Time to Show your cards......the Top 5

[Saj]

Time for the talking to stop and for the Pakistani top 5 to reveal itself.

For the purpose of this thread, I am taking as read that Afridi will bat at 6.

Salman Butt seems a dead cert opening the batting, but what should be the top 5? If you dont agree with Afridi at 6, feel free to add your opinions on why he should bat elsewhere in the order.

[Boi]

My top 5 would be...

Salman Butt
Azhar Ali
Yasir Hameed
Umar Akmal
Umar Amin

The one they'll probably go with...

Salman Butt
Imran Farhat
Yasir Hameed
Umar Akmal
Shoaib Malik

[P4K1 #1]

My Top 5 would be

Salman Butt
Imran Farhat
Umar Amin
Umar Akmal
Shoaib Malik

[Rana]

Butt
Hameed
Malik
Akmal
Afridi

[Ismailtoca]

Salman Butt
Azhar Ali
Umar Amin
Umar Akmal
Yasir Hameed

The last three should be sorted out by who gets out first

If butt gets out first then Yasir Hameed should come in, if A.A gets out first then Umar Amin


Also, I would have Kamran at number 6 and Afridi at number 7, reason being Afridi is a faster player and can score the runs before the tail runs out, while kamran is a slower batsmen and we need to give him all the deliveries he needs

[Amjid Javed]

Butt
Azhar Ali
Hameed
Umar Akmal
Umar Amin
Kamran Akmal
Afridi

[Energy]

Butt...The only decent opener we have.
Farhat...No special talent, but will be our opener with Butt.
Hameed...After a good performace against Leics.
Akmal Jnr...Pakistan legend in the making.
Malik...A chance to silence his critics.

[sully3]

Salman Butt
yasir hameed
azhar ali
umar akmal
umir amin
kamran akmal

[IAJ]

Butt
Hameed
Amin
Umar Akmal
Shoaib Malik
Shahid Afridi
Kamran Akmal
Mohammad Aamer
Umar Gul
Ajmal/Kaneria
Asif

Why I am not going for Azhar Ali becaus I have never seen him bat and besides I read in Cricinfo's bulletin today that he struggeled against the fast bowlers from Leichestershire.

[Atif]

Butt
Farhat
Amin
Umar
Malik

[samiakh]

Shocking to hear that Azhar Ali struggled against the Liecester quicks, given that he is seen as one of the bright hopes. I am almost certain that at least for the first test Afridi will not bat at 6 but at 8, and I would hope he does. He sees himself as a bowling all-rounder and that is what the 8 position is for. No need to put more pressure on him self than he already has. Lords is not a huge turner anyway. So my top 6 (given the disappointment of reading the Cricinfo report on Azhar Ali) would be:

Butt
Farhat
Hameed
Amin
Akmal
Malik

[Energy]

Originally Posted by samiakh Shocking to hear that Azhar Ali struggled against the Liecester quicks, given that he is seen as one of the bright hopes. I am almost certain that at least for the first test Afridi will not bat at 6 but at 8, and I would hope he does. He sees himself as a bowling all-rounder and that is what the 8 position is for. No need to put more pressure on him self than he already has. Lords is not a huge turner anyway. So my top 6 (given the disappointment of reading the Cricinfo report on Azhar Ali) would be: Butt Farhat Hameed Amin Akmal Malik

Hard to see both Hameed and Amin playing in the same team. But I hope it happens at the expense of Farhat or Malik!

[PlanetPakistan]

Azhar Ali bats at a terribly slow SR so i will not select him unless he is technically as sound as Dravid or Kallis...

Top 5

Butt
Farhat
Hameed
Akmal
Amin

[razzaq_03]

Salman Butt
Shoaib Malik
Yasir Hameed
Umar Akmal
Umar Amin

But they'll probably choose:

Salman Butt
Imran Farhat
Yasir Hameed
Umar Akmal
Shoaib Malik

[sakss]

butt
farhat
hameed
amin
umer ak

although i wouldnt play either hameed or farhat in my team...but theres no other option atm....azhar ali could replace farhat though

[Geordie Ahmed]

Salman Butt
Imran Farhat
Azhar Ali
Umar Akmal
Umar Amin

That is the top 5 I would go with - usually I would not be too fond of that opening pair BUT they performed reasonbly well in Australia and its only right that we continue with them

It certainly looks very fragile BUT no MoYo/YK will do that to the side

[cricketpassion]

I would like to see
Butt
Hameed
U Amin
Malik
U Akmal
Afridi
K Akmal
etc

[Energy]

I think we should show our cards for 6 and 7..because Akmal Snr. and Afridi could possibly be the best performing batsmen of the tour!

