Umar Akmal vs Suresh Raina

[zoi321]

Who is more talented and a better cricketer and fielder.

[AZ]

Umar Akmal is 10000 times better than Suresh 'FTB-in-Training' Raina

[Paradox]

AZ yaar, your avatar is out of ratio.. clearer picture please

[AZ]

yaar it's on Cricinfo, please fix it for me if you can

[Extreme Pace]

Umar Akmal is better but Raina actually has a brain which does freeze up when the ball is headed towards it.

[Acim]

It's a really difficult one, both are really talented.

Raina certainly has a problem with the short ball and Umar Akmal's off side play is not as strong as Raina's.

Both of them seemingly have long prosperous careers ahead of them.

One good thing going for Akmal over Raina is that he has already scored test runs in Australia and NZ, which will be a big test for Raina when the time comes.

As a close in fielder in the ring, I will pick Raina over Umar, in the outfield I will pick Umar over Raina.

[sakss]

atm its raina.....but if akmal junior sorts out his attitude towards the game he can surely be more successful

[Indiafan]

Whatever you say about Raina's talents, the blokes a fighter. Here's hoping he goes a long way in his career

[hur rizvi]

The way umar akmal's Technique and form is dipping he might get dropped from the team ultimately
Raina is a better player without a doubt

[sohailmm]

Akmal will make it clearer and brighter as the sun starts to rise !!

[alexjohn_tcr]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar Umar Akmal is 10000 times better than Suresh 'FTB-in-Training' Raina

Hey,Raina was one of your favourite players

[AZ]

abhi bhi hai

I enjoy his and Laxman's batting a lot.

[alexjohn_tcr]

I dont see Raina making it big in the Test scene although he is an extremely hardworking player.

Umar Akmal has just come to the scene.He is an extremely talented bat.I dont think it is fair to compare Someone who has played 100 plus ODI's with a newbie like Umar

[Inswinger]

Raina's been playing international cricket for 5 years so he's definitely ahead of Umar at this point, in terms of maturity and temperament. Umar's played under more difficult conditons and has been asked to do a bit too much in the absence of senior batsmen. both are talented will have long careers.

[prakash@raina fan]

atm may be Raina but still i believe umar is more talented than Raina.biggest problem for umar is temperament and attitude towards game . Raina is miles ahead in fielding without any debut

[Down2Earth]

Umar akmal has played all his international cricket away from home and has played brilliantly. can't say the same about raina who only seems to do well on the carpet he plays on at home.

[Inswinger]

Originally Posted by prakash@raina fan atm may be Raina but still i believe umar is more talented than Raina.biggest problem for umar is temperament and attitude towards game . Raina is miles ahead in fielding without any debut

Umar is a pretty good fielder. I'd say he's on par with Raina when it comes to fielding. Might not be a sharp close catcher but he's a very good outfielder.

[prakash@raina fan]

Originally Posted by Inswinger Umar is a pretty good fielder. I'd say he's on par with Raina when it comes to fielding. Might not be a sharp close catcher but he's a very good outfielder.

yeah he is good out fielder but he drops too many catches in the recent times.Raina surely better than any sub continent fielders at the moment

[AZ]

Raina is an outstanding fielder, Umar is barely above average.

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth Umar akmal has played all his international cricket away from home and has played brilliantly. can't say the same about raina who only seems to do well on the carpet he plays on at home.

Come again?

[Desi_Joker]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna Come again?

Umar Akmal hasn't played any home matches to boost his average. Neither has he played a test match on ftb wickets in the subcontinent as far as I can remember.

Get Raina's average overseas and then we can talk mr. Khanna.

[jusarrived]

we can start comparing once Akmal learns to play proper cricketing shots , which is unlikely he ever will .

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Desi_Joker Umar Akmal hasn't played any home matches to boost his average. Neither has he played a test match on ftb wickets in the subcontinent as far as I can remember. Get Raina's average overseas and then we can talk mr. Khanna.

Raina has nothing to do with the question I put there.

