Groom a Successor While Misbah is Leading

It's a favourite frequently discussed topic of many. No team can function without it. Captaincy; some just have it. Others don't. It's not particularly the subject you can dramatically pick up and learn. It's a complicated business. The significance of a captain in such a sport is greater than any other sports in terms of their continuous involvement to make decisions and direct proceedings. Their authority is unmatched, but with that comes supreme responsibility. Many crumble under it. Some survive. Some thrive. 

Captains in Pakistani culture are either appointed based on their captaincy credentials and being naturally identified leaders or they are given the honour as a result of their seniority and experience in a team environment. The current man in office is a prime example of someone who was given the role as a result of being a 'Specialist Captain' having only played 19 test matches before being thrown in with the thankless task of rejuvenating a broken outfit. The ever controlled Misbah had always been regarded as a suitable and capable leader of men which is evident with him captaining several domestic sides since 2001 at a younger age and that too having commenced his first class career late by Pakistani standards due to academic commitments.

On the other hand, the likes of Inzamam were given the role as a result of their seniority and being the most capped member of the side having been given the honour after over a decade of regularly being involved in the side. He was not necessarily considered as an individual with leadership pedigree, but built up a strong playing reputation over an extended career to be able to gather the respect of his younger team members as a senior figure which led to him captaining the side towards the latter part of his illustrious career. 

In Pakistan, seniority is often a key factor in gaining the right to captain the country, perhaps even more so than having specialist captains with the qualities and CV behind them. This is what makes the current captain positively different from the rest. Elsewhere, this tag of seniority is less so. The likes of Michael Atherton, Michael Clarke, Cameron White, Alastair Cook, Virat Kohli have all led at an Under 19 World Cup before and gone on to lead their national teams in some capacity or another. They have been identified as potential leaders from the days of their youth. The progression plan has followed to the top level.

The likes of Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad and Junaid Khan to just take as a handful of examples simply do not cut it as captains despite some Pakistani fans believing they do just because of their popularity or performance. Neither do they have it in them as has been seen with the lack of opportunities they are getting to lead sides at the lower levels, hence not being regarded as men who could control a side. And neither are they vastly experienced as seniors. Captains have to be creative, natural, outside of the box choices. If that is not possible, you turn to seniority as a last resort. Very few can lead and lead well. It's not an art that every Tom, Dick and Harry can effectively adopt. Of course, it is possible to find born captains that are not necessarily the best of players. Hence, it's worthwhile to go searching beyond the usual names for such an integral matter which can frequently dictate the path of a side. 

George Bailey was made captain on debut. Alastair Cook was captain of the ODI team after the 2011 World Cup having not been in the World Cup Squad, let alone the final playing XI. Misbah was made captain having not played in the previous six test matches. Mike Brearley famously captained England to Ashes glory in 1981 having not been in the side at the start of the series. Rob Key was also in the hunt some years ago as a candidate to lead England in the coloured clothing having not been in the side; however that did not overshadow his achievements whilst leading Kent.

These are all examples of creative choices and they have all succeeded. PCB could learn a lesson or two, particularly with them gaining overwhelming success when Ijaz Butt pulled off a masterstroke and the finest moment of his tenure by appointing Misbah, a move that not many would have taken. They should creatively groom a successor to Misbah based purely on leadership skills. There may not be many around in Pakistan, but there are 2 that strike me that are worth a serious punt.

Azhar Ali portrays the impression of leadership potential. He is mentally a tough cookie, principled, methodical and temperamentally unfazed as many would know from his enduring playing style. These are often key traits in successful leaders. A clear organised mindset to be able to counter several different situations that you will come across and react constructively to them. As a purist he is known to be responsible, focused and mature which his stoic persistence epitomises, more traits of features one looks for in deciding whether one fills the criteria of captaincy material. In addition, he speaks confidently with the press, is disciplined, has captaincy experience by leading Lahore to the final of the National Domestic One day Cup 2013 and is rated by senior pundits, his own captain and coaches as someone who could do the job at some point. Having played 12 consecutive test series without missing a game since July 2010 and adjudged the PCB Test Batsmen of the year in 2012/13, he is more than established. He has played more test matches than Saeed Ajmal. One must remember that during the unforgettable whitewash against the colonial father, the number 3 rock was the only batsmen from either side to average above 50 and that too in a series where wickets fell in clusters with ball dominating bat.