[PB]

1.Salman Butt
2.Yasir Hameed
3.Umar Amin
4.Shoaib Malik
5.Umar Akmal

Or

1.Salman Butt
2.Imran Farhat
3.Yasir Hameed
4.Shoaib Malik
5.Umar Akmal

[iRfaN_LA]

Originally Posted by cricketpassion I would like to see Butt Hameed U Amin Malik U Akmal Afridi K Akmal etc

Same here ! but they will probably choose Farhat in place of Hameed due to experience and give AUS a free wicket.

[KingKhanWC]

Pakistan need to stop the rot against Australia. Lords is a great chance to draw or even a win.

1.Butt
2.Farhat

Decent opening partnerships in Australia of 26, 18, 109, 34, 63 and 11. Two were low but the rest was pretty good considering they took the shine off the new ball. It would be foolish imo to change it now. Hopefully Farhat has improved his footwork.

3.Hamed

I'd go with his past experience. No point in having a decent start if your no.3 comes out a nervous wreck on debut.

4. Umar Akmal

Plays at no.5 usually but he is the best batsmen in the team so should move up the order.

5. Malik

6. Amin

With the batting looking weak, give the young lad his debut at no.6.

7. Kamran Akmal

8. Afridi

9. Aamer

10. Gul

11. Asif

Kaneria would be very handy to have, he did well in Australia and knows the English conditions very well. However imo there is no point in having two leggies when your not sure of the batting. Strengthen the batting and try not to lose the first test. Going for a draw may seem a little negative but at Lords it is a real possiblity and will give the team much needed confidence in this format.

[khizer123]

Salman Butt
Yasir Hameed
Azhar Ali
Umar Akmal
Umar Amin
Shoaib Malik
Shahid Afridi
Kamarn Akmal
Amir
Asif
Gul


This would be ideal for me. Kaneria is good but, we need to add strength to our batting. Mailk and Afridi can handle the spin dept.

[saeed-sohail]

Taufeeq umar
Ahmed shezad
Younis khan
M yousaf
Misbah
Razzaq
Sarfraz
Shoaib
Raza hasan
Sami
M irfan

[amar1212]

Butt
Hameed
I.Farhat
Umar Amin
Umer Akmal


Afridi
Malik
K.Akmal
Gul
Aamer
Kaneria

[khizer123]

please no farhat, overcast conditions, swing bowling, = a sitting duck. Bringing him into the team is like giving Australia a handicap. Farhat was the only one who didnt do well in the warm up too.

[khizer123]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Taufeeq umar Ahmed shezad Younis khan M yousaf Misbah Razzaq Sarfraz Shoaib Raza hasan Sami M irfan

good second team

[*sallu*]

I think Amin has done his chances no harm by those 2 50 plus efforts in as many innings

I'm pretty confident now he'll start off, Waqar has tremendous faith in him

[mon858]

Originally Posted by Boi My top 5 would be... Salman Butt Azhar Ali Yasir Hameed Umar Akmal Umar Amin The one they'll probably go with... Salman Butt Imran Farhat Yasir Hameed Umar Akmal Shoaib Malik

I agree with this 100%. Though Farhat did do well in Aus, not sure long-term he is a solid test opener with his freakish shots at time and his catching is poor and he failed in the opportunity on this tour. Azhar Ali if I recall correctly has scored a couple of 70's in the 2 test series pak a vs aus a year or so back against an attack that included bollinger among others. and Azhar didn't get out in this tour game (strike rate is not a concern for Tests).

[Rudi hater]

Originally Posted by Boi My top 5 would be... Salman Butt Azhar Ali Yasir Hameed Umar Akmal Umar Amin The one they'll probably go with... Salman Butt Imran Farhat Yasir Hameed Umar Akmal Shoaib Malik

You are spot on after watching todays game I would definitely go with them.

[KingKhanWC]

Originally Posted by khizer123 please no farhat, overcast conditions, swing bowling, = a sitting duck.

In those conditions any of the top 6 could be sitting ducks. Farhat had a 100 partnership with Butt in Aus and changing the opening partnership is not a good idea at this stage.

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by khizer123 good second team

This team would beat the hell out of your first team :akmal .

[Easa]

Interesting. The Captain has taken a stand. I'd have gone in with this, but the captain knows best.

Butt
Farhat
Hameed
Malik
Akmal
Akmal
Afridi

I like the Akmal/Akmal dynamic - they bat well together. Don't know why people are advocating Azhar Ali play - what has he done to play over Umar Amin? Umar Amin seems decent, but I'd prefer Hameed anyway, who I feel is going to have a good series.

