Aamir Sohail "Inexperienced Middle Order Could be a Problem"

[Saj]

Former Pakistan captain and National Cricket Academy Director Aamir Sohail voiced his concerns to PakPassion.net about the lack of experience of the Pakistan middle order, ahead of the Twenty/20 World Cup.

With the tournament only a few weeks away Sohail stated that with Shoaib Malik and Younus Khan not in the squad, the lack of experience in the heart of the Pakistani middle order is a concern.

"The bulk of the Pakistan squad is still the same as last year's tournament, but there is no doubt they will miss the experience of Shoaib Malik and Younus Khan. The inexperienced middle order could be a problem"

Younus Khan was expected to be missing from the squad due to his retirement from Twenty/20 cricket straight after Pakistan lifted the trophy at Lords last year. However Malik's absence was unexpected, and came about after the Pakistan Cricket Board punished seven players following an investigation into the disastrous and controversial tour of Australia.

Sohail who represented Pakistan on more than 200 occasions feels that with Younus and Malik absent, the importance of Shahid Afridi's role in the batting order becomes even more important. "Shahid needs to assess the situation in each match, look at the status of each match and what the wicket is doing. Yes he batted at number three in the semi final and final during the last Twenty/20 World Cup and was very successful, but this time around he needs to position himself in the batting order according to the match situation. He should give himself a floating role in the batting order".

Sohail also feels that the Pakistan's quick bowlers need to step up their game in what he feels could be a difficult tournament for fast bowlers. "The matches are going to be day matches in hot conditions, so I would expect that the ball will not seam or swing much. The Pakistani quicks will need to be at the top of their game, as in recent times it's usually been the spinners who have performed consistently".

Pakistan, who despite the recent controversies go into the Twenty/20 World Cup finals amongst the favourites, but Sohail feels that defending the trophy will be a tough ask. "This time around Pakistan need to start on a positive note and ensure there is absolutely no complacency. They cannot afford to slip up at all. They have a tough group with Australia and Bangaldesh and if you make one mistake in a group like this, you could find yourself out of the tournament. Opponents will have analysed the Pakistan team and will be thoroughly prepared".

The Pakistan squad are currently taking part in a training camp in Lahore and start their Twenty/20 World Cup against Bangladesh on 1st May in St Lucia.

[cricketpassion]

I agree re Malik we will definitly miss him but we will not miss Youns beacuse we have good replacement for you younus as U Akmal .

[Mr S Khan]

I think we will miss the captaincy and calmness of younis. I think this will be different tourney than the one in Eng. If you look at IPL and the way the ppl are hitting these fast ausies bowlers. I think it will be tough for fast bowlers

[Mr S Khan]

Pakistan needs to WIN the 1st game.

[Black Zero]

Aamer is correct, we need at least around 150/160 runs in every match. We have good talent but consistently performing under pressure is different thing.

Most importantly, I predicted Pak can not defend without Malik. AAmer is stating the same but in his own way.

Pak would surely miss Malik, but in current circumstances, its very unlikely that he would be missing T20 WC.

Again thanks PP for contacting a bright mind of Pak Cricket.

[Desi]

Originally Posted by Mr S Khan Pakistan needs to WIN the 1st game.

To be honest. I think if Pak loses the first game (somehow) they will have a better chance of winning the WC.

[kingusama92]

Originally Posted by Desi To be honest. I think if Pak loses the first game (somehow) they will have a better chance of winning the WC.

Pakistan's first game in the world cup is against Bangladesh. If we lose that one then I really don't see us winning against Australia - the very next day.

We need to be clinical in our performances right from the get go - especially against a team like Bangladesh. We cannot afford to be lazy otherwise our trip in the West Indies could be very short like 2007.

[Amjid Javed]

Pakistans batting has alot of average batsmen, but no one who really stands out of fills me with confidence as a match winner.

[selector]

Aamer sohail is out of his mind, Experience is not a big factor in knowing and tracing a talent. T20 u dont need middle order. If it was me i will send my bowlers first to bat because they have proved themselves better than the middle order that we possess. Aamer and ajmal are the bright example and a slap on face of our experienced middle order.

