Sydney debacle a 'scary dream' - Kamran Akmal

[Lethal]

Kamran Akmal, the Pakistan wicketkeeper, has described his terrible outing in the Sydney Test, which Pakistan lost by 36 runs, as a "scary dream".

Akmal's keeping has come in for criticism in the recent past and reached its peak during the second innings in Sydney, when he dropped Michael Hussey thrice to give Australia an opportunity to sneak back into the match. Hussey scored a century and was involved in what turned out to be a match-winning partnership with Peter Siddle for the ninth wicket, as Pakistan capitulated in their chase of 176 to concede the series 2-0.

"It was from my point of view my worst performance in any match of my career. It was like a scary dream and I just want to get over it and now approach the rest of my career with a new resolve and positivity," Akmal was quoted as saying by Pakistan daily Jang.

For a period over 2004-05, including the last trip to Australia, Akmal's keeping was widely lauded. But during 2006, in particular the tour to England where he continued playing with an injured finger, his form dipped alarmingly, and he dropped a number of chances over the next two years. Sarfraz Ahmed will be joining the Pakistan squad for the third and final Test in Hobart, and it still remains to be seen if he will replace Akmal in the line-up. Pakistan coach, Intikhab Alam, yesterday, called for Akmal to take a break from international cricket given his form with the gloves.

Akmal, however, was determined to fight back and called on those criticising him for his performance to display some perspective by also taking his past performances into account. "It is fine and anybody's right to criticise me but to make my Sydney Test performance the basis for starting a campaign against me is not fair and neither ruin the interest of Pakistan cricket," he said. "I must want to quietly play and enjoy my cricket. I know my mistakes cost us the Test but no cricketer gives a bad performance on purpose and my critics should not forget I have played leading roles in many of Pakistan's past successes as well.

"I am ashamed of my performance as well and I apologies to the nation for this and I don't want to make any excuses but I am also confident that I am capable of hitting form again and doing well for my country."

Fitness, Akmal said, was not at all a problem for him and was not a reason for his poor display in Sydney. He added he would seek advice from Ian Healy and Rashid Latif, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper, on improving his skills.

"I am totally fit and I enjoy playing in all three forms of the game for my country. They are many other wicketkeepers who have played non stop cricket for their country people like MS Dhoni, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Boucher, Kumar Sangakkara so I am no exception," he said. "Rashid is my idol and I will talk to him to sort out my problems soon. But I have not given up hope on my career at all."

http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvpak09/content/current/story/443234.html

But they are not dropping catches are they Kamran!

[kingusama92]

He's taken it well. Nice to see him still wanting help from Rashid.. after Rashid blasted him in the media. No ego whatsoever.

Ian Healy and Rashid Latif are great starting points to get help.

[mindless slogging]

Good to see he is looking ahead with hope and optimism, and thinking of improving his game all-round.

I have a feeling Sarfraz Ahmad will get a long run in the side, but his batting would come under close scrutiny. Akmal's best bet currently would be to concentrate on his batting to get in the side. I have a feeling he may well be completely dropped for the 3rd test (correct me if this is confirmed).

[Wazeeri]

Sarfraz Ahmed is a very decent batsman himself. I suspect that he would be a more suitable Test batsman then Akmal.

[Khalil]

To be honest his only real weakness is keeping against the spinners.

He was looked very good against the quickies when he is standing back. I hope Rashid can help him. Kamral Akmals batting is very valuable in limited over games.

[truth]

He's taken it well. Nice to see him still wanting help from Rashid.. after Rashid blasted him in the media. No ego whatsoever.

Ian Healy and Rashid Latif are great starting points to get help.
Ian Healy is bad in commentary box with Anti Pak remarks how can he help Kamran a Pakistani ????

[pakistanbest]

what a man, he is not he first or the last player to lose pakistan a match.

i fully back him and hope he works hard and is back for the summer test's.

good luck kami, wish to see you with your gloves back behind the stumps.

[mindless slogging]

Sarfraz Ahmed is a very decent batsman himself. I suspect that he would be a more suitable Test batsman then Akmal.

I would give him an extended run in the side aswell because his record is super thus far. But in Pakistan cricket all you need is one bad performance and you're out of the side. And I see that bad patch coming from his batting.

