User Name Password
Home | Forum | Gallery | Shop | Affiliates  
Go Back   PakPassion - Pakistan Cricket Forum > Sport > Cricket
Reload this Page Inzis interview in Guardian Online....

Inzis interview in Guardian Online....

.
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11th July 2006, 08:15
MIG's Avatar
MIG MIG is offline
PakPassion Moderator
 
Debut: Oct 2004
Venue: Apnay ghar mai - aur kahan ?
Runs: 37,042
Wickets: 2,699
Inzis interview in Guardian Online....
Excellent interview with the big man !! They just cant help taking a swipe at his laid back attitude can they ?

Quote:
Pakistan skipper back in England, still slow but sure of success

Donald McRae
Tuesday July 11, 2006
The Guardian


"If you don't mind," Inzamam-ul-Haq says politely, "I think it is much better if we find a nice place to sit down. Somewhere in the shade where we can just relax." As we amble over to a tranquil spot under a leafy tree, the famously languid and comfortably proportioned Pakistan cricket captain casts a leisurely eye over his team-mates toiling away in the nets on a steamy afternoon.

"They work and we sit and talk nicely," Inzamam murmurs approvingly, as he settles down on a bench with the look of a man sinking into his favourite armchair. "I have done my work for the day," the 36-year-old says of a laid-back fielding session and a spell in the nets, where he spent as much time bowling innocuous spin as he did wielding a bat with the kind of indolent brilliance that has characterised a career spanning 109 Tests at an imposing average of 51.34.

Even at his most low-key and languorous, the brief sight of Inzamam practising his batting is a rare treat for, with his remarkable eye and fluid technique, he appears to have a ridiculous amount of time to play each ball before swatting it away elegantly into the meshed fence.
"I only do it for a short time, nice and slow," Inzamam says sagely. "When we start the first Test against England [this Thursday at Lord's] I try for another long innings. Today it is more important to prepare quietly."

Out of that quietness, however, emerges an unusually expansive Inzamam, who was such a decisive performer when the two countries met last winter. In Pakistan's convincing 2-0 series victory, Inzamam scored 431 runs in five innings at an average of 107.75. His lowest score was 53 and he hit a century in each innings of the second Test - to equal and then break Javed Miandad's previous Pakistan record of 23 Test centuries.

"This was the sweet moment," he says with almost coltish enthusiasm. "Miandad is a big player and so for me it is wonderful. I would even say it is unreal - but thanks to Allah. To score two centuries in one match is something I had never done before. And each has something special. With the first I come up to Miandad's record and then in the second innings I go past to 24 centuries. I was so happy you would not believe it."

Inzamam has since scored his 25th century, against India. He also led Pakistan to series victories at home against the Indians and away in Sri Lanka. England, meanwhile, are in the midst of an injury-riddled slump. "This summer England have not had such good results," Inzamam agrees, "but Sri Lanka performed very well against them. England struggle because of injuries and they are definitely missing Michael Vaughan. The combination they had for the Ashes is broken. When they had [Simon] Jones and Vaughan in the side they had some good combinations in batting and bowling."

In an effort to avoid sounding excessively confident, particularly with Andrew Flintoff also absent this week, Inzamam opts for some dutiful diplomacy. "England are still a good side and, at home, they are difficult to beat. And [Kevin] Pietersen is a very dangerous player. When he is at the crease it is hard to stop him scoring quick runs. I also think they played some good cricket in Pakistan. In all the Tests they were good for maybe four days. It is just on the fifth day they crumble."

Inzamam highlights Islamic unity as a significant force in Pakistan's increased consistency under his captaincy (the Hindu leg-spinner Danish Kaneria is the only exception). "Like every Muslim we pray five times a day and this helps our spirit. If we have a problem we discuss it when we get together to pray."

But Bob Woolmer, as coach, surely also exerts a profound influence. In a similar way to his handling of a South Africa side crammed with born-again Christians in the 1990s, Woolmer brings a light touch to such earnest faith. "Bob has come from the outside, but he is very good for us. My personal opinion is that the relationship between a coach and his team should be relaxed and friendly. This is important, because if a player is feeling uncomfortable, then it will be easy for him to go talk personally to the coach and be open. Bob feels the same, and so the boys are very comfortable."