[selector]

and by the way the above mentioned names only performs when they have athreat from youngster who can come and replace them. i fell it is shameful for pakistan cricket that no body tried to be like saeed anwar. we need hard hitting alrounder who can hit along the ground in the middle overs. not some Faliure legends, someday i would like to see their financial status before and after joining international cricket. I doubt they play for their country, $$$$$$$

[Saj]

Of all the players missing from the last toournament, I think Malik will be the player that Pakistan will miss the most this time around.

Younus wasnt all that great in the T20 format, Sohail Tanvir hasn't been fit for quite some time now, but I think Malik's all round ability in this version of the game will be sorely missed, especially given the expected conditions in the Caribbean.

[Ayyub]

Originally Posted by Saj Of all the players missing from the last toournament, I think Malik will be the player that Pakistan will miss the most this time around. Younus wasnt all that great in the T20 format, Sohail Tanvir hasn't been fit for quite some time now, but I think Malik's all round ability in this version of the game will be sorely missed, especially given the expected conditions in the Caribbean.

Younus Khan was superb in T-20 world cup 2009 ?

Saj Bhai ..malik will not be missed we got better and sound batsman and fielder in the shape of Alam.

[Liverpool_Faizan]

Originally Posted by Ayyub Younus Khan was superb in T-20 world cup 2009 ? Saj Bhai ..malik will not be missed we got better and sound batsman and fielder in the shape of Alam.

fawad alam is not fit enough to lace malik's boots. this hype over fawad alam is terrible.

[Ayyub]

Originally Posted by Liverpool_Faizan fawad alam is not fit enough to lace malik's boots. this hype over fawad alam is terrible.

he will prove u wrong again -- :younis

[cricwiz]

Originally Posted by Saj Of all the players missing from the last toournament, I think Malik will be the player that Pakistan will miss the most this time around. Younus wasnt all that great in the T20 format, Sohail Tanvir hasn't been fit for quite some time now, but I think Malik's all round ability in this version of the game will be sorely missed, especially given the expected conditions in the Caribbean.

Hafeez ?

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by Saj Of all the players missing from the last toournament, I think Malik will be the player that Pakistan will miss the most this time around. Younus wasnt all that great in the T20 format, Sohail Tanvir hasn't been fit for quite some time now, but I think Malik's all round ability in this version of the game will be sorely missed, especially given the expected conditions in the Caribbean.

Totally agree with you. Malik despite being the overall average batsman, but in 20/20 and one day format, he is above average. He knows how to rotate the strike, he has excellent running between the wickets ( which is main issue with majority of the players), he is an excellent fielder as well.

[pakmania]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Totally agree with you. Malik despite being the overall average batsman, but in 20/20 and one day format, he is above average. He knows how to rotate the strike, he has excellent running between the wickets ( which is main issue with majority of the players), he is an excellent fielder as well.

Never really should have been groomed into a Tests player,he always had ability in the Limited Overs format as Bob Woolmer would testify.

[Inswinger]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Totally agree with you. Malik despite being the overall average batsman, but in 20/20 and one day format, he is above average. He knows how to rotate the strike, he has excellent running between the wickets ( which is main issue with majority of the players), he is an excellent fielder as well.

Agree. He should never have been pushed into the Test side.

[ShehryarK]

Originally Posted by Liverpool_Faizan fawad alam is not fit enough to lace malik's boots. this hype over fawad alam is terrible.

Very well said.

I like Fawad's attitude. In fact, I love it.

But as a batsman, he's as much right to play in the T20 side as Salman Butt. So far, Fawad's been woeful in T/20s.

He can one day be a real asset in ODIs with his running, and in the Tests with his temperament - however, talented or special he isn't. A great 'utility' cricketer at best.

[kingusama92]

Originally Posted by ShehryarK Very well said. I like Fawad's attitude. In fact, I love it. But as a batsman, he's as much right to play in the T20 side as Salman Butt. So far, Fawad's been woeful in T/20s. He can one day be a real asset in ODIs with his running, and in the Tests with his temperament - however, talented or special he isn't. A great 'utility' cricketer at best.