OTOH, the fact that you doubt U Akmal can ever 'boost' his average without playing on featherbeds is a telling comment on how you rate him as a bat. Worry not, I agree wholeheartedly.

[AZ]

we could very well say the same about Suresh!

5 years in intl. cricket, still can't hook or pull!

chee chee chee

[Down2Earth]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna Come again?

average of 37 in tests, average of 37 in ODI's and average of 37 in T20's; all away from home should tell you that he has played well. unless you think kapil dev's crap too.

[jusarrived]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar we could very well say the same about Suresh! 5 years in intl. cricket, still can't hook or pull! chee chee chee

Raina cant pull ? thats one of highest scoring areas ... & he dosen have to hook in test matches , cos he has other scoring areas unlike Akmal who needs to shuffle left n right even to score a single .

[AZ]

Originally Posted by jusarrived Raina cant pull ? thats one of highest scoring areas ... & he dosen have to hook in test matches , cos he has other scoring areas unlike Akmal who needs to shuffle left n right even to score a single .

in intl. cricket, not IPLCLT2ORANJIDULEEPIRANI Cup.

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth average of 37 in tests, average of 37 in ODI's and average of 37 in T20's; all away from home should tell you that he has played well. unless you think kapil dev's crap too.

I am happy for you if you believe what you've written there.

[Desi_Joker]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna Raina has nothing to do with the question I put there. OTOH, the fact that you doubt U Akmal can ever 'boost' his average without playing on featherbeds is a telling comment on how you rate him as a bat. Worry not, I agree wholeheartedly.

You seem to miss the point. Any avid cricket follower would know that it isn't easy for a batsman to score runs under heavy clouds on a seaming pitch (famously a.k.a English conditions).

As far as Raina having to do nothing with what you mentionned, the thread is about these two, so it is implied that you think Raina can do better. We haven't seen proof. The fact that Indians think he's too poor to be selected for overseas tours is enough.

[Down2Earth]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna I am happy for you if you believe what you've written there.

what's there to believe? it's all factual.

[Saurav]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth Umar akmal has played all his international cricket away from home and has played brilliantly. can't say the same about raina who only seems to do well on the carpet he plays on at home.

didnt know NZ series in 2009 was in India

[jusarrived]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar in intl. cricket, not IPLCLT2ORANJIDULEEPIRANI Cup.

Batsmen cant change their technique depending on the tournament ..international or IPL , Raina is impulsive with his shot making when it comes to short balls , he seems to go after them and has been getting out ...& we saw that he was easily leaving those out , in his debut test match ...playing short ball means nothing in longer formats . Ganguly did well , Raina is a 100 times better than him , so he should be fine .

[Down2Earth]

Originally Posted by Saurav didnt know NZ series in 2009 was in India

are you talking about the 3 matches he played in the UAE out of his 50 internationals?

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth what's there to believe? it's all factual.

You claiming so doesn't make it factual. It's also factual that U Akmal ( 'A serious talent announces himself', 'the most exciting talent I've seen in the last decade - Waqar') has done diddly squat since his debut Test series against Kiwis. Have a little perspective before you casually throw around your 'factual' statements. Not everyone is deluded to take a bite.

[Fehzan]

Raina -> Better fielder, a lot more consistent.

Akmal -> fantastic fielder but seems to be putting down a few lately.
WAY more talented, he's got a HUGE future ahead of him and will ultimately be more successful the Raina ( considering the fact that Raina started playing international cricket at a later age. )

Both are entertaining.

[Down2Earth]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna You claiming so doesn't make it factual. It's also factual that U Akmal ( 'A serious talent announces himself', 'the most exciting talent I've seen in the last decade - Waqar') has done diddly squat since his debut Test series against Kiwis. Have a little perspective before you casually throw around your 'factual' statements. Not everyone is deluded to take a bite.

that "facts" that i mentioned in the post you quoted the second time were his averages'

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Desi_Joker You seem to miss the point. Any avid cricket follower would know that it isn't easy for a batsman to score runs under heavy clouds on a seaming pitch (famously a.k.a English conditions). As far as Raina having to do nothing with what you mentionned, the thread is about these two, so it is implied that you think Raina can do better. We haven't seen proof. The fact that Indians think he's too poor to be selected for overseas tours is enough.