[Blistering Barnacle]

If you (any poster) thinks Hameed is good enough, then that should be the reason he's in your team.

Saying he should be there for his experience is a load of bull.

I've got nothing against Hameed - I liked him back in the day - but the logic of getting someone in the team just because they have experience - even if it is failing experience - doesn't make any sense.

You should pick your team based on who the best players are - not on who has experience when that experience was only good enough to drop them.

[mon858]

Originally Posted by Blistering Barnacle If you (any poster) thinks Hameed is good enough, then that should be the reason he's in your team. Saying he should be there for his experience is a load of bull. I've got nothing against Hameed - I liked him back in the day - but the logic of getting someone in the team just because they have experience - even if it is failing experience - doesn't make any sense. You should pick your team based on who the best players are - not on who has experience when that experience was only good enough to drop them.

your post will make this guy sad

[KingKhanWC]

Originally Posted by Blistering Barnacle You should pick your team based on who the best players are - not on who has experience when that experience was only good enough to drop them.

Well then he shouldn't be in England at all. He is in the squad and when selecting the final XI, experience is a factor. He has played as well as anyone else in the warm up.

[srh]

1. Salman Butt
2. Azhar Ali
3. Yasir Hameed
4. Umar Akmal
5. Umar Amin

[Black Zero]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Taufeeq umar Ahmed shezad Younis khan M yousaf Misbah Razzaq Sarfraz Shoaib Raza hasan Sami M irfan

and captain?

MoYo or YK?

[ads101]

1. Butt
2. Farhat
3. Amin
4. Hammed
5. U. Akmal

Malik should not play in my opinion purely because he needs to start proving himself in the limited formats. Malik is one of the best limited over players we have, and we should start proving himself. His bowling also seems to have declined in recent years, he should work on that too.

We have a lot of young talent that look good for tests, hence we should try them instead. Malik is unlikely to make much of an impact in tests anyway. Malik is a must of ODIs and T20, but really isn't worth it at test level. He bat's low down, rarely makes runs under pressure in tests. It is in general easier to bat lower down in tests. Hence an average of 36 isn't acceptable really.

If we play malik at all, he must bat at no.3. England fans complain about Ian bell all the time and Malik fills the similar sort of role (bats lower down, also bats at no.3 sometimes). Malik is sort of a worse Ian bell if you think about it (Ian bell is a very good player though, just can't handle pressure). He's only got 2 centuries to his name, both on flat pitches. Any other team would have dropped this guy ages ago really.

I'm not a malik hater. As I've said he's a good limited overs player. But he's not a test player really.

[jusarrived]

Salman Butt
Imran Farhat
Hameed
Umar Amin
Umar Akmal
Kamran Akmal

[Black Zero]

Could be a winning combination

01-SB
02-Azhar
03-Umer Akmal
04-Umer Amin
05-Malik
06-Afridi
07-Kamran
08-Asif
09-Gul
10-Asif
11-Dani


I am biased against Farhat, Yasir, and Ajmal (for tests)

[Black Zero]

Originally Posted by ads101 1. Butt 2. Farhat 3. Amin 4. Hammed 5. U. Akmal . Hence an average of 36 isn't acceptable really.

Hameed
avg 34.5
2 100s both against BD

[A.M.]

Butt
Amin
Azhar
U.Akmal
Malik

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by Anwaar and captain? MoYo or YK?

Misbah ul haq our best captain we never had.

[Tay'yab-Ali Malik]

Originally Posted by Saj Time for the talking to stop and for the Pakistani top 5 to reveal itself. For the purpose of this thread, I am taking as read that Afridi will bat at 6. Salman Butt seems a dead cert opening the batting, but what should be the top 5? If you dont agree with Afridi at 6, feel free to add your opinions on why he should bat elsewhere in the order.

I think Azhar Ali may be left out as cricinfo is reporting his problems against fast bowling.

Kamran at number 6. Ironically he is the most experienced of all the batsmen. Has scored more hundreds in difficult circumstances and he is a genuine batsmen who keeps wicket.

Afridi at 7. Not as good as Kamaran at this level.

[Rizwan25]

Originally Posted by IAJ Butt Hameed Amin Umar Akmal Shoaib Malik Shahid Afridi Kamran Akmal Mohammad Aamer Umar Gul Ajmal/Kaneria Asif Why I am not going for Azhar Ali becaus I have never seen him bat and besides I read in Cricinfo's bulletin today that he struggeled against the fast bowlers from Leichestershire.