Umar Amin is a fairly educated well brought up individual from my understanding and research. I know one does not get extra runs or wickets for being educated as many people would forward in response. However, education produces thinking cricketers with sharper minds, suitable ambassadors who can interact in a professional diplomatic manner, players who can command the respect of the dressing room, boosts a player's self-esteem and generally speaking prevents the occurrence of misguided players. Some of the finest captains the game has seen have been renown as highly educated people, inevitably making them top class role models. The likes of Michael Atherton, Kumar Sangakkara, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Imran Khan, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley are just some of the many. Ed Cowan in Australia was on the brink of being a serious contender for the vice captaincy of the Australian test side earlier in the year. His academic background went strongly in his favour. Amin also has captaincy experience, leading the Under-25 side to glory in the SAARC championship 2 years ago.

Hafeez does not cut it anymore due to his severe deficiencies in the test game and his unwillingness to move into the lower middle order. It's benefiting to have the Test and ODI captain the same, just like the worldwide trend in most international outfits barring West Indies and South Africa. Even there they have the Test captain still playing ODIs as a player. Hence, Hafeez was never someone I was too hopeful about for becoming a proper skipper outside the limited over arena because there were always doubts over his test match ability and now more than ever. In T20s though while captaining, he has not done much wrong, undefeated in 5 series and having the most international wins by a Pakistan Captain in the format with a winning percentage of 67. But you don't become a great captain by just doing well in T20s or the limited over formats only. 

For now and at least until the 11th ICC World Cup in 16 months’ time or the England ‘home’ series later that year at a stretch, Misbah undoubtedly remains the only choice to lead the side across Tests and ODIs, the best choice to lead, a highly idealistic choice and best all-round choice. As the only Pakistan Captain to have won more than he has lost in all 3 formats, 1 win away from being in position 4 for the most international wins by a Pakistani Captain and having the highest win/loss ratio by a Pakistani international Captain across 3 different formats with a qualification of 60 matches, he has established himself as the best 21st century Pakistani Captain and not someone who should be dismissed so easily, but rather someone who we should be reaping the rewards of unseen continuity with by appreciating the benefit of having him around. In addition, he is the most consistently individually performing batting skipper, most proven batsmen that has mastered the 3 different formats in the country and best ageing player Pakistan have ever had. His 2013 numbers, much like 2011, are astonishing, carrying the vast bulk of the work for teams that are heavily reliant on him as an assuring lone battler. When you have found a leader as accomplished as him, particularly in an environment that is known to struggle with leadership, you need to encourage them to keep going as they come far and few between. It's difficult to imagine finding anyone equal to his standing for a lengthy time to follow without the slightest of hyperbole.

The daft age arguments which completely lack thought will keep cropping up. Yes, normally a 39 year old should not be playing on the international scene. But since when has Misbah been a normal 39 year old? He has been performing exceptionally at the age and set a very high fitness benchmark which coaches would testify. He has the most 50+ scores by an ODI player at 38+ and has 11 half centuries in 15 international innings since turning 39. Most recently, he averaged 195 in the Champions League T20, striking all 13 sixes his team hit in the competition, including a man of the match award in the last game for an unbeaten 93 from just 60 deliveries. The late 30s hasn't been the twilight of a very consistent but late starting career for him, rather the peak. Hence, he is a big EXCEPTION to the rule. Many players with significantly worse performance and fitness levels than him have played into their 40s. He has shown that age has no limitations better than anyone. He has proven that with experience and maturity, it can be a thriving period in a career rather than a declining one. He is one who has not been affected by the whole age tag concept where many start to enter panic mode, by doing so start doubting themselves. He has a genuine age which for Pakistanis is a basic honesty lacked in many cases. Having spent a long time plying his trade in the first class circuit, he is now enjoying the fruits of dedication, commitment and desire having not been disheartened by a lack of opportunities in his younger years, at the top level. 

However, PCB need to look ahead at the same time and think of someone that could lead the side such as Azhar Ali and Umar Amin between 2016-2019 and beyond. This is a time when Pakistan will possibly be touring England every summer with tours in 2016 and 2018, World Cup in 2019; assuming they qualify for the inaugural ICC Test Championship in 2017. Someone who has played here before and is aware of the scrutiny that is under the Pakistan side when they visit England is needed. Amin and Azhar both fill this criteria having toured in 2010 and with Amin also playing in the Champions Trophy this year and league cricket for Morecambe CC the summer before. Groom now while one of Pakistan's most articulate and professional leaders is reigning.