Inzamam laughs when reminded of Woolmer's revelation that, after he had discovered to his horror that Pakistan were by far the most unfit team he had coached, his burly skipper suggested a new work ethic should only be implemented gradually. "Let's do everything slowly," Inzamam pleaded.

"I don't mean to tell Bob what to do," he says now, "but he takes it well, because he's a very good human being. He understands us and so he does not try to change us in one day. He also makes us think about our diet, even though we all love Pakistani food - especially the curries. We now know that during a series we cannot eat any curry. We have to go for pasta and light food, because if you eat heavy curries it's not so easy to perform."

And yet it is reassuring to hear that Inzamam is not about to resume the misguided diet which almost ruined his career in 2003. "I never do that again," he promises while patting his stomach gently. "Just before the World Cup I work harder than I ever did. I lose a lot of weight - 17 kilograms!" He shudders. "Can you believe it? It was too much. I didn't score any runs without those 17 kilograms. And that's when I got dropped from the Test team. It hurt me so much that I say I'm not willing to play again. But after three months I realise that I'm only 33 and have many years ahead of me. So I decide to come back.

"Then we play Bangladesh in Multan [Inzamam's home town] and we are in big trouble. Everybody is praying when I get to the crease. The pressure on me is really hot. But I always do quite well when the pressure is big and I play one of my greatest innings. It's not like my 329 against New Zealand, it's only 138, but those runs are maybe the most important of my career."

Beneath the surface of this story, a more tangled pain lurks. For years Inzamam brooded while his weight and apparent lethargy were ridiculed. In 1997, in a match against India in Toronto, he even attacked a spectator who called him a mota aaloo (fat potato). If it has long been a delight to hail Inzy as the perfectly rounded riposte to the grinding professionalism of modern sport, his comic image as the slowest runner between wickets in Test cricket has unsettled a shy man whose talent is as subtle as it is sumptuous. "Those jokes hurt me - especially in the past. It is not easy when people laugh at you. I don't mind positive criticism, but when it is negative and personal it is quite hard. But I feel more relaxed now."

Inzamam has also discovered a kind of serenity in captaincy - even if the task of leading Pakistan is one of the toughest in world cricket.

"It is difficult because we have 150 million critics in Pakistan and whenever we play a series there are maybe five TV channels that cover the cricket. And each channel has five big experts telling us where we are going wrong. I try to ignore them, because I know that if you are winning then you enjoy the captaincy. And that's what happening, thanks to Allah. I get more confidence and happiness leading this team."

Fourteen summers ago, in 1992, at a time when he never even dreamed of captaining his country, Inzamam made his Test debut in England. "It was at Edgbaston and I was very nervous. I was only 22 and now I'm the old man. So it's very special to be back in England because everything start for me here. In between a lot of good things have happened, with some big scores and tremendous matches. I feel it a lot now, because I am sure this will be my last tour of England. I thought about it for two months before we come here. Even when I was playing in the back garden with Ibtisam [his seven-year-old son] I was looking forward to England."

Inzamam, a father of three with a four-year-old daughter and another son aged one, rocks with laughter when asked to relive those sunlit afternoons. Did he have to pretend to be Freddie Flintoff while Ibtisam crafted an imaginary match-winning innings for Pakistan?

"We played lots of matches. He loves batting and I did a lot of bowling. He is very good and the first thing you notice is that he bats left-handed. I bat right-handed but bowl left-handed. So he scores many runs against me."

And what happened when Inzy himself was given a chance at the crease? "I score a few," he grins, "but sometimes he gets me out."

That feat proved to be desperately difficult for England in Pakistan. With the big man in such a jocular mood, and watched by his family on tour, England may be subject to more hefty pain in the coming weeks. The giant shadow of Inzamam should stretch "nice and slow" across the rest of a fading English summer.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11th July 2006, 08:26
Luton Bad Boy Luton Bad Boy is offline
International Captain
 
Debut: Jun 2006
Runs: 4,450
Wickets: 148
It is clearly obvious that Inzamam is a chilled out and calm character and is probably the batsman all England bowlers will be fearing. He is surely the prize wicket for England but, I also think Mohammed Yousuf and Younis Khan's wickets will also be crucial, if this middle order gets going.......I think we have the bowling reserves to take the 20 wickets needed for the first test.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11th July 2006, 08:26
safehands46 safehands46 is offline
ODI Star
 
Debut: Jan 2005
Runs: 3,379
Wickets: 129
Thats why inzi is in the top tear, he scores when it matters. Pressure situations. Screw the other scores but when it counts he will be there.