I didn't make a point for you to refute to begin with.

All I did was question a blanket statement asserting that U Akmal has done BRILLIANTLY since his debut. Even though he's been befriending mediocrity most of the time.

Take a deep breath.

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth that "facts" that i mentioned in the post you quoted the second time were his averages'

Misleading facts. You wouldn't take someone exalting Kambli based on averages, would you? I've seen U Akmal's game, it's non-existent at present.

[Desi_Joker]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna I didn't make a point for you to refute to begin with. All I did was question a blanket statement asserting that U Akmal has done BRILLIANTLY since his debut. Even though he's been befriending mediocrity most of the time. Take a deep breath.

Scoring a century in New Zealand and Australia in his first season as international cricketer. Made a nice second innings score in the Lord's test match... where's the mediocraty?

Remember Umar Akmal has been burdened with the responsibility of being the main lynchpin in the batting order at such a tender age, whereas Raina is still hiding under the shadow of Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Sehwag and Dhoni. His failures are often overseen due to his seniors making up for it, Akmal doesn't have any such luxuries.

Put patriotism aside and maybe you'll start appreciating the lad.

Raina is a great cricketer, but let's face it, he hasn't faced nearly as many difficulties in his entire career as Umar Akmal has in only his first season.

[Down2Earth]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna Misleading facts. You wouldn't take someone exalting Kambli based on averages, would you? I've seen U Akmal's game, it's non-existent at present.

and exactly who are you comment on his game and judge him? do you know more than someone like martin crowe?

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Desi_Joker Scoring a century in New Zealand and Australia in his first season as international cricketer. Made a nice second innings score in the Lord's test match... where's the mediocraty?

Scored a century in Australia in his first season? Facts are in short supply so let's manufacture them.

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth and exactly who are you comment on his game and judge him? do you know more than someone like martin crowe?

I'll confess to that, I don't really defer to anyone when it comes to making up my mind. Do you always blindly follow the 'experts? Maybe ONLY when their views are agreeable with your own. Convenient to quote then, innit?

[Desi_Joker]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna Scored a century in Australia in his first season? Facts are in short supply so let's manufacture them.

Alright, that's the only point where my memory wasn't good enough. (He did still have a decent average of 30 odd)

But as I mentionned he's still in his first season as a test player and second in ODIs and T20s and has achieved enough to be considered a player who derserves to play at this level.

[Saurav]

Originally Posted by Down2Earth are you talking about the 3 matches he played in the UAE out of his 50 internationals?

was talking about India's series in NZ.Raina did very well there

[vishy_the king64]

Raina anyday.

Umar Akmal can't play a single cricketing shot.He's just a mindless slogger.

[AZ]

ask Shane Bond if he can play cricketing shots.

[oracleg]

In terms of natural talent then Umar Akmal.

Raina however has the fortune of playing alongside some of the best batsman of this era so may end up as being the better batsman.

[vishy_the king64]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar ask Shane Bond if he can play cricketing shots.

Of course in NZL he made a great impression but since then he has deteriorated.He doesn't use his mind a lot.His ugly swipes over midwicket are more suited for IPL level cricket rather than test cricket.

[AZ]

batting mentality and ability are 2 different things.

Raina is a seasoned intl. player now.

Umar is barely into his second season.

[vishy_the king64]

But UA doesn't have the ability to play even the most basic thing-front foot defense.

[ace58]

I don't think Umar Akmal has the skill, or stroke play to play as aggressively as he does in international test cricket. He had a great series in new zealand but since then he has scored only 2 50s in 18 innings. his style of play will mean his career will go through a lot of rough patches like this.