Nevertheless, long term planning just isn't part of the PCB psyche is it?

Misbah, Hafeez, Ajmal will be the Key in Champions Trophy Posted on April 18, 2013 by abdullahhaider2013214 | Leave a comment

Misbah, Hafeez, Ajmal will be the Key in Champions Trophy

Posted on April 18, 2013 by abdullahhaider2013214 | Leave a comment

These 3 are undoubtedly the key who the team heavily rely on for runs, wickets, stability and balance.

Misbah, Hafeez, Ajmal – The Faisalabad trio are the nucleus of the one day side and the 3 most valuable one day players in terms of leading batsmen, leading all rounder and leading bowler as well as experienced respected leadership presences in the case of Misbah and Hafeez that you wouldn’t consider dropping and hence have a longer description in place for them. Ajmal might not be a leader, but there is no disagreement about him being Pakistan’s biggest talking point from the perspective of opposition camps. These 3 are undoubtedly the key who the team heavily rely on for runs, wickets, stability and balance. They are the go to men who have all played over 80 of these 50 over internationals with impressive success. The team is build around them. Starting with the skipper, here I outline the individual strengths with reference explicitly to 50 over cricket:

Misbah – Mr Dependable

1)      Patience, temperament, mental toughness, self belief to sit in, absorb pressure when there is a tight passage of bowling and the ball is hard to get away, knowing he has the range of shots and the power game to accelerate and make up for a sedate beginning the longer he is out there and has properly got his eye in. He is a capable and occasional enforcing player while being able to protect his wicket respectfully, hang around and work the gaps

2)      Calmness, determination, responsibility to see his side home and remain unbeaten in a run chase, particularly when there is a working total to chase meaning he has the license to bide his time somewhat which he relishes with his grinding game plan

3)      Ability to assess and read conditions like a farmer to his soil from a pure captaincy point of view

4)      Keeping his side together, priding them on the conduct and overseeing developments closely. In England, this will be of paramount importance given the past events

5)      Interacting with the press in a diplomatic and professional manner which gives a strong likeable account of his team

Hafeez – Utility Cricketer

1)      Ability to bowl with the new ball for a canny off spinning all rounder. Doesn’t mind the hardness and proud seam despite being a finger spinner.

2)      Ability to knock over  left handers with his drifters and straighter ones from an around the wicket angle of attack

3)      Ability to get through 10 overs; reliably, accurately, economically, almost silently with nagging control

4)      Advice and suggestions in the field to captain and bowlers, active vice skipper

5)      Can make big runs on flat wickets and is a decent enough batsmen

Ajmal – Mystery man

1)      Ability to turn the ball both ways in a disguised manner, making it hard for most to read him, particularly out of the hand. Often players play him off the pitch which can be guess work territory if you don’t pick up the length

2)      Control to be able to make the most of his mysteries and variations in his golden armoury, barely giving anything to hit and always testing in the right areas

3)      Ability to vary his pace and assess the pace that is right for the surface and ground dimensions. Has the experience and canniness to work it out for him-self.

4)      Self confidence to operate in the batting power play time after time. Likes the challenge when batsmen are on the charge and attempting to take him on with all the tricks up his sleeve.

5)      Ability to bamboozle players who are playing him for the first time and lower order players in dominant fashion

Azhar Ali – Enduring Grafter

1)      Can play 2nd fiddle when forming a partnership and patiently go about his trade unnoticed while contributing to the team cause

2)      Can negotiate with the new ball with an efficient technical basis to work from

3)      Can hold up an end and control proceedings, ensuring wickets are in tact

4)      Handy 6th bowling option as a decent leg spinner

5)      Good alert close in fielder to the bat

Asad Shafiq – Man for a crisis

1)      Wrist work and general leg side play

2)      Ability to manoeuvre the field by playing the ball late

3)      Reasonably compact technique

4)      Thrives when batting in a crisis

5)      Strong catcher and ground fielder

Mohammad Irfan – Big Bird Number 2

1)      Extra bounce

2)      Surprise batsmen with his Yorker

3)      Awkward customer for players playing him for the first time

4)      Utilise early morning moisture

5)      Complements Junaid well

Junaid – Mohammad Aamir number 2 (minus the corruption fingers crossed)