Remember Akmal in the N.Z. tour? Some were saying he should be captain and now he is a villain against the nation.

[kingusama92]

Ian Healy is bad in commentary box with Anti Pak remarks how can he help Kamran a Pakistani ????

Well.. Kamran is the one who brought up his name. I know Ian Healy is always making anti-pak remarks but I doubt he would say no to Akmal if he asked for advice.

[Lethal]

To tell you the truth, this should have been sorted 3-4 years ago.

[Easa]

Good comments from him, didn't try to justify it.

I understand where he's coming from, to be honest. His confidence looked in shatters after the first drop catch and after that, everything just went out of control. But he'll be back. To me, at least, its clear that he belongs at this level and he doesn't seem to be a stranger to hard work. He'll be back. Just needs some time off.

[Crucifier]

One of the vital cogs in our ODI and T20 side. I hope he returns to form soon. Especially before for the T20 WC where he his inclusion is critical.

[Khalil]

In 2004 Mark Boucher was dropped from the Protea squad for the tour to India because he dropped several catches from the spinners. Cricket South Africa helped Boucher sort his problem.

Boucher returned to the Protea side and I have not seen him drop a catch since


http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/141366.html

[Sledger]

I think Boucher was only dropped once but Akmal has had a few periods out of the team now and still makes the same mistakes. Boucher probably wasn't as used to spinners as Akmal due to the different cricketing cultures and SA producing more fast/med bowlers. No such excuse for Akmal.

[WithLoveFromCanada]

did anyone read those inti's comments "Kamran Akmal ke haath tairhay hain" haha

[Savak]

Hopefully Akmal will work hard on his wicket keeping and come back as a better keeper and hopefully in a better frame of mind.

[KA$H]

Well wake up and smell the coffee pal

last you dropped a "couple of catches" we lost the England series

dropping you now will halt that eventuality, until you learn to catch again

[*sallu*]

well, tbh you couldn't have expected a better statement than that

no excuses, no dramas, just wants to get it over with

*thumbs up*

[OZGOD]

Well.. Kamran is the one who brought up his name. I know Ian Healy is always making anti-pak remarks but I doubt he would say no to Akmal if he asked for advice.

Healy was the one who offered to help.


Healy to work with Kamran as Pakistan call for back-up
CHLOE SALTAU
January 8, 2010

FORMER Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has offered to come to the aid of the fumbling Kamran Akmal in Hobart but in the meantime Pakistan have been accused of a selection blunder in failing to include a reserve gloveman on the tour.

Pakistan team management was yesterday unable to confirm a report that Kamran's dreadful display behind the stumps in Sydney had prompted the selectors to rush promising gloveman Sarfraz Ahmed to Australia before the third Test.

Ahmed was seen as surplus to requirements after shadowing Kamran during the recent tour of New Zealand and was sent home before the team progressed to Australia.

Kamran dropped four catches during Australia's 36-run come-from-behind win at the SCG, three of them off the bowling of leg spinner Danish Kaneria to spare Mike Hussey on his way to 134 not out.

But he saved his worst fluff until last, when he dropped a simple leg-side catch to give a life to Hussey's batting partner, Peter Siddle, as they built a matchwinning partnership.

Captain Mohammad Yousuf has offered public support for Kamran but it has since emerged that former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif had recommended Kamran be dropped because of his technical flaws.

''I gave the board a report in which I recommended that Akmal not play international cricket for about six months but they didn't listen,'' Latif told Cricinfo. ''He had too many technical faults, he had put on too much weight for a wicketkeeper of his size and wearing a helmet to the spinners was really hampering him.

''The blunder was to send Sarfraz back [from New Zealand]. I had recommended that they at least try guys like Sarfraz and Salman Ahmed … As far as the argument about batting goes, in such Tests what help is the batting? He scores a hundred every six or seven innings. Outside Pakistan and the subcontinent his average is very low. If another guy comes and scores 30 or 40 in most innings, isn't that better?''

Healy worked with Kamran during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne but could not provide an immediate fix in Sydney because he was rostered off by Channel Nine. He said he would meet him again in Hobart and was under the impression that his difficulties standing up to the stumps could be resolved quickly.