Raina is bad at playing short pitch bowling, this is a fact. I think he might be worse than Ganguly when it comes to playing the short stuff. But I think see Raina has a more rational game to carve out a successful test career for himself. But Raina is under more pressure to perform than akmal is because if he goes 18 innings with only scoring 2 50s he's got Pujara, yuvraj, Kohli, ect waiting in line. So I can also see Raina getting dropped but not Akmal.

I guess its way to early to tell.

[AZ]

Originally Posted by vishy_the king64 But UA doesn't have the ability to play even the most basic thing-front foot defense.

you don't make Test 100s on debut on green NZ wickets if you don't know how to do that.

[Indian_20]

Originally Posted by Desi_Joker Scoring a century in New Zealand and Australia in his first season as international cricketer. Made a nice second innings score in the Lord's test match... where's the mediocraty? Remember Umar Akmal has been burdened with the responsibility of being the main lynchpin in the batting order at such a tender age, whereas Raina is still hiding under the shadow of Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Sehwag and Dhoni. His failures are often overseen due to his seniors making up for it, Akmal doesn't have any such luxuries. Put patriotism aside and maybe you'll start appreciating the lad. Raina is a great cricketer, but let's face it, he hasn't faced nearly as many difficulties in his entire career as Umar Akmal has in only his first season.

well well well.... time to take off ur rose tinted glasses n look at the truth. when did he (umar akmal) score a century against australia ?? he has only one testcentury n that was against NZ. n if india have better batsmen (or conversely pakistan dnt have) its not raina's fault. i mean its like saying srinath wud've been better than say shoaib or waqar if he had seniors like imran / sarfaraz or wasim

anyway lets look at their performances thus far

AKMAL Jr.
Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100
Tests 12 24 2 818 129 37.18 68.97 1
ODIs 22 22 3 705 102* 37.10 84.02 1
T20Is 16 15 3 455 64 37.91 127.80 0

Raina

Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100
Tests 2 3 1 223 120 111.50 58.07 1
ODIs 103 86 17 2444 116* 35.42 89.22 3
T20Is 18 17 3 468 101 33.42 138.46 1

looks like raina has a better average in tests, n better strike rate in limited over games (n even the averages arent too low)

still if u dnt wanna put patriotism aside well ur choice

[Indian_20]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar batting mentality and ability are 2 different things. Raina is a seasoned intl. player now. Umar is barely into his second season.

well in that case no point having this thread

[Desi_Joker]

Originally Posted by Indian_20 well well well.... time to take off ur rose tinted glasses n look at the truth. when did he (umar akmal) score a century against australia ?? he has only one testcentury n that was against NZ. n if india have better batsmen (or conversely pakistan dnt have) its not raina's fault. i mean its like saying srinath wud've been better than say shoaib or waqar if he had seniors like imran / sarfaraz or wasim anyway lets look at their performances thus far AKMAL Jr. Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100 Tests 12 24 2 818 129 37.18 68.97 1 ODIs 22 22 3 705 102* 37.10 84.02 1 T20Is 16 15 3 455 64 37.91 127.80 0 Raina Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100 Tests 2 3 1 223 120 111.50 58.07 1 ODIs 103 86 17 2444 116* 35.42 89.22 3 T20Is 18 17 3 468 101 33.42 138.46 1 looks like raina has a better average in tests, n better strike rate in limited over games (n even the averages arent too low) still if u dnt wanna put patriotism aside well ur choice

I did fix that in a post following that one (century one). Remember that Umar Akmal too had an insane average after his debut century, and Raina also has a not out knock to his name, so it's too soon to judge. Judge on the first couple of matches and Umar Akmal still edges ahead due to the fact his runs came against quality pace bowling of Shane Bond on a green top wicket in Kiwi conditions whereas Raina scored his runs on a flat deck in the subcontinent.

Umar Akmal has a better limited overs average and is a better player than Raina in terms of handling pressure in that genre of the game.

Like I said before, he doesn't have a Dhoni, Tendulkar or Sehwag to take pressure off him, and for that reason alone Umar Akmal is better in my opinion.

