Selectors meet captain, coach

[Amjid Javed]

LAHORE, Sept 1: Speedster Shoaib Akhtar’s fate for the home series against England was discussed at a meeting attended by national selectors, captain Inzamamul Haq and coach Bob Woolmer.

“We discussed strategy for the important series and every other subject, including Shoaib was taken up,” chief selector Wasim Bari told Dawn after the meeting on Thursday.

Bari stated that Inzamam had a positive attitude about Shoaib. “The main positive aspect about Shoaib is that he is playing cricket in England and that is important.”

Shoaib had missed series in India and West Indies — due to fitness and attitude problems. For the Indian tour, Shoaib expressed his non-availability explaining that he was not fit. But for the West Indies he reported himself fit but the PCB did not select him claiming the bowler did not appear fit.

The chief selector stressed said that the series would be a tough one as England was displaying a commendable performance at home in the Ashes series against world champions Australia.

Asked if Pakistan would rely on spin or fast bowlers, Bari pointed out that every point had been discussed but he could not disclose it since it was part of the strategy.

He elaborated that the team which would play with greater confidence had better chances to win.

He said that the meeting was very productive as all three parties exchanged their point of views openly.

The chief selector added that the performance of some probables for the home series against Australia ‘A’ and England would be watched closely by the selection committee in the three-day trial match between Greens and Whites starting at the Qadhafi Stadium from Friday.

The PCB had already announced two teams of 14 players each.

Bari said that 11 players would bat while the captain could use all 14 players when bowling. The first innings would be restricted to 90-over-a-side and the second 45.

source - dawn newspaper

[Monsee]

"Bari said that 11 players would bat while the captain could use all 14 players when bowling. The first innings would be restricted to 90-over-a-side and the second 45."


For once, for a change, they are trying out new and sensible things

[Shayan_Sohail]

Good to hear that Inzamam had a positive attitude towards Shoaib, Shoaib has not had a good stint with Worcestershire i am wondering if his performance will have an effect on his selection.

Good to hear that the management is taking the England tour seriously, Pakistan really has to be careful about the pitches and also should be careful with selection also. England are at their best right now and Pakistan will have to play at their best if they are willing to challenge England.

Also it would be interesting to see how youngsters(like Irshad and Yasir) perform against Australia A as their performances against Australia A is going to decide whether they are selected for the England tour.

[Mercenary]

I think Irshad, Yasir and Mansoor are all in with a chance to make it to the national squad versus England but I think there is room for only one of them. If Mansoor excels versus Aus A then it wouldnt surprise me if we went into the tests versus England with two leggies. Also with Shoaib's current form for Worcs combined with his short lacklustre spells its quite possible he wont make the starting line-up and as such it would be a perfect opportunity to debut either Irshad or Yasir.

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by Mercenary I think Irshad, Yasir and Mansoor are all in with a chance to make it to the national squad versus England but I think there is room for only one of them. If Mansoor excels versus Aus A then it wouldnt surprise me if we went into the tests versus England with two leggies. Also with Shoaib's current form for Worcs combined with his short lacklustre spells its quite possible he wont make the starting line-up and as such it would be a perfect opportunity to debut either Irshad or Yasir.

But if Mansoor (My namesake and a good player too, at last) makes it to the team...what will be Afridi's role in the team?

In that case, Afridi will have to make way for an extra bowler or batsman...what do you think?

I am against trying Yasir or Irshad in such a high profile series, unless they really excell against Aussie A and in other games with the senior side...I don't want them to fail and then be dropped for a long time like Hassan Raza

[Shayan_Sohail]

Originally Posted by Monsee But if Mansoor (My namesake and a good player too, at last) makes it to the team...what will be Afridi's role in the team? In that case, Afridi will have to make way for an extra bowler or batsman...what do you think? I am against trying Yasir or Irshad in such a high profile series, unless they really excell against Aussie A and in other games with the senior side...I don't want them to fail and then be dropped for a long time like Hassan Raza

I want them to get selected atleast one of them just to be in the squad but only be given a game if necessary.

[Jafri]

Great to hear that Inzi have a good Attitude toward someone. I dont wanna be mean but Inzi is the one who is having Inury and fitness issues these days. But lets not kill this topic. Cant wait to see Shoaib Akhtar in Action...

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by Jafri Great to hear that Inzi have a good Attitude toward someone. I dont wanna be mean but Inzi is the one who is having Inury and fitness issues these days. But lets not kill this topic. Cant wait to see Shoaib Akhtar in Action...

Mr. Fitness is definitely setting the county scene on fire...check the latest figures of a certain World class bowler at county level