1+

[adnan yasin]

as hameed is not an opener.........and i think umar amin is comfortable in opening the innings
so...with some experience needed in middle order for sure...

salman butt
umar amin
yasir hameed
umar akmal
shoaib malik

[AZ]

Salman Butt
Imran Farhat
Umar Amin
Umar Akmal
Shoaib Malik

[Usman]

Well I personally don't think its sensible putting a debutant in at 3. I would absolutely love to see Malik grow a pair and say to Afridi, I will bat at that position. To be honest however, I don't think Malik is the sort who would take one for the team. So with Malik refusing to bat at 3, the best possible option would be:

Salman Butt
Umer Amin
Yasir Hameed
Umer Akmal
Shoaib Malik

I'm torn as to whether we should play Imran Farhat or not, because he has been consistent of late, and looking at our history over the last few years, it just seems counterproductive to chop and change what has been working. There's another part of me that says Umer Amin has done enough to warrant a spot, and Hameed too looked good today according to cricinfo. Azhar Ali shouldn't really be in contention. But between Amin, Hameed and Farhat, it is very close. For me, Amin should play, and it's just a case of how good Hameed looked today. If he looked great, give him a shot!

[Pak_cricketer]

Umar Akmal MUST come one down. You always give your best batsman the most time on the crease without exposing him, and one down is that spot.

[akafen]

The Lineup
Farhat
Butt
Ali
Hameed/Amin
Akmal
Malik
Afridi
Akmal

What it should be
Azhar Ali
Salman Butt
Umar Amin
Yasir Hameed
Umar Akmal
Kamran Akmal
Shahid Afridi
Aamer
Gul
Kaneria
Asif

[ads101]

Originally Posted by Anwaar Hameed avg 34.5 2 100s both against BD

Hameed should get another chance to prove himself. He's looking impressive again. Malik isn't. Plus Hameed again usually bats higher up the order than malik.

The difference is Hameed has been dropped, and has worked to earn an international recall. Malik hasn't, and his poor form in tests means that he should be dropped. If he works on his technique and form, and later on deserves another recall to play in tests, so be it.

[Black Zero]

Originally Posted by ads101 Hameed should get another chance to prove himself. He's looking impressive again. Malik isn't. Plus Hameed again usually bats higher up the order than malik. The difference is Hameed has been dropped, and has worked to earn an international recall. Malik hasn't, and his poor form in tests means that he should be dropped. If he works on his technique and form, and later on deserves another recall to play in tests, so be it.

Do you know Malik's average as an opener?

Where and when have you "seen" Hameed as impressive? He got into squad only cause he has "some" intl. "experience".

[Stewie]

butt
azhar ali
yasir hameed
umar akmal
umar amin
kamran akmal
shahid afridi
amir
gul
asif
ajmal


but i know this line up will never actually be .. because malik, kaneria, farhat will find their way in guaranteed..

[iZeeshan]

My top 5 would be

Salman Butt
Imran Farhat
Umar Amin
Shoaib Malik
Umar Akmal

Butt and Farhat stay because they have done well. I'm giving Shoaib Malik a test to perform. If he fails, bring in Hameed at 3 and move Amin to 5, and U Akmal up to 4. If Farhat also fails then Azhar Ali should open with Butt.

Malik and Farhat each get one test to continue/spice up some form.

[sazz]

OK, my top 5 would be(for 1st match only)
1) Salman Butt
2) Imran Farhat
3) Hameed(purely because he has experience backing him up)
4) Umar Akmal
5) Shoiab Malik

I personally feel that Pakistani think tank(coach, captain) would not risk any youngster against Australia. Nevertheless the top and middle order looks extremely fragile to me.

[Geordie Ahmed]

If Hameed plays I expect him to fail miserably, I do hope im wrong BUT he will do his usual fishing

I havnt really followed his performances of late BUT how well has he done?

[Paradox]

Salman Butt

Imran Farhat

Umar Amin

Shoaib Malik

Umar Akmal

[abcanada]

Originally Posted by IAJ Butt Hameed Amin Umar Akmal Shoaib Malik Shahid Afridi Kamran Akmal Mohammad Aamer Umar Gul Ajmal/Kaneria Asif Why I am not going for Azhar Ali becaus I have never seen him bat and besides I read in Cricinfo's bulletin today that he struggeled against the fast bowlers from Leichestershire.

This is a good combination, well-balanced............ i think the team will be very much like this.

[kingusama92]

I will present two versions. One being the one I want to see and the other being one we most likely will see.

Somewhat Wishful top 5 - Salman Butt, Yasir Hameed, Umar Amin, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik

These are the top 5 I "want" to see play for Pakistan at Lord's. Imran Farhat seems to be woefully out of form right now and that does not augur well for the team. Personally, I had him sketched in for the first test, but he seems to be spiralling down hurriedly, again. Yasir Hameed displayed some assertiveness out there in the middle against Leicestershire and that should [could] convert into an opening spot. I do not like change, but I rate Hameed higher then Farhat for sure.

