as the players.

He showed he could do it in the first test, have some faith, today's dismissal was abysmal but mistakes are made however experienced a player is, with more knocks under the belt the improvement will come.

[AZ]

Good test players eliminate the factor of luck by playing straight and leaving outside balls alone, grind a long inning and smash these balls ones they are set the eye is in. From this analysis it seems that Umer Akmal is a slogger, someone who rides his luck, and scores quickly in one innings and may get out on zero in the next.
Pakistan needs someone who can build and craft a long innings, and I thought UA was one. But I guess I was wrong.
Perhaps it is best if he just makes a quickfire 50 and once in a while hit an odd century.
How many batsmen do we have in with this style? All of them are like that?

Where is Mr. Dependable that Pakistan needs in the middle order?

please show me one batsman in world cricket that is that bloody perfect...if this is the way you like your cricket, then I'm afraid you will never ever be satisfied...you're making it as if getting out is some sort of Gunaah for a batsman

[shaaan]

True UA played a bad shot but not every player score in every single innings. Every players fails now and then and UA will be no exception. This is only his 3rd test. He has produced 4 good innings so far, which is really good for a player of his age.

He is still learning and will become even better down the road.

[PapaBear]

Well he lost his head again today when Pakistan needed him to survive till lunch and he couldn't handle the pressure of new ball and his mental game has been exposed. Only if he puts a prize on his wickets and become selective in his shots when his country needs him he would become a great player. Inti should be aware, UA cant handle new ball!!

[*sallu*]

Well he lost his head again today when Pakistan needed him to survive till lunch and he couldn't handle the pressure of new ball and his mental game has been exposed. Only if he puts a prize on his wickets and become selective in his shots when his countries needs him he would become a great player. Inti should be aware, UA cant handle new ball!!

Are you sure you want him to stop playing those shots

Because just for your information he wouldn't have scored ss many runs if he stops playing his shots

He'll defend, and he;ll end up doing what he did in the first innings.
Poke at a ball outside off

[mnoman15]

Guys think positive, at least these mistakes could be rectified , its not technical issue like Malik and Misbah ... Only if Bob Woolmer was around :(

[*sallu*]

Guys think positive, at least these mistakes could be rectified , its not technical issue like Malik and Misbah ... Only if Bob Woolmer was around :(

But the thing is why do you want to rectify this

(i) Just remember a lot of the balls he scores runs off, he will now not score runs off. Eventually he will just frustrate himself into slogging or playing a tentative shot

(ii) Players learn things like this naturally over time. Look at Tendulkar. No one coached him into adopting a more proper approach. With age, the rush of blood becomes lesser and lesser and you become a caler individual

If you are as talented as U.Akmal, I say, let nature adopt its course

[Geordie Ahmed]

Leave Umar Akmal alone - he is 19 years old for gods sake. He has had a brilliant start to his career because he has been playing his natural game - the moment you curb that then you will be losing a big part of what makes him perform well

In time im sure he will learn the little things that get him out BUT that comes with experience - heck even experienced players get out from what we call 'silly' dismissals, its part and parcel of the game

We have a wonderful talent in our side, enjoy it rather than moaning about it

[muhammad saad]

Plz leave him alone and let him play his natural game otherwise he will turn in to another Salman Butt who started as a aggresive stroke maker but now he has just lost it.

[Ryankhan]

i agree with you, dont know how he got out today but in todays play i think we needed some quick runs and he may have gone for quick runs so got out. but he should be handle with care and the way he makes his run, if he doesnt gets out like throw away his wicket then every match is a 100 for him............

[90MPH]

He got out to a ball that was there to be cut, but just bounced a bit more cause the ball was new.

He needs to keep playing like this, just be a bit more cautious from playing away from his body thats all.

[jatt799]

1.in champion trophy against nz but that was wrong umpring by ST

2.against nz in first test that game he almost bring pak home but he fail

3.against aus in second test here again he almost bring pak home and he fail again.

i hope next time he bring pak home insallah. he's very good player

[saadjhussain]

he's 19, a country shouldn't have to rely on a 19 year old. the captain and our best player should be taking us home

[truth]

He is very young, has to curtail some of his attacking instincts shall see him win many matches ........ :)

[mmkextreme_1]

come on man..he is 19 years old..what do you expect him to be..super hero for Pakistan? How about the other 6 batsmen that are present in the team (or should I say non present)

[mmkextreme_1]

He is a attacking cricketer..and if he stops that..face it guys that how he plays and sometimes it doesn't always work..when he goes into defensive measures..everyone starts to say ohh he is not playing his natural game..the value his wicket will come with time..

[Cheguvera]

What does age have anything to do with any of this...Is he getting paied less because of his age....shouldn't he then be playing in the U-19 WC then wasting everybody's time in the Test arena????

[mmkextreme_1]

Also if he didn't go for his shots and the tail had gotten out..then what?

[AZ]

Also if he didn't go for his shots and the tail had gotten out..then what?

there's a difference between being dismissed and throwing your wicket away...Umar has been doing the latter a few too many times

[asadee]

I just hope that once his brother Dropmal is ousted (hopefully) it doesn't affect his performance in any way

[Juggernaut]

I'd cut him some slack at 19 years old.