[ace2705]

TBH I have found Umar to be way too scratchy in recent series. His technique and balance on the crease is almost disorienting on the screen! I was a fan of Umar when he first came on but now he has reduced himself to be a slogger. Plays far too many reckless shot and far from being a dependable middle order bat. I guess the talk of him being the best bat has gone to his head - he certainly needs more guidance here

Raina on the other hand is a good player but he has areas to work on. The short ball has been his nemesis but if you watch him closely you can see he has worked hard on it. Wont bee too long before he learns to keep it down. Plus the short ball should only trouble him in T20. The difference is I can see Raina improving every day whereas Umar has only gone in the wrong direction

Raina is one of the good fielders and comes in top 5 fielders on the international scene. I haven't seen Umar doing anything special yet. Umar also needs to work on his temperament - talks way too much on the field only to be the butt of the joke at the end of the day

[The_Cricket_Devil]

Raina still needs time at the test level before this comparison can be an apt one. I think the biggest thing that Raina has going for him is that he has shown that he can keep a cool head about him while batting. Yes, he has a tendency to go after the short ball and get out to it but I don't think that is as much of a problem at the test level especially when you are patient and just wait the barrage out.

Umar Akmal on the other hand is prodigiously talented but does not seem to understand the concept of putting a price on your wicket and shot selection. His premeditation is going to cause him nothing but problems going on in his career. His debut series has shown his talent but he really needs to go back to the nets now and really work on being a thinking cricketer because I feel his career will be cut short if he does not iron out the mental side of his game FAST.

[AZ]

Originally Posted by Indian_20 well in that case no point having this thread

who said that makes Raina a better player?

[Indian_20]

Originally Posted by Desi_Joker I did fix that in a post following that one (century one). Remember that Umar Akmal too had an insane average after his debut century, and Raina also has a not out knock to his name, so it's too soon to judge. Judge on the first couple of matches and Umar Akmal still edges ahead due to the fact his runs came against quality pace bowling of Shane Bond on a green top wicket in Kiwi conditions whereas Raina scored his runs on a flat deck in the subcontinent. Umar Akmal has a better limited overs average and is a better player than Raina in terms of handling pressure in that genre of the game. Like I said before, he doesn't have a Dhoni, Tendulkar or Sehwag to take pressure off him, and for that reason alone Umar Akmal is better in my opinion.

In response to the bolded part above just think about this - Who have a better home record New zealand or sri lanka ?? so putting akmal's century above raina's doesnt seem all that sensible to me

regd limited overs averages the diff is just 2-3 runs but raina more than makes up with a better SR. in fact the diff in SR is more than the diff in averages. and regarding dhoni, sachin, sehwag in indian line up, go n re read my previous post

[ace58]

Raina drops catches too. I think both make good catches at times but drop more than they should.

[Indian_20]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar who said that makes Raina a better player?

n makes umar akmal the better player ??

[Desi_Joker]

Srinath never had the burden to be leading the bowling attack all by himself from pretty much the moment he stepped in to the game, Umar Akmal did. That's what my point is.

Raina has had the time to settle in with seniors guiding him, yet he's not much better than Akmal... worse even in limited overs cricket going by stats alone. (s.r. is not nearly as important as average) - who's better? Sachin or Afridi?

[AZ]

Originally Posted by Indian_20 n makes umar akmal the better player ??

Umar is holding his own playing outside the dead wickets of Asia.

when Suresh plays a knock of note outside of Vishakapatnam, then we will see.

[Aditya Khanna]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar Umar is holding his own playing outside the dead wickets of Asia.

That's a lie.

[90MPH]

Originally Posted by jusarrived Raina cant pull ? thats one of highest scoring areas ... & he dosen have to hook in test matches , cos he has other scoring areas unlike Akmal who needs to shuffle left n right even to score a single .

Raina can't pull against the quick bowlers, hes hoping and jumping like a kangaroo.

[90MPH]

Originally Posted by vishy_the king64 Raina anyday. Umar Akmal can't play a single cricketing shot.He's just a mindless slogger.