Yasir was going to get a spot anyway though. This way Umar Amin has the opportunity to make a test debut rather than having to observe from the sidelines. He most definitely deserves a spot in the side after his recent performances. I feel awful dropping Azhar Ali, but you have to play Shoaib Malik as the team would be lacking that middle order experience. Yes, Malik is not exactly the prime example of experienced batting, but he's the best we have at this point in time in regards to experience and it's necessary to have a spot for him.

Probable top 5: Salman Butt, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik

This is the top 5 that will most likely make it's way out. Not the ideal combination purely because of Imran Farhat. He will get the nod for the sake of consistency and past [recent] performances and in a way that is reasonable. Chopping and changing does not always result in positive results and continuation in selection might bode well for the team.

It will be fascinating to see what route Shahid Afridi goes down. He might throw a complete "curve ball" and slot in Azhar Ali ahead of Imran Farhat or Umar Amin.

[Black Zero]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed If Hameed plays I expect him to fail miserably, I do hope im wrong BUT he will do his usual fishing I havnt really followed his performances of late BUT how well has he done?

I'd be shocked If he doesn't fail.
Once a fisherman, always....

[Paradox]

I shall now lay down my cards:







Yes, Umar Akmal looks deformed..

[Paradox]

Don't know why you think Farhat shouldn't be in the side KU, I don't exactly 'want' him in the side either but he has averaged around 40 (!!!) or so after returning. I'd play him for both Tests against Australia.

[kingusama92]

Paradox - I like how they are all "Queens".

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 Paradox - I like how they are all "Queens".

OH RIGHT! I just googled 'playing cards' and clicked whatever came up first.

[kingusama92]

Originally Posted by Paradox Don't know why you think Farhat shouldn't be in the side KU, I don't exactly 'want' him in the side either but he has averaged around 40 (!!!) or so after returning. I'd play him for both Tests against Australia.

For some reason the slashing and dashing does not appeal to me.

Yes, his performances after coming back have been appealing in terms of pure stats. However, the on field performances have looked woeful. He's been scoring a whole bunch of 30s and 40s with no sign of anything more.

I know I sound picky, but I feel his run of form will end quickly. There is nothing solid about his approach to his batting.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 For some reason the slashing and dashing does not appeal to me. Yes, his performances after coming back have been appealing in terms of pure stats. However, the on field performances have looked woeful. He's been scoring a whole bunch of 30s and 40s with no sign of anything more. I know I sound picky, but I feel his run of form will end quickly. There is nothing solid about his approach to his batting.

The fishing of Hameed isnt much better

[Paradox]

But in terms of recent form, don't you think Farhat should be the one (along with Butt) walking out for us to open the batting in the First Test? THEN, if he fails there, he should be replaced by Hameed for the Second Test?

Personally - even if he fails in the First Test, I wouldn't replace him, since he has failed in a few innings (when's he's gotten out in the teens or the 20's etc) but the captain has still kept him in the side and he's come good sooner or later. So I wouldn't replace him even if he 'fails', unless he gets out for two ducks or something - only then would I replace him.

[the Great Khan]

My top 5:

Butt
Farhat
Amin
Umar akmal
Hameed

Akmal
Afridi
Aamir
Gul
Kaneria
Asif

I would drop moon....he won't be able to handle Johnson and co..not mentally fit for the test format..I'd give Amin a chance and back him at lords and throughout the tour..I would keep the opening partnership as it is..

[Poison]

Umar Akmal
Salman Butt
Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal

[Paradox]

.

[Zaz]

Butt
Farhat
Hameed
Amin
Akmal Jnr
Afridi

[TaZ]

NO Imran Farhat! And bring back YK at 3.

[Brilliant_Boyd]

Butt
Farhat
Hameed
Akmal
Malik
Afridi
Akmal
Aamer
Gul
Kaneria
Asif

Nuff said.

[Afridi_Fan]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail This team would beat the hell out of your first team :akmal .

You wanna bet?

I think its time to get behind the national team not rant about your personal heros.

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by Afridi_Fan I think its time to get behind the national team not rant about your personal heros.

True! Well said.. I think you should go and say this to all the Malik haters

[Zaz]

Originally Posted by Paradox True! Well said.. I think you should go and say this to all the Malik haters

The summer will be all over by den, heck by the time he finishes pakistan might be touring again

[imshally81]

i think afridi should come @ no 4 or 5