Even I concur with the fact that Fawad Alam is not T20 material - although I think its fair to suggest that he's done nothing wrong yet.

We can look at his stats in T20 cricket to see how he as fared so far in his short career.

FAWAD ALAM T20I CAREER Matches: 18 Runs: 148 Average: 24.66 SR:129.82

I don't see that as being too bad. I don't think we should pay much attention to the amount of runs he's scored because usually he's been sent in at number 6-7 and he's usually there to hit. I think his S/R is the major figure to look at and it suggests that he's done quite well with the limited batting time he's gotten and at a reasonable average as well.

I don't see him as a replacement for Malik either but I do think he's done nothing wrong thus far. We have to provide him with a decent chance before writing him off from this format of the game.

[ShehryarK]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 I don't see that as being too bad. I don't think we should pay much attention to the amount of runs he's scored because usually he's been sent in at number 6-7 and he's usually there to hit. I think his S/R is the major figure to look at and it suggests that he's done quite well with the limited batting time he's gotten and at a reasonable average as well.

With respect KU, a strike rate of 130 for someone who bats at 5 or 6 or 7, and is there to hit out, is woeful.

A par SR for someone batting at that position would be at least 150.

A player would need to have a SR above par to be considered "special", which Alam inexplicably is. However, his numbers don't justify it. In this position (batting at 5/6/7) in T/20I's, Yousuf Pathan is special, for instance - SR of 167.

[Poison]

Nobody rates Fawad Alam, I don't know why.

Champion player, gives 150%, scored a hundred on Test debut, has a very good average and strike rate for T20 cricket (regardless of his batting position, a SR of 130 runs per 100 balls is ABOVE AVERAGE), brilliant fielder, takes photos with PakPassion posters (PakPassionate); what else can he do?!

[ShehryarK]

Originally Posted by Poison Nobody rates Fawad Alam, I don't know why.

Were you away for the past few years? He has consistently been the most highly rated Pakistani youngster year on year here. Poster after poster sings his praises and lauds his hairstyle.

Originally Posted by Poison what else can he do?!

Bat half decently, at least? (in T20s, that is... as pointed out above, I remain his supporter and believe he will probably become a great contributor in ODIs and Tests for us...less likely in T20s though).

[Poison]

Originally Posted by ShehryarK Were you away for the past few years? He has consistently been the most highly rated Pakistani youngster year on year here. Poster after poster sings his praises and lauds his hairstyle. Bat half decently, at least? (in T20s, that is... as pointed out above, I remain his supporter and believe he will probably become a great contributor in ODIs and Tests for us...less likely in T20s though).

No sahib. A LOT of posters don't like him and Pakistani's in general (who I've talked to about cricket) seem to think he's not good enough to represent Pakistan. I think its because he's not flamboyant and is the exact description of a grinder, and we Pakistani's have gotten too used to flair to appreciate him

Anyhoo I kind of concur with you on the T20 issue, he should bat possibly at 3 or 4 (if he's in the T20 side at all) because he's a strike rotator who *can* hit out if he hangs around for too long.

[ShehryarK]

Originally Posted by Poison I think its because he's not flamboyant and is the exact description of a grinder

I'd love to have six gritty grinders in our top order in Tests!

Hopefully Fawad can be at least one!

[Turbokam512]

Lets talk about the new guns ...shall we..
share your points on the new young U19 picks in the squad...

[selector]

People please stop making Malik the news, our 2007 line up was

Nazir
butt
hafeez
younus
malik

and were unable to prove themselves. so please stop favoring these guys they are the legendary failures of the past. I am very happy to see some others like farhat, latif, hafeez, misbah and the legend failure of all time SALMAN BUTTY BUTT AGAIN, Pak selectors must be on CRACK $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Genghis]

I think the added how Afridi bats will make or break our World Cup challenge. Afridi did come in at No.3 the last couple of games in the World Cup, but he had Younis, Malik and Misbah to come in later. Now with Alam and U Akmal, we have two very good T20 players, but somewhat untested.

[Rizie]

what about the fact if we have butt at the top order.