''Sometimes the left-handed [batsman] gets quite difficult with the backlift high under his eyes and Kaneria probably threatens to spin it more than he actually spins it so he is worrying is it going to spin or bounce or go straight on,'' Healy said. ''I think we can fix it easily enough and he probably needs to spend some time in the nets with Kaneria.''

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/healy-to-work-with-kamran-as-pakistan-call-for-backup-20100107-lwya.html

[Savak]

A very nice gesture by Healy. A very selfless gesture. He is certainly not helping Kamran in exchange for money. Its his love for the game and i am sure he himself being a wicket keeper he knows what pressures Kamran himself must be going through at a time like this.

[cricketpassion]

Does anyone think he will play in next test .I think he will .

[JeeraBlade]

Sydney debacle a 'scary dream' - Kamran Akmal
Who caused that nightmare, Mr. Akmal?

[Shezada]

no kamran, it was a dream come true which u-turned into a nightmare because of you.

[mindless slogging]

Don't some people even read the thread before commenting?

He said it was a personal nightmare for him. He took all the blame for the defeat and even offered an apology to the nation for dropping a leathered wooden ball. he had no right to apologise. We have retards running the country that bomb indiscriminantly who don't apologise and lie to cover it up.

Some guys just make an excuse to criticise. Just get over it. He had a bad test so what? It's not the end of the world. Actually, if you're batting cannot chase 170 odd, that is an indictement of your cricket moreso than a wicket keeper dropping 4 catches.

[insaaniyat]

Nightmare or not, PPers are being very kind. On one hand they are to get Moyo's head and then forgiving him because they feel he is sorry.:)) I see double standard here big time. This guy is a trouble maker and needs to be out of the team till we have a strong captain to keep him in his place.

[Gollum]

Nightmare or not, PPers are being very kind. On one hand they are to get Moyo's head and then forgiving him because they feel he is sorry.:)) I see double standard here big time. This guy is a trouble maker and needs to be out of the team till we have a strong captain to keep him in his place.

I tend to agree as far as the 2nd test is concerned. If blame is divided into 10 parts, 9 parts will go to KA and 1 to MoYo.

[pakistani]

I tend to agree as far as the 2nd test is concerned. If blame is divided into 10 parts, 9 parts will go to KA and 1 to MoYo.

what about Misbah????

[Gollum]

what about Misbah????

If we are talking about the 4th inning, can't single out Misbah (even though his recall was a huge mistake by the PCB), everyone is equally to blame. Except for Salman Butt who got out on an exceptional catch, all the top and middle order batsmen got out by their own faults and lapses of concentration not by great bowling by the Aussie bowlers.

I'm talking about the fielding lapses for which Kamran is singularly responsible: 3 catches and 1 run out on the 3rd day. MoYo is responsible for the ultra defensive mindset on the 4th day, but this should have never happened if Kami had taken even 1 catch of Hussey on the 3rd day.

[insaaniyat]

If we are talking about the 4th inning, can't single out Misbah (even though his recall was a huge mistake by the PCB), everyone is equally to blame. Except for Salman Butt who got out on an exceptional catch, all the top and middle order batsmen got out by their own faults and lapses of concentration not by great bowling by the Aussie bowlers.

I'm talking about the fielding lapses for which Kamran is singularly responsible: 3 catches and 1 run out on the 3rd day. MoYo is responsible for the ultra defensive mindset on the 4th day, but this should have never happened if Kami had taken even 1 catch of Hussey on the 3rd day.
Exactly.

[insaaniyat]

However, it seems that the team management is now having second thoughts.

Sources told ‘The News’ that Kamran has a lot of influence within the team and most of the players want him to play the third Test instead of Sarfraz.
...........
http://thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=217955
********

I guess we will never learn. Even after a debacle like that, we can't even drop him for one test and seehow Sarfaraz does? Just pathetic.

[Rudi hater]

Kamran should never be selected in test matches no matter what he says. He is not capable with gloves.

[insaaniyat]

Kamran should never be selected in test matches no matter what he says. He is not capable with gloves.
Seems like our selectors want to give him another chance now

[sa88]

However, it seems that the team management is now having second thoughts.

