As every one knows that I am one of the ‘crying out loud haters of Shoaib’, but when the credit is due, I wont hesitate to open a thread to his name.
I am not opening this thread because Shoaib took 3 wickets, but because of the fact that the look on his face and the determination he put in, forced me to believe that he has changed. You could easily see 100% effort from him and thats what we all wanted from him ALWAYS.
After this test match I officially resign from the hater club of Shoaib, regardless of what he does in the future.
And I am sure Shoaib too enjoyed this win and his performance more because he knows he fought it out really hard. Good job Shoaib. Although I have been a big opponent of his behavior and attitude, I did include him in Pakistan's All Time Test team along side Imran and Wasim and yes over Waqar. For me he is a cricketer that pulls the crowd to the stadium and has immense talent.
I think the break he got from test did wonders to his way of thinking too.
^ agreed Salman, more than his 3 wickets, what was really pleasing to see was his commitment, determination and his fitness. Hope he keeps it up throughout the series and the rest of his playing days. Pakistan certainly needs a fit and raring Shoaib. :k:
Yeah it was a changed Shoaib Akhtar all together. He was so composed and deciplined both on the field and in his deliveries as well. The whole 5th day he didn’t even bowl a single lousy ball, and swung the ball on his will as he once used to with 2Ws; thats a big change and a good one for both him and Pakistan. :k:
I dont believe he's changed a bit. A couple of weeks ago a report from his county suggested that he was still the same, if not worse.
On the field he's always picked up wickets. He picked up wickets in his first test against Australia last winter. Its his off field activities that directly affect his onfield performance. So if somehow his off field activities can be controlled, when on a tour, it would be great for Akhtar and for Pakistan.
As far as being a bowler, he's always been a great bowler right from day 1. Picking up wickets, bowling the most deadly yorkers, ever since Waqar and bouncers that would disfigure a batsman's face, even while wearing a helmet.
See that is what was lacking from him and i used to oppose his inclusion in the team. Now that he is fit and is ready to be a TEAM member, he can not be left behind!!!
Even though he is expensive and looked to be heading for defeat after being hit for those 4 's he did what he is in the team for and justified his selection. All we need now is consistency.
Right after lunch they way Shoaib bowled was simply amazing. That's the shoaib I want to see. I don't care if his runup starts from outside the ground, if he plays the way he played in this test I'm alright.
The most inspiring thing was his batting on day 4. After our great middle order stylish batsman Mohammad Yousaf gifted away his wicket the way Kamran Akmal was fighting for runs was amazing and on the other end for more then hour Shoaib killed his natural instincts to go for big shots and was doing his best to preserve his wicket to give Akmal support. Pakistan would have never had 190 odd to ball at if it wasnt for Shoaib and Akmal giving it all on day 4. As a bowler he was always good, but playing like that proved he was playing for the team and wanted the team to get a respectable lead unlike the others who's real job was to ensure we get a big lead.
I dont think Akhtar is past his prime, on these lifeless picthes he swung it both ways, at times bowling at 95 + mph, he just doesnt have enough to show for his effort since the damn pitch was so dead. I for one never really doubted him as a player and his commitment to the team, I could care less what he does outside the filed so long as he gives it his all on the field but I hope he has done enough to shut his critics for a little time. I said little time cause I am sure if he doesnt get wickets in just one game there would be plenty of people with knives out.
Do you remember SA tour? There were times when he was “injured” and he had to leave tour in middle later he was “alleged” to have gone disco dancing, jet-skiing etc. That DOES really hurt anyone who cares about the team.