But what I will say is that I truly hope he doesn't make this 'not bringing his team home' an issue.

He's too young to be expected to win game after game for his country.

In an ideal world the senior batsman around him would take on the bulk of the responsibility and protect him as much as possible.

Ofcourse this is Pakistan we're talking about. Most of the batsman are useless.

Let's not make this an issue that the boy continously worries over. He's likely to regress over the years than progress if that happens.

[Zaz]

No doubt he is a talent but i think the kid needs a kickup the backside

Not blaming him for the defeat, there are prob half a dozen more culpable people, however he needs to learn to put a price on his wkt

How many times have we seen him hit the ball in the hair going for a pea brained slog in tests?

He shouldve known he was the last hope and that while he was there pak had a chance he shouldve played a normal risk free game whilst we had wkts
if he was playing with the last man then fair enough but we still had wkts in hand

He shouldve watched hussey how to play with the tail, the kid needs to learn and learn fast

[in_cutter]

As much as I am impressed with this young man I have watched him throw away his wicket on at least three occasions, do you think he needs a batting coach or a psychologist to make him understand how valuable his wicket is? Only once he was out on a very good ball, all other times he was caught trying to hit the ball out of the park.

I am all for playing your natural game but I am not impressed by the label commentators are putting on him that he is is a flasher. I think he is much better than that. He has all the shots in the book but it saddens me to see that he has picked up some bad habits while playing in the backyard with his elder brother. He is a different class all together.

When UA surfaced I thought we have a new Miandad who plays like Afridi with a brain on his shoulders but I am not so sure now.

I can now understand why Mudassar Nazar had thrown him out of the academy. I love this guy and I wish he can be guided and coached again to put a price on his wicket. He is like 50% of Pakistan batting. I did not see Yusuf asking him to calm down today, instead he let him play with flare and flash.

He could have told him, look boy today is your golden opportunity to make a double hundred, calm down son, I heard so many ppers saying that today.

Is there nobody in the Pakistan camp who can guide him?

He can become another Tendulkar and break all records if he can just play ground strokes, eliminate risks and play like a Test Match player.

He is a national asset I think; but I am not sure if he is being groomed to become a great player. I have some questions for you.

1. Do these batsmen get any help in setting up their long term and short term goals?

2. Do you think our coach understands setting milestones and goals for individual players and how to develop their mental game by setting strategies?
3. Do we need a psychologist and strategist in the Pakistan team?

4. Can you help me analyze the 4 times Umar Akmal has been dismissed in the last two tests. How many times did he get out to a good ball and how often did he give his wicket away?

5. Do you see him developing into a solid test batsman of Inzimam/Miandad/Tendulkar/Ponting category or you think he will disappear into the horizon like Imran Nazir and Imran Farhat or become a drag like Malik or Misbah.

Please quote the question number while you answer these questions. By all means please add more questions. Perhaps the mods can summarize these answers and send them to Umar, and we can say we have done our two cents worth for Pakistan.

Leave the kid alone! He is only 19 for god's sake & still learning!

[Geordie Ahmed]

there's a difference between being dismissed and throwing your wicket away...Umar has been doing the latter a few too many times

In the 4 innings in Australia i would say he threw his wicket away once, which was the last innings and that too often his team mates let him down with horrible dismissals

The type of player he is, i think most times he will probably give his wicket away BUT that is something he will improve as time goes by

[Geordie Ahmed]

No doubt he is a talent but i think the kid needs a kickup the backside

Not blaming him for the defeat, there are prob half a dozen more culpable people, however he needs to learn to put a price on his wkt

How many times have we seen him hit the ball in the hair going for a pea brained slog in tests?

He shouldve known he was the last hope and that while he was there pak had a chance he shouldve played a normal risk free game whilst we had wkts
if he was playing with the last man then fair enough but we still had wkts in hand

He shouldve watched hussey how to play with the tail, the kid needs to learn and learn fast

That makes no sense though because then the opposition only need one ball to dismiss the last batsman - with 3 batsmen left (tailenders who have shown they cant bat) it made more sense for him to go on the attack and try to reduce the runs since he is the better batsman

I think people have reacted way too much to Umar Akmal and they are expecting far too much

The last 3 top Pakistani batsmen are/were Inzi, YK and Yousuf - take a look at the start of their career and compare it to Umar

[PapaBear]

How many of us still say we should let him play his shots, he should be left alone, he will learn, and son....

He showed so much promise when he arrived at the scene, but his graph is going down, only way out for him is to learn to stay at the wicket and put a price on his wicket; runs will come from him.
A batting coach and a strategist is definitely needed, unless we want to accept him as a slogger and a 50/50, hit and miss player. I am sure he is better than that.

[shaaan]

He is definately a better player then just a slogger. As you said he needs to learn to stay at the wicket. He should be forcing bowlers to take his wicket instead of him giving his wicket away to bowlers.

This will come from experience as well as advice/coaching from coach and seniors in the team..(particulary MoYo and YK).

[WithLoveFromCanada]

he needs to get caught in dubai to realize his skill set and the opportunity he has got to make it big.