1)      Whole hearted performer

2)      Bowls well at the death and back end

3)      Quick learner

4)      Whippy bowling action

5)      Can move it around both ways

Abdur Rehman – Silent Assassin

1)      Control with the ball

2)      Talented batsmen for a number 8 or number 9

3)      Can also bowl with the new ball

4)      Operates well in tandem with Ajmal

5)      Tricky customer to score off

Nasir Jamshed – Comparisons with Anwar were inevitable

1)      Leg side play

2)      Stylishness both sides of the wicket

3)      Pretty  impressive one day form over last year or so

4)      Put on many 100+ stands with Hafeez, 4 already, decent understanding developed

5)      Gives a left right hand combination to disrupt bowlers line

Malik – Ice Cool Finisher

1)      Cool headed finisher

2)      Quick runner between the wickets

3)      Likes milking the spinners in the middle passages

4)      Outstanding outfielder

5)      Handy off spin option, relying a lot on flight deception

Pakistan in South Africa 2013 Test Series Stats Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 920; Date: 26-02-2013, 08:22;

Dale Steyn is the leading wicket taker
Ajmal is Pakistan's leading wicket taker for a 3rd test series in a row, however in the first and third test he wasn't at his best
Philander and Steyn have exceptional averages and strike rates
Not much to speak of in the Pakistani seam department
There were 2 5 wicket hauls from the Pakistani bowlers

Leading run getters in the test series
Amla and AB a long away ahead of everyone else
3 Pakistanis in the top 5 though
Only 2 centuries from either side
5 50+ scores for Pakistan only

Combined XI After 2 Tests Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 1259; Date: 19-02-2013, 03:25;

Combined XI

Smith (C) - The man who has captained his country in 100 test matches. He was dismissed by Gul both times in the series opener outside the off stump to identical deliveries whereas in the 2nd test at Newlands he was out in identical fashion attempting a sweep shot against Saeed Ajmal to be given LBW. Smith has registered a half century in the 4 innings he has had and has been tidy in the slip cordon.

Azhar - 3 of the 4 openers have struggled and as a result I am pushing Azhar to open up. Azhar scored a determined and watchful half century in his previous innings where he batted for 193 deliveries. This is a testimony to his patience, gutsiness and concentration.

Amla - One of the leading run scorers in the series with a couple of half centuries at an impressive lick. He was confident in his method of playing back to Saeed Ajmal, even with the pace, length and sharp spin he gets; Saeed has trapped many batsmen in front when they have been playing back to a sharp turning off spinner which hurries on to the pad with the some appreciable turn. Nevertheless, despite being trapped stone dead in the first innings, Amla stuck to his game plan just like he has done to Swann and Lyon in the recent past.

Younis - His 111 was a masterlcass. I'm not sure how much we can read into him quoting his century in the first innings as his best as he can get carried away in the moment, however it surely must have given him immense pleasure and satisfaction to do it against such an attack in their own backyard as Younis registered his first century in South Africa.

Misbah - He has crossed the 40 mark on 2 occasions and even when he got the 12 in the dismal 49 all out, he was assured and determined in his game plan. Kepler has gone on to say he has looked the best technically out of the Pakistan batsmen on this tour as he has left patiently, covered the movement generally and played some neat looking strokes.

ABD (WK) - Magnificent wicket keeper batsmen who is leading in the run charts and been as efficient as they come behind the sticks. The Wisden Editor, Scyld Berry described him as the best test batsmen around nowadays. He is entertaining watching with such a wide range of selective strokes.

Shafiq - The most 50+ scores from the visiting batsmen so far. He would not have had to play a harder innings than the 111 in the first innings and has proven he could do anything as the quality of play does not get tougher than what he had to negotiate on the opening day of the Newlands test.

Robin Peterson - Man of the match in the 2nd test, a huge surprise to many. Fair play to Robin who gave the ball a tweak and played a frustrating morale boosting hand for the hosts when they could have conceeded a major first innings deficit and thereby had to chase more in the 4th innings against Ajmal and his own bowlers not being as pumped up in the 3rd innings, knowing it wouldn't take long for the test to drift away from them.

Philander - He has got control, accuracy, persistence, away movement, the odd one nipping back, plenty of nibble in the corridor of uncertainty. The 'VERN' has got 13 already in the series and is in the 2nd place behind Steyn for the most number of wickets. The modern day Glen, even more potent than that in some respects.

Steyn - 15 wickets in 2 tests. No brainer. The best fast bowler in the world at the moment who has mastered the art of combining swing control with pace and aggression. He is giving Hafeez, in particular, all kinds of trouble with the spanking new cherry.