What rubbish is this, yes Umar can slog but hes got a lot cricket shots barring the cover drive (He did it against Shane Bond a number of times in NZ 1st Test) when he can play but doesn't do enough.

[Xohaib]

before this match fixing issue,he was going great.

[1137moiz]

I think Umar has more potential, but so far Raina has been very impressive

[Acim]

Originally Posted by jusarrived Raina cant pull ? thats one of highest scoring areas ... & he dosen have to hook in test matches , cos he has other scoring areas unlike Akmal who needs to shuffle left n right even to score a single .

He does not have to hook in test matches that does not mean he can't get out to short deliveries.

[Acim]

Originally Posted by jusarrived Batsmen cant change their technique depending on the tournament ..international or IPL , Raina is impulsive with his shot making when it comes to short balls , he seems to go after them and has been getting out ...& we saw that he was easily leaving those out , in his debut test match ...playing short ball means nothing in longer formats . Ganguly did well , Raina is a 100 times better than him , so he should be fine .

Tell that to Vinod Kambli.

[Acim]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna That's a lie.

For some one who can't see the obvious.

[Indian_20]

Originally Posted by Desi_Joker Srinath never had the burden to be leading the bowling attack all by himself from pretty much the moment he stepped in to the game, Umar Akmal did. That's what my point is. Raina has had the time to settle in with seniors guiding him, yet he's not much better than Akmal... worse even in limited overs cricket going by stats alone. (s.r. is not nearly as important as average) - who's better? Sachin or Afridi?

My friend, i hope u have as much cricketing sense as u r trying to portray. who wins a team matches in NZ, SA, Eng, AUS.... the bowling line up, particularly the seam, swing bowlers. did srinath have someone to share the burden with him ? if u've been following cricket since 90's like i've been he never had a consistent new ball partner (except prasad for hardly 1 or 2 seasons). he was leading the attack all by himself. and akmal had yousuf, younis all thru the aus tour

there was a lot of hype around him (well deserved if u insist) but be got badly owned by siddle n co.

n regd sachin n afridi, the diff in their averages is more than 15 runs while between raina n umar its hardly 3 runs (but i guess 3 r enuff straws for u to clutch at)

[Indian_20]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar Umar is holding his own playing outside the dead wickets of Asia.

yeah we saw his performances in australia...

[Tay'yab-Ali Malik]

Originally Posted by Aditya Khanna Scored a century in Australia in his first season? Facts are in short supply so let's manufacture them.

Scored 2-3 100s on his first Pak A tour in Australia about 16 months ago. The bowling line up included Siddle, Bolinger, Tait and Mckay.

Picked immediately and scored 100s in SL & NZ.

Is he better than Raina - time will tell. Umars next assignment is on the flat slow pictiches in the UAE. I can see everyone boost their averages.

[Acim]

Originally Posted by Indian_20 yeah we saw his performances in australia...

they were much better than you probably think or are just ignoring.

Infact very respectable for young man toruing Australia for the first time. How mush did Ganguly and Dravid average when they first toured Australia?

[AZ]

Originally Posted by Indian_20 yeah we saw his performances in australia...

made 200 runs, with almost 3 fifties (got out on 49 twice) in Tests.

made 187 runs in 5 ODIs, averaged 37.4 with 2 50s.

are you going to tell me that was poor performance?

[Acim]

Originally Posted by Ahmed Zulfiqar made 200 runs, with almost 3 fifties (got out on 49 twice) in Tests. made 187 runs in 5 ODIs, averaged 37.4 with 2 50s. are you going to tell me that was poor performance?

yes he will.

[My Name Is Khan]

Both, when ever i have seen em batting you just feel they going to do something silly to get out, and when they play their big shots it doesn't seem natural but forced and sometimes quite ugly...but one thing both can do is accumulate runs which is what matters most.

[Indian_20]

Originally Posted by Acim yes he will.

we have a psychic in our midst

[Acim]

Originally Posted by Indian_20 we have a psychic in our midst

So you agree that his performances weren't poor?

infact very respectable.