Agreed. Faisal and Kamran need to step their game up. Faisal has been trash talking to all of the English batsmen, but it's a little embarassing because he cannot convert that into productive innings for himself. I would love if he trash talked to them and was able to back it up with good play. It's time for him to show that he's a more worthy pick for this match than Abdul Razzaq (which thus far doesn't seem to be the case).
As for Kamran Akmal... he played really well at Lords with his 50+... I know he can play aggressively, but he needs someone like Yousuf or Inzimam on the other end to play well.
We should definetley go for the kill; Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Shahid Nazir and Danish Kaneria.
Good chance for the Akmal and Faisal to score runs. Even Farhat scored runs so no reasons why they will not be able to - especially in this match.
Faisal should allow his bat to do all the talking rather then getting into a verbal exchanges with the opposition batsmen who have played more tests and are better then him.
When he bats - no doubt the English fielders may return the compliments and see how he reacts.
This is the time when faisal can prove that he is better than Razzaq. I still believe that is unfair to replace Razzaq for Faisal.
Razzaq is Better and more reliable batsman and then a bowler too.
Let's see if Faisal can justify.
Surprisingly all I am hearing and reading from English side is about their team's complacency which resulted in Pakistan's dominance in this match so far.
Isn't it obvious that they are intentionally trying to avoid the topic of Mohammad Asif's effect in this match and absence of Pakistan pace attack in previous matches, just because they don't want to undermine English victory.
It appears at least one half of Pakistan's opening problem is solved...thanks to Hafeez's superb innings. Though Farhat played a commendable knock, I am still unconvinced as to his temparament. I watched the video of his innings, and didn't like some of the shots. Case in point.... the six he hit off of Panesar's first ball. How can you dance down the pitch to a new bowler without spending a couple of overs to judge the spin, bounce, etc.? As it happened, that particular ball did turn a lot, but fortunately for Farhat, he was playing with the spin and hit it smack in the middle of the bat. He could just as easily have been stumped, or miscued his shot for a simple catch. That kind of rush of blood is characteristic to him. So maybe he's still very much the old Farhat despite posting a flattering 91 against his name.