Ajmal - After 25 tests, Ajmal has 133 wickets which is more than what Kumble, Warne and Murali had. Unfortunately for him, this is the 2nd occurence where he has taken 10 wickets in a test match only to end up on the losing cause. His celebration when trapping Faf with a typical Ajmal dismissal from a sharp turning quick-ish offie, showed how much it meant to him to do it here against the best in the business on their own patch. The argument of him becoming Pakistan's all time best spinner increases with every test he plays. Ajmal has 100 test wickets in the last 16 consecutive test matches he has played since Guyana 2011. He started it with a 10 wicket haul in Guyana and in his most recent outing he did too over in Cape Town.

By Abdullah @maza786 on Twitter

Congratulations Smith and Company Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 308; Comments: ; Date: 18-02-2013, 14:35;

Everyone knows Pakistan were severely undercooked and underprepared for this series to even compete respectably. It’s like an analogy of a student in a school year that goes through the semesters without doing any work until a fortnight before the exams and then expects to pass. They even prepare more seriously for T20 tournaments than a high profile test series against a formidable side. As professional as the current lot are, they are not done any favours by a board that seems to not care about their test match status as much as England, Australia and South Africa do.

Shafiq's Ton

Asad Shafiq has class written all over him. He has the mastered the art of how to quietly reconstruct the innings when the side are up against it. Ideal for number 6, not a complete basher or a complete blocker. He knows when to hang in there and when to push on. He's playing the sort of innings VVS used to do for India.

Momentous moment for Shafiq to get his first ton outside Asia. 30 odd for 4 against the best attack in the world and Asad Shafiq survives for 70 overs to lift the morale in the camp for these 2 tests. Grace, elegance, wrist work and precious ability to withstand pressure.

Credit to Misbah and Mohsin for selecting Asad Shafiq, preserving with him when Yousuf was fit and available and then making the bold and right move of preferring him ahead of the likes of Umar Akmal for the number 6 position

SA Champions

We are playing the best side in the world in their own conditions. They are a skillful side and an accomplished one in more or less every department. We are playing in an environment that is unique and unusual for many of our players. Obviously, conditions have a bigger impact the longer the format. Cricket does not get harder than this. We might have lost 2-0, however we have also had our moments on this tour. We are up against the best number 1 side in the world game since Australia early 2000s; who are tipped to lead the way in the test arena for some time to come. Players require support and backing more than ever here. I repeat, cricket does not get harder than this.

6 series wins in a row
12 series without a series defeat
14 tests without defeat
5 test wins in a row
Yet to lose a test in their last 5 series
In admiration of what a proper number 1 side should be
South Africa are the best in the business and are set to have a long stay at the top
Calm down folks, India have lost their last 8 tests away from home

The vast majority predicted that Pakistan will give a better account of themselves in the 2nd test, but still doubted if they could win the test match on the poll we did at PCT. How right they were.

Bad Bad Day 4

The wicket was ideal; SA were a bowler down, our lot had a disastrous session. With the bat in hand on this tour we've either had a winning strong solid session of grinding out and accumulating steadily with only losing a maximum of 1 scalp (times 4) during it or have had a disastrous one where they’ve lost between 4 to 7 (times 4) wickets in quick succession.  If they could have avoided some of the more ‘disastrous’ sessions into ‘average’ ones, the visitors would have been better placed. 

Misbah was sweeping out of the rough and was taken at short fine leg when he could have kicked it away all day, gifted it away after scrapping hard for hours and it’s probably the worst shot he has ever played

Shafiq got a good one from Philander to break the last partnership with any degree of experience

Without covering the line Safraz was leaving one pitched in the foot holes and who leaves deliveries that are pitched in the rough by a left arm spinner who will always be turning it towards the line of the stumps from over the wicket? Instead you are supposed to be padding up to those deliveries by taking a big left stride or just letting it hit the pad once pitched outside the leg stump of a right hander if you are offering no stroke – School boy error 

Azhar lost his focus while wickets were falling at the other end and followed a typical Philander away swinger to nick off

Gul bagged his 3rd duck of the series by flashing at one without having a look

SA are 13-9 in sessions on this tour

1st test = 8-3 SA
2nd test = 6-5 Pak

Misbah and Azhar were well justified with their circumspect approach:

A) Need to take the innings deep to allow Ajmal to bowl on a wearing track by the time SA are in to make him most effective
B) Need to give the bowlers rest after 100 overs in the field, particularly with bowlers like Tanvir and Irfan who have fitness concerns and with the amount of bowling Ajmal did, so need to bat long here too
C) They need to preserve wickets for tomorrow so they can make most of a soft and old ball with more naturally free flowing batters to follow against tired down bowlers (Shafiq and Tanvir)
D) With a lead of only 12 they didn't have much to work with to force the issue with the bat
E) They both have the temperament, mental toughness and principled attitude to absorb pressure when they are bogged down, playing maidens and kept quite and know to how to play the waiting game and come out of it

Day 2 Post - How things can change ....

