Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
We all saw Younis pinch hitting capabilities in the last one day. He could not get going until the last over which I still believe was a fluke. He himself said that he likes to accumulate runs slowely and is not a pinch hitter so why put him down the order? How many times has Dravid come down the order??
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
didn't imran khan promote himself at #3 at some point? i've seen him bat at #3 several times (late in his career), so why does he now want a specialist? The sad state of ODIs of these days is that a pinch hitter is needed in the first 20 overs (powerplay overs) and if the team fails to utilize those overs, then it gets a little tough.
if YK's average was better than malik;s at #3, then it would make an argument. Right now, Malik is performing so let him stay where he has been delivering for the team.
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
Over the last few years most teams have sent pinch hitters up the order, to make use of power play, and this strategy has been successful. However, problem is that it is not working for Pakistan recently.
However, my point is that Iran spoiled the career of a good batsman Ijaz Ahmed by always sending him at number 6 or 7. He himself and Akram used to come B4 Ijaz.
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
Malik's bowling won't get him selected in any team. The way you guys use the word "specialist" makes me wonder. Just because a guy can roll his arms, doesn't mean he is not a specialist batsman. Malik doesn't have technique, but I consider him a specialist batsman, because batting is the only thing that will get him selected for our team. No where does it say that a specialist batsman needs to have technique. Look no further than Sehwag. He is a specialist batsman, without any technique. Point is not to talk about Sehwag, but just to say that Malik should be considered a specialist batsman. Now, whether his position is #2, #3 or #6 is a separate discussion.
In my view, considering how Pak dumped Butt's butt in the last ODI and opened with Farhat, suggests that the team may still be double-minded about whether we have solved 50% of our opening dilemma. And if our opening is not settled, than #3 is always going to be a bit of a problem.
My view is that Inzi should get out of playing regular ODI's. His temperament is not suitable for ODI's anymore. He is lazy, fat and slow. Pretty lethal combination. Plus now he has back problem too. He should limit his cricket to only important ODI's and test matched. Younis should be the ODI captain now. Blood Faisal Iqbal as a replacement for Inzi (or some other youngester, I don't care). And some one please kick Yousaf really hard on his big ass... the dude needs to start taking responsibility for his innings and not throw away his wicket.
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
You have to bear Inzi for one year more.
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
I am with you on this one. As you have mentioned several times before as well, an opening combination of Butt(?)/Malik, followed by Younis is most likely a suitable option at this point in time. Imran Farhat just doesn't seem to cut it in the National Squad, from the looks of it.
Precisely my point. If anything, I'd say we can utilize Afridi in the opening pair (or one-down, depending upon the situation), and then let the big-guns take over the game (provided they are able to do it).
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
east or west, imran is the best!!
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
All these people were bad mouthing Khan sahib when he comented and now after the ODI result everyone is on the bandwagon to support Imran.
We desi's can never change.
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
regardless of what Imran said, the problem remains that without a solid opening pair, Pak's #1 #2 #3 and #4 slots are actually the same. I don't think your problem is who bats at #3 but more like how to stop losing wickets before the 2nd over is bowled. If your #4 and #5 are batting in the very 2nd 3rd or 4th over, what's the point talking about finessing and optimizing Shoab Malik or anyone else?
Ofcourse I am basing this only on the India series performance but you need to take into account that Indian bowling is lousy. The first 15 overs of almost anyother team is likely better than India's (there are exceptions when Pathan suddenly gets a good spell).
Frankly, I think Afridi is indirectly to blame for this. EVeryone in the Pak team seems to want to be aggressive whether they have the eye for it or not. In fact Afridi himself is trying to over-afridi lately. And they were not successful even against a mediocre boring bowling attack (?) as India's.
that aside, as far as I am concerned, the best strategy that Inzy and Woolmer can adopt is the one that will ensure India keeps winning! Within that one requirement do whatever you want:D
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
I respectfully disagree with Imran Khan. As they say 'Dont fix what aint broken'. Malik is performing at number 3 since a while now and not just in last series. We will be in a pickle if Younis doesnt click at number 3.
Re: Imran Khan's comments on Straight Drive Discussion (Younis Khan at #3)
I think since Malik is doing a good job in the ODIs @ #3, we should retain him their rather than messing with the batting order for no sane reason. I am still with the idea of opening with Kamran Akmal and Butt and let them take charge as the more they play, the more they'll learn. I really admire Imran Khan but I respectfully disagree just because since #3 position is working @ this time, why in the world change to some other player? Does it make sense??
Also, I am very much against bringing Afridi up the order. He's destructive for the opposition later in the batting order since all he has to do is slog and nothing else. #4 position should be taken by Inzi and #5 by Yousuf followed by Younis Khan. I think M. Yousuf is a class player but he really needs to take a look at the way he got dismissed in the first 4 ODIs. It was absolutely lousy Cricket. Hope he gets back into his Cricketing mind.
Lastly, I don't see Farhat being added to the batting line up because first, he will bat to secure his position in the team rather than playing his natural game. I will stick to Butt and Akmal and let them play and develop as this pair looks to be much better than Imran Farhat who just seems to be playing as a part timer here and there. We don't need that. Also, Pak team got to work on their fielding or else, we might see a Steve Waugh sentence repeated from the WC 99. This is what he told Gibbs (I think in the presentation or @least I read in the newspaper).. "Gibbs, you didn't drop my catch, you dropped the world cup." Does it sound familiar guys? Really, fielding is an asset and we can't afford it to be a liability to our bowlers or even over the player's talents as well.
Aright, gotta go,
Umer