Re: Is Yousuf's batting appraoch good for Pakistan?
With idiots like Afridi, nervous wrecks like Misbah and orthodox tailenders down the order (remember how 6 wickets fell for 20 runs), can you really blame Yousuf for "playing slowly"? I think he is doing his job perfectly; are the others doing so is the real question.
*Game, I didn't blame him for loosing matches. Cricket is a team game and If only one person makes the difference, then why play cricket? Let's have gulli dandha. *
*I'm just trying to project my opinion here. I for myself feel he is a bit to slow in making runs in a ODI and uses far too many balls, so that the run rate remains low. He is a very stylish batsman, he is a great player, he is the back bone of Pak Team. No doubts, but does this justify his slow performance in a game? *
*If I make 239 runs and the pitch allows me to score like 260 and yet you have thi s target set in your mind to achieve. To phir darna kaisa? Coz you know if you dont achieve the target, the match is virtually over for your team. Since your team is neither good in fielding and you can't hope & relay always on your bowlers. *
Thats where I back Rameez's statement. This time Yousuf was playing for himself and not for the team. I think the statement is clear enough.
We have a big problem with our openers I agree. But one with style and talent and so much experience could improve his strike rate and this (and I'm pretty convinced) even without taking extreme risks at the beginning.