I think its hilarious about the kilograms though. Imagine him saying it in punjabi.

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11th July 2006, 08:27
Disco_Lemonade's Avatar
Disco_Lemonade Disco_Lemonade is online now
PakPassion.net Graphics Design Squad
 
Debut: Jan 2006
Venue: Karachi
Runs: 4,035
Wickets: 81
Occupation: studying, textile engg.
nice read... inzi is gr8 in nature. gr8 man.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11th July 2006, 08:41
HAFRIDI HAFRIDI is offline
Living Legend
 
Debut: Jan 2004
Venue: East Midz
Runs: 21,752
Wickets: 658
'Mota Aloo'- that never fails to make me laugh

Anyway, good article. He will be gone soon and it will hurt ..but InshAllah we will cope well..i urge everyone to keep backing him, no calls for sacking etc..what a player he is. Never seen anyone play better under pressure

Let's hope we see little Inzi in pak colours in the future

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11th July 2006, 11:25
KA$H KA$H is offline
County Captain
 
Debut: Feb 2005
Runs: 2,299
Wickets: 27
i'd say that was a great read - couldnt help but crack into a smile reading it

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11th July 2006, 11:30
Asim2Good Asim2Good is offline
International Star
 
Debut: Jan 2005
Runs: 6,312
Wickets: 221
Quote:
"I never do that again," he promises while patting his stomach gently


I can imagine that

we will miss u Inzi, we ll miss u

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11th July 2006, 12:08
Momo's Avatar
Momo Momo is offline
Moderator
 
Debut: Jun 2006
Venue: Tokyo
Runs: 12,739
Wickets: 270
Inzi is surely one of a kind. Andrew Miller's this masterpiece sums him up beautifully:
"Inzamam is one of nature's meeker souls - a gentle giant of a man who has seemingly sleepwalked his way to one of the great careers of the modern era. "
Yes, Asim, we will surely miss Inzi!

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11th July 2006, 12:16
Afridi_Fan's Avatar
Afridi_Fan Afridi_Fan is online now
Living Legend
 
Debut: Mar 2006
Venue: Apni Duniya Mein!!!!!!!!
Runs: 23,711
Wickets: 343
Occupation: Loving Ma Country!!!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by HAFRIDI
'Mota Aloo'- that never fails to make me laugh

Anyway, good article. He will be gone soon and it will hurt ..but InshAllah we will cope well..i urge everyone to keep backing him, no calls for sacking etc..what a player he is. Never seen anyone play better under pressure

Let's hope we see little Inzi in pak colours in the future



Sure a left handed middle order batsman will be handy...and you are right about supporting the big man

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11th July 2006, 12:29
MIG's Avatar
MIG MIG is offline
PakPassion Moderator
 
Debut: Oct 2004
Venue: Apnay ghar mai - aur kahan ?
Runs: 37,042
Wickets: 2,699
Occupation: Weekend Dad, Full time IT
Asim Kamal ?

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11th July 2006, 12:32
Afridi_Fan's Avatar
Afridi_Fan Afridi_Fan is online now
Living Legend
 
Debut: Mar 2006
Venue: Apni Duniya Mein!!!!!!!!
Runs: 23,711
Wickets: 343
Occupation: Loving Ma Country!!!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIG
Asim Kamal ?



Talking about Inzy's son

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11th July 2006, 12:36
MIG's Avatar
MIG MIG is offline
PakPassion Moderator
 
Debut: Oct 2004
Venue: Apnay ghar mai - aur kahan ?
Runs: 37,042
Wickets: 2,699
Occupation: Weekend Dad, Full time IT
Oops sorry - but as Inzis successors in current team, Faisal and Asim stand out

Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11th July 2006, 12:52
Asim2Good Asim2Good is offline
International Star
 
Debut: Jan 2005
Runs: 6,312
Wickets: 221
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIG
Oops sorry - but as Inzis successors in current team, Faisal and Asim stand out


I m ready

Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11th July 2006, 14:07
hassan_21 hassan_21 is offline
Emerging Player
 
Debut: May 2006
Runs: 97
Wickets: 2
what a brilliant article. I dont think the author took a swipe at Inzi's laid back attitude. he presented it just as it is. Those of us that call him lazy really should step back into reality. The guy is a one of a kind talent and perhaps the best Pakistan has ever produced. We'll surely miss him for a long, long time.
Last edited by hassan_21 : 11th July 2006 at 14:08.

Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11th July 2006, 14:21
Easa Easa is offline
Living Legend
 
Debut: Aug 2005
Venue: My Room
Runs: 26,613
Wickets: 370
Occupation: student
Great read.

Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 11th July 2006, 19:26
Raz's Avatar
Raz Raz is offline
World Class Player
 
Debut: Dec 2004
Venue: London
Runs: 17,613
Wickets: 273
Occupation: Student
Very good read. He comes across as how we all know him to be. Laid back and down to earth.

Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11th July 2006, 19:48
PlanetPakistan PlanetPakistan is online now
Living Legend
 
Debut: Mar 2006
Venue: Orlando, FL
Runs: 23,569
Wickets: 638
Occupation: Student.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIG
Oops sorry - but as Inzis successors in current team, Faisal and Asim stand out


Bazid and Raza aren't far behind!

Awesome article!

Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11th July 2006, 19:54
cavin420 cavin420 is offline
World Class Player
 
Debut: Jan 2006
Runs: 13,259
Wickets: 150
good read that .

Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 12th July 2006, 08:05
MIG's Avatar
MIG MIG is offline
PakPassion Moderator
 
Debut: Oct 2004
Venue: Apnay ghar mai - aur kahan ?
Runs: 37,042
Wickets: 2,699
Occupation: Weekend Dad, Full time IT
A few tears will be shed among the audience when he walks out to take guard at Lords for the last time... I will definitely treasure memories of his fantastic batting performances over all these years... Heres' to one last hurrah at Lords for Inzi !

Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 12th July 2006, 08:12
zaf1986 zaf1986 is offline
International Captain
 
Debut: Feb 2005
Venue: London, UK
Runs: 4,815
Wickets: 52
Occupation: BA Politics & IR, 3rd year, School of Oriental and African Studies (London)
Inshallah he'll mark it with another entry on the honours list

Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 12th July 2006, 14:20
hassan_21 hassan_21 is offline
Emerging Player
 
Debut: May 2006
Runs: 97
Wickets: 2
people are very quick to mention Inzi's replacement. trust me guys, those mentioned above dont stand a chance. this guy will be missed for a long, long time.

Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 12th July 2006, 16:27
umairk7 umairk7 is offline
Emerging Player
 
Debut: Jan 2006
Venue: Middlesbrough
Runs: 134
Wickets: 9
Occupation: IT related
very good read
he is my ideal
i`m just like him
plays in middles order
cool and calm
try to be him
INSHALLAH will succeed one day

Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 12th July 2006, 16:50
hassan_21 hassan_21 is offline
Emerging Player
 
Debut: May 2006
Runs: 97
Wickets: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by umairk7
very good read
he is my ideal
i`m just like him
plays in middles order
cool and calm
try to be him
INSHALLAH will succeed one day


I stand corrected, maybe we do have a replacement for Inzi!

Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 12th July 2006, 17:35
infamous9383's Avatar
infamous9383 infamous9383 is offline
World Class Player
 
Debut: Dec 2005
Venue: new jersey
Runs: 12,946
Wickets: 347
Occupation: surpisingly don't have one yet just student
inzi's interviews are always very interesting

Reply With Quote
Reply
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

colspan="2">Thread Tools colspan="2">
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 18:24.
:: GeoffBoycott.com :: Cricket Crowd :: AussieCricket :: CricketClips :: Cricket-Blog ::
:: Cricketfundas :: Big Star Cricket :: Islamic Relief :: Aces Middle East :: croydonathletic.net :: Catches Win Matches ::

Contact Us - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top

Powered by: vBulletin and VBAdvanced CMPS
Copyright ©2000 - 2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
PakPassion™ © copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved. Content on PakPassion™ requires permission for reprint.
One of the largest message boards on the web !