Sources told ‘The News’ that Kamran has a lot of influence within the team and most of the players want him to play the third Test instead of Sarfraz.
...........
http://thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=217955
********

I guess we will never learn. Even after a debacle like that, we can't even drop him for one test and seehow Sarfaraz does? Just pathetic.

Seniorty and groupping rear their ugly heads.... :misbah :akmal :malik ;-)

[Rudi hater]

However, it seems that the team management is now having second thoughts.

Sources told ‘The News’ that Kamran has a lot of influence within the team and most of the players want him to play the third Test instead of Sarfraz.
...........
http://thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=217955
********

I guess we will never learn. Even after a debacle like that, we can't even drop him for one test and seehow Sarfaraz does? Just pathetic.

Well, according to Kamran he didn't dropped catches intentionally then quite clearly he lacks ability so all the more reason not to play him as he is not compitent enough. He will not play in the last test regardless of what he says or the paper. Sarfarz there to take part in the final test.

[insaaniyat]

Well, according to Kamran he didn't dropped catches intentionally then quite clearly he lacks ability so all the more reason not to play him as he is not compitent enough. He will not play in the last test regardless of what he says or the paper.Sarfarz there to take part in the final test.
Hope you are right:)

[eViLrAcEr]

whatever makes you want to improve, is good for you! I think he took the lesson from it

[Shezada]

just wondering, maybe abit offtopic, but doesnt it hurt like craaaaazy when your sitting there in squat position almost the whole match behind the wickets? how do wicketkeepers do it without messing up their knees? lol

[insaaniyat]

just wondering, maybe abit offtopic, but doesnt it hurt like craaaaazy when your sitting there in squat position almost the whole match behind the wickets? how do wicketkeepers do it without messing up their knees? lol
:))) They have a good potty practice without the toilet

[germanboy]

I have played leading roles in many of Pakistan's past successes as well.

ABHY DIMAGH KHARAM INSAAN hame pata hai kese rahi hai tere perforamance tu kabhi khud dekh to tujhe pata chale

i though he will be shameful but no he is not just throw him forever
(Ager acha khel gei kabhi to i will take my words back lol)

[Hari_India]

what about Misbah????

Good question.

I think Misbah ul haq lost you guys both the test matches.

Just see what position he came , he could have easily played for an hour and made a diff, but his wicket was what turned the tests.

[Shezada]

:))) They have a good potty practice without the toilet


surprised then that pakistanis out of all nations(except india and sri lanka) dont have world class wicketkeepers, because they are born into doing potty sitting like how those wicketkeepers do with the hole on the ground(not sure what that toilet is called lol). ;-)

[kingusama92]

However, it seems that the team management is now having second thoughts.

Sources told ‘The News’ that Kamran has a lot of influence within the team and most of the players want him to play the third Test instead of Sarfraz.
...........
http://thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=217955
********

I guess we will never learn. Even after a debacle like that, we can't even drop him for one test and seehow Sarfaraz does? Just pathetic.

Sources? Thenews has something against Kamran don't they?

First eyewitnesses saw him with his child late at night leading to him putting his family before country... Now we see this news. :)))

I highly doubt he will be in the team for the Hobart test. He needs some time off and then he will probably be in the ODI team which is how it should be.

[Hari_India]

I am reminded of the 1999 Chennai test. Sachin was batting superbly with 100 plus, and Saqlain was at his wits end. Sachin charged down track and had an almighty swipe and missed. From where I was sitting ( cover point side ) , I could see he was yards down the pitch, but Moin Khan fumbled with the easiest of stumpings. He must have had something like 5 min to stump Sachin ;-)

The Pakistan fielders were absolutely gutted and thought "there goes the match", but very fortunately for Moin Khan, Sachin got out and Pakistan won.

I was wondering what would have happened had Sachin gone on to win the game , afterall it was against India, and Moin Khan would have been roasted over a slow fire :-)

[asadee]

I think Kamran should show some ghairat and opt out of the match if the stupid management there decides to retain him

[Desire]

its better that you watch all your "bhiyanak khwabs" at home.
we didnot had any good wicketkeeper after rashid latif.

[Daytripped]

I wish Kamran well. He really did take it well. Lets hope he learns something from Rashid. Sarfaraz has plenty of years left hasn't he?