The first test was a hard fought contest in which both sides had their moments of magic as well as their moments of shambles. Many people will be over critical of Pakistan losing a test match to a side like NZ who are by no means minnows but at the same time no means one of the best in the world. However, I am not so as one has to fundamentally remember that the side is rather inexperienced as many of the players are alien to the conditions and climate. At the same time the defeat was a very narrow one standing at 30 odd runs so the margin of difference was nothing to write hom about for NZ. Pakistan is also a little rusty as they haven’t played many test matches in the last couple of years. Therefore it is only expected that they will gradually improve as the winter progresses in a busy test programe. Call me stupid but I would like to remark this defeat as a respective one as Pakistan can take several positives and lessons forward with it.
This includes:
- The emergence of Umar Akmal who was adorable for a 19 year old. The debutant top scored in both innings for the touring side. His strokeplay was impressive as was his temperament and intelligence. We can only hope this is the start of something big to come.
- Asif’s return has catalysed the bowling attack’s outlook. His 8 wickets suggested he’s back into business.
- Aamer was very impressive. He moved the ball both ways and was looking really striking and feared with the new ball.
- The bowling unit as a whole was good and attacking. They captured 20 wickets rather easily and all bowlers contributed. This looks a promising matchwinning attack regarding they stay fit.
However, looking at the negatives I have to slam the openers who failed with their techniques and put Pakistan on the back foot when batting. They need to be able to see of the new ball and set the platform for consolidation by the middle order. I feel the openers were partly responsible for this defeat. Similarly the middle order collapse on day 3 could account for why Pakistan were left trailing. After all the stats always oppose batting in the 4th innings. The middle order and openers needs to click in the second test.
Expect a fierce fight back from our majestic lions in the second test................
By Maz
Oz special
14 years ago
7 comments:
SHANE BOND WAS MOM ! It was wonderful to see him back at his best from a general perspective as good fast bowlers has become a rarity in this generation.
As Stani said the batting held the key. Our bowling is good enough to win us matches on a given day but the series will be decided on the Pakistani batsmen and how they perform.
Yes its easy as that.
We will see Maz! I'm supporting the Kiwis :).
Maz as you mentioned that the key was with the batsmen, but an old man can't walk without a stick the batting needed support from the bowlers (which they got) & fielders, four dropped catches were too costly especially when Farhat dropped Vettori in the 1st innings.
But what was also good to see is that we didn't collapsed in the 2nd innings & there were few partnerships.
The captaincy was also good but Fawad Alam is not a number 3 batsmen that position is for someone who has already established himself someone like Yousuf himself.
Umar Akmal was the shinning star of the match & has a long way to go.
Now its the time that they should not be too much worried about the loss & think of making a come back. Farhat & Manzoor both should be dropped immediately from the team & it would be good to see if Salman Butt opens with Sarfaraz.
Farhat should be given another go.It will be harsh to drop him after just one test but as regards to KM he shouldn't even be in the squad for me.
Safraz should be tried.. Butt has had endless opportunities but might perform.
HR, CATCHES WIN MATCHES as they say ! :-)
Pak dropped too many ........
Maz,
Bond was the difference for the kiwis. I think when he was axed because of the ICL, he was the no.1 bowler in the world rankings at the time.
We need to be watchful of him this series. Just play him out as he's not going to bowl long spells.
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