Erring on two different extremes of selection

[OTW]

From an article I wrote recently at overthewicket.com... just a point to ponder.

What has stood out throughout this series is a difference in team selection methods with India and Pakistan banking on two different extremes. Pakistan have chopped and changed, trying the likes of Butt, Afridi, Malik, Akmal and Abdul Razzaq in the top three so far this series - India have shown a bloodyminded refusal to try and adapt. If the Pakistan team has been too intolerant of failure, the Indian team has erred on the other side of the fence - after all, how else can the performances of Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly be explained? It would be a safe bet to say that for better or for worse, had they performed so miserably for Pakistan in a sequence of one-dayers, they would have been warming benches in the dressing rooms.

Moderation's needed in both cases... it doesn't help someone like Kamran Akmal to open one game, bat at 7 or 8 in another - while someone like Shahid Afridi could work well either in the middle order or the lower order, it's definitely not beneficial for the middle order to be moved around time after time, with all the chopping and changing going on. In the tests particularly, it was shocking to see the way Butt was axed after one bad performance (to follow his scores in Australia), and the way they keep literally using a revolving door selection policy in the Pakistan team.

Certainly could take a hint or two from the Indian side as far as perservering with certain players is concerned - but what about the Indians themselves? If Yuvraj was Pakistani, he wouldn't be playing right now where he is - either he'd have been shifted somewhere else in the batting, or would be axed. In the last 20 games, he's averaged around 23.something - unacceptable, especially when given the number of times he's come in with more than 8 or 10 overs to go - or at times even 20/30+. Would be good for both teams if they could look at their counterparts - on the Indian front, we certainly need a bit more dynamic thought and a willingness to drop players or move people around - and I'm sure most Pakistanis would want a bit more consistency in the team selection.

[Sage]

Opening with Afridi was a mistake, just like I said before the game. Afridi and Kamran should switch positions, and then the team is perfectly balanced.

I don't understand why Kaif is stuffed down the order, when he can't slog and is better suited to the middle order, like Younis Khan. He would be better suited at 4, Yuvraj or Mongia should be at 7.

Chopping and changing are Pakistani cricket traits, but they were expected after the two losses.

There does need to a compromise between the two extremes, but I have a feeling Pakistan has found the right mix and order. India has done well to drop Laxman, but its biggest problem is the captain, once one of the premier ODI batsmen in the world. At least Sachin can bowl well during his lean run, why can't Ganguly do the same?

[Team Slayer]

good point OTW. For Pakistan, I think Shahid and Kamran need to be switched, and that's it. The balance otherwise is fine.

For India, I really think Gangs should "rest" himself for the next game. Sehwag and Dhoni should open, Kaif should play 3, Dravid 4, Sachin 5, Yuvraj 6, Mongia 7...and then 4 bowlers.

[Civil]

agree with TS

btw how you posting bhai dont you got a 134 exam or something to study for . LOL

[Team Slayer]

Civil, I was done 134 in 1B

first exam is this Friday

moderation is definitely needed from both sides. however, when looking at batting order, it is important to differentiate between the first and second innings. I think Pakistan has had a fairly consistent batting lineup batting first and have changed it around a bit batting second. the situation of the match certainly has an impact on the batting order for the team batting second.

[Officer Barbrady]

Pakistan's chopping with the top order leaves a lot to be desired. But it is also easier to drop players like Butt, Taufeeq, Hameed etc who are still finding their feet in international cricket. In India's case, dropping Ganguly, Laxman or even Yuvraj and Kaif is much more difficult give that they are established players with 'hero' status (whereas Ghambir or Chopra won't be a problem). For example even if someone like Razzak has a very lean period it will be very difficult to drop him from the odi side given his past record. Mo Sami has never been dropped since WC 03 whether he has performed or not.

The key to success (in ODI's) for Pakistan has been the ability of players like Razzak, Afridi (Akram and Moin in the past) to come in low down in the order and blaze away. That is why we have scored more than anyone else in the last 10 overs of ODIs.

Kaif, batting at seven, doesn't serve much purpose unless in special situations where he can be handy. Usually at that stage, the match is either almost lost or very quick runs are needed (for which Kaif is not exactly suited). Thus his use as a 'correct' specialist batsman is limited down the order and doesn't get full value for the team. I guess Kaif is the only specialist batsman in the world who bats at 7 (clarke does at times but he is a big hitter as well)? Similarly if Younis Khan is asked to bat at 7 (as happened yesterday) he really won't serve much purpose.

What India needs is a hard-hitting all-rounder who can bat at 7 and come in and blaze away when needed.

I also think 1) Sehwag, 2) Tendu, 3) Dhoni (give him a good run), 4) Dravid should be the top order and in that sequence. They should be followed by two out of Kaif/Yuvrag/Ganguly/MrXYZ with someone from domestic cricket who can hit out (all-rounder) at 7. Yes, as you said, some one has to get dropped and changes should be made!

Perhaps Ganguly should focus on one form of the game?

[badxhah]

I think it was Imran Khan who made a valid point that if Dravid is your key player he should come out at #3.Rather than comming after GAGGIES NOODLES.

[Schiller]

i think marooned's post sums it up quite well

kaif i feel is wasted down the order, if anything id swap dhoni with kaif

[Officer Barbrady]

After watching DM's Tendulkar clips just now I have to add he is not *that* Tendulkar anymore.

[Sami for Captain]

i dont care about what se;ection tactic we employ. as long as we win, thats what mattters. in odi, its all about HOW THE PLAYERS TAHT ARE CHOSEN PERFORM and not how they are instructed to play