[cricfan967]

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/...e-sohail-ts-04
Afridi will need to step up batting role: Sohail
Former Pakistan captain and chief selector Aamir Sohail believes the relatively inexperienced batting middle order of Pakistan was a cause for concern ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup being played in the Caribbean later this month.



Sohail told UK-based website PakPassion.net that with veterans Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan not in the squad, the middle order looked too fragile. Their task will not be made any easier considering the fact that Pakistan is placed in the same group as the Australians, and a Bangladeshi side that has some of the most thrifty spinners in its ranks.



“The bulk of the Pakistan squad is still the same as last year’s tournament, but there is no doubt they will miss the experience of Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan. The inexperienced middle order could be a problem.”



Younis retired from the shortest version of the game after leading Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup in England while Shoaib Malik has been banned for one year from representing Pakistan by PCB following the recent disastrous tour of Australia.



Sohail felt that in the absence of Younis and Malik, captain Shahid Afridi would have to step up to the plate and guide the team around him.



“Shahid needs to assess the situation in each match, look at the status of each match and what the wicket is doing. He batted at number three in the semi final and final during the last T20 World Cup and was very successful, but this time around he needs to position himself in the batting order according to the match situation. He should give himself a floating role in the batting order.”



The former left-handed opener also had a word of caution for the Pakistani fast bowlers who face the prospect of operating on some very flat, bastmen-oriented tracks in the West Indies.



“The matches are going to be day matches in hot conditions, so I would expect that the ball will not seam or swing much. The Pakistani pace men will need to be at the top of their game, as in recent times it’s usually been the spinners who have performed consistently.”



Ultimately, however, Pakistan will have to play well as a team and this time around there will be no room for a mediocre start.



“This time around Pakistan need to start on a positive note and ensure there is absolutely no complacency. They cannot afford to slip up at all. They have a tough group with Australia and Bangladesh and if you make one mistake in a group like this, you could find yourself out of the tournament. Opponents will have analysed the Pakistan team and will be thoroughly prepared.”

[Saj]

Interesting thoughts as always from Aamir.

[Ryankhan]

we will definitely miss the captaincy of younis khaN and i liked what amir said that afridi would have to play the flotating role.

[Alam_dar]

Originally Posted by ShehryarK With respect KU, a strike rate of 130 for someone who bats at 5 or 6 or 7, and is there to hit out, is woeful. A par SR for someone batting at that position would be at least 150. A player would need to have a SR above par to be considered "special", which Alam inexplicably is. However, his numbers don't justify it. In this position (batting at 5/6/7) in T/20I's, Yousuf Pathan is special, for instance - SR of 167.

It seems we are looking at the role of Fawad with different angles. You are watching him as Hard Hitter at No. 6. While we are looking at him as Stability Factor in the middle Order (in case of earlier batting collapse).

He has the ability to make the Singles and Doubles and keep the scoreboard moving at more than descent speed for his role which is to build the innings without loosing the wicket.

The SR of 150+ is for the last Hard Hitting batsmen like Razzaq and for earlier batsmen like Afridi, Akmal and Umar Akmal.

For me Roles are as under:

1. Hafeez (play sensibly at beginning)

2. Akmal (He should do hard hitting right from the beginning)

3. Afridi (hard hitting)

4. Umar Akmal (Hard Hitting)

5. Fawad (sensible)

6. Misbah/Hammad/Yasir Arafat (Hard Hitting)

7. Razzaq (Hard Hitting)

8. Aamir

9. Gulla (Hard Hitting)

10. Asif

11. Saeed Ajmal.

[Cracket]

1. Hafeez (play sensibly at beginning) 2. Akmal (He should do hard hitting right from the beginning)

In T20, there is no such thing as sensible beginning if you want to win. One can play a mixed game of anchoring/attacking but he can't totally just keep rotating the strikes, he has to help scoring boundaries too (In KKR Ganguly has been forced to step up his opening strike rate so the team isn't totally dependent on Gayle to give a good start). You need to be 60-ish by 7 overs, and then one can take easy while the other still attacks once in a while until the last 5-6 overs where they have go all out.

Its for this reason Imran Nazir might be a better option than Hafeez.