PakPassion - Pakistan Cricket Forum - There's Something about Solanki (by Hassan) 19.04.06

There's Something about Solanki (by Hassan)

Vikram Solanki is an unknown hero. Having made his debut in 1998/99 against South Africa, Solanki is an exciting and aggressive opener as well as being an exceptional fielder. As we all know, the main advantage one can have while playing for England is that the team management offers numerous chances to players to prove their ability. But England’s team management has not yet shown the same attitude with Solanki.

Solanki is an attacking opener with huge advantages and abilities that the former English Captain Nasser Hussain has made effective use of in the past.

To a certain extent current English Captain Michael Vaughan has taken full advantage of his abilities at times too. But Solanki was axed as the English team management wanted to keep some other players in his place.

While examining his record in close detail one will find Solanki to be a much better individual than many others in the current England team that play in his place.

He made his comeback in 2003/04 against Pakistan when England won 2-1. Solanki made a fine reappearance by scoring consistently and performing effectively. He also scored a fine gutsy century against South Africa in the Natwest Trophy. However he was axed as the English team management decided to replace him despite his decent performance during that period.

After that Solanki made some appearances with limited success because he was playing under immense pressure. But when England visited Pakistan in 2005/06, in the fifth ODI played at Rawalpindi, Solanki scored 49 runs, making him the top scorer in that match for England.

Regardless of Solanki’s performance against Pakistan, he was dropped for England’s tour in India. Although he was recalled because several of England’s players ruled out due to personal and fitness reasons, he had not been the management’s top choice.

Recently, England played several ODI matches against India. Most cricket analysts who had their eyes on this series were deeply amazed because Captain Andrew Flintoff preferred Matt Prior for the opening slot over Solanki who is well-known as a pure opener.

India has already crushed England 5-1. The fifth ODI was washed out by poor weather. England’s loss in this series was largely down to poor team selection - England had two wicket keepers in the team and used Solanki, who is a genuine opener, at slot number six.

It would be advisable for the English team management to play with just one wicket keeper in the upcoming home season where they have to face two Asian giants, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Vikram Solanki should be seriously considered for the opening slot for these upcoming matches, to give him a chance to prove his abilities.

On the whole it is apparent that the English team management’s attitude towards Vikram Solanki has produced poor results for England in its recent matches. England might prove to be a more successful team if they consider Solanki for the opening slot.