Pakistan finds pace sensation

LAHORE, Oct 19: Pakistan’s nationwide hunt for fast bowlers to tame England in their forthcoming home series has unearthed a six foot six inch (1.98 metre) fast bowler, coach Bob Woolmer said on Wednesday.

“Mohammad Shafiq is an exciting talent and although he is very raw with his height he can help our batsmen prepare for tall England fast bowlers like Steve Harmison,” he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launched the hunt for pacers in 10 cities across the country and picked up six fast bowlers for the national camp for the upcoming England series.

The 23-year-old Shafiq caught Woolmer’s eye and was instantly summoned for the camp by Pakistan’s English coach.

“I am delighted and even though I may not feature in the matches against England I was encouraged by Woolmer’s words,” said Shafiq, who wants to emulate his idol, former Pakistan left arm pacer Wasim Akram.

http://www.dawn.com/2005/10/20/spt5.htm

Wow a 6.6 tall bowler, he is the sort of bowler we need, i mean Shabbir Ahmed kind of bowler with clean action but i didn’t understand one thing, this guy has NOT won the recent pace competition and he wasn’t even one of those who clocked 80+ then how did Bob pick him???
Maybe he wasn’t bowling at express pace but Bob like his bowling style and he has huge height advantage. I am sure Bob wouldn’t pick any rubbish bowler who didn’t even win the competition.
Good FUTURE prospect.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

Pace is not everything as we well know from, our leading bowler. Maybe the guy swings the ball, plus his height advantage may have something to do with it.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

That's what i said Ehsan, he is 6.6 and he can do wonders if he can use his height properly.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

Great and if this guy can really emulate half of what his idol was than I am sure this guy would do wonders. InshAllah.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

He needs to be handled properly, with proper professional training & coaching he could prove an assett.

If he is successful than I hope the new fame doesn't get to his head - like Shoab 'Actor'.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

well.... he needs to improve his physical fitness
and in the camp now he must bowl like harmison... in the nets...

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

Let the guy bowl in some 'side-matches' before we make him any 'sensation'.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

Pehlay check kar lo bhai... watta tau nahi hai.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

^ :hehe: haan, musalmani bhi check karlo…bunda sahi hona chahiay.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

i don' think it will be a problem for anyone if he has a little more elasticity. It will help in swing.

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

Any one got his picture? We also want to see who impressed uncle Bob. :)
lagta hay Shoaib Akhtar kay is say bhi buray din aanay walay hain... :)

Re: Pakistan finds pace sensation

is he left-arm?