1) If it isn't swinging around corners, this is the most resolute, dependable, mentally tough and relentless batting unit out there nowadays. Point that Kepler raised. If it isn't doing much, we are a tough side to bowl out and know how to keep them in the field for long with batsmen like Azhar, Younis, Misbah, Asad

2) We are track to do something extraordinary, a test win and possibly a comprehensive one outside Asia against a higher ranked side who are the best in the rankings and the best on paper. A series win was always going to be way too much to ask for, but a test win here would have been bigger than series wins in the UAE and Asia. It doesn't get harder than this at test level. Test Match Win Number 10 coming for Misbah, but still a bit to do. The series is still ON

3) They've recovered exceptionally well from the 49 all out. Last 2 innings have lasted for more than 100 overs/3 sessions and we've had 4 50+ partnerships and 2 100+ ones. Given the attack they are playing against, this takes some doing. Only the top 3 are left to make a score of note now.

4) Tanvir Ahmed and Saeed Ajmal having the Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann effect 

Refreshing to see the lower order wagging

Heavily frustrating for the Saffers

This could turn out to be a match winning partnership, both in the context of the game and affecting the SA batters mentally

Tanvir also got 50 odd in his last test back in May 2011

5) 1995 was the last time we beat a number 1 side in their backyard in a test match

By Abdullah @maza786 on Twitter

Test Defeat Player Rankings Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 682; Comments: ; Date: 5-02-2013, 09:18;

We will bounce back in Cape Town. The Misbah-Shafiq stand was reminiscent of Cook-Prior at Ahmadabad, not only in their approach, but also the situation of the game. Both came in defeated causes, however were crucial in minimising the humiliating, restoring pride and giving them some positives to take away with an eye on the coming tests. They have spent valuable time in the middle, kept South Africa in the field, made them work for their wickets, frustrated them greatly, taken the test deeper and lifted the morale of the camp. Misbah batted like a wall, glue, a rock, and battled for his runs which he does ever so well in a crisis when the side are up against it and undoubtedly helped the less experienced Asad Shafiq get through the extended evening session, who also defended tightly and stroked them nicely.

Misbah 8/10 – You can only write a song of praise for every test match he has captained in, even when the side has lost he has performed individually as was the case in Guyana. Captained smartly with his decision making and bowling changes on the opening day as the opposition was bowled out for the 5^th time on the opening day of the series under his collective and cunning leadership. He looked much more assured and comfortable in his technique and method of countering the SA quicks and Keppler Wessels even went on to say he looked the best of the lot in the dismal 49 all out showing before being the victim of a controversial decision which saw him on his way for the 2^nd highest score of the innings and 2^nd longest innings. In the 2^ndinnings, Misbah top scored in the innings and played the longest innings of the test match in minutes with a determined and resistible vigil to take the test into day 4 when a 3 day humiliation was on the cards. It undoubtedly frustrated the hosts and restored much needed pride and confidence in the visitors’ camp with their stable level headed skipper continuing to thrive with responsibility. Misbah scored his 3^rd half century this year in just as many first class games and has top scored on 4 occasions already in an innings this year as his persevering and relentless demeanour has consistently shown its effectiveness in negotiating safely, willingly and obdurately in a crisis. As ever, looked in his own bubble and unfazed out in the middle, content on following his firm structure and set of traditional principles, which have worked for him not only on slow and low wickets, however also on wickets with there is movement and bounce as this test match clearly showed. Consistent, reliable, dependable, re-assuring, methodical, structured, extra determined and rising above the rest as ever. His concentration and judgement was unstinting. 15 50+ scores in 30 innings since taking over and now has same the number of 50+ scores as Azhar Ali since November 2010 (when the Misbah era as captain started).

Mohammad Hafeez 6/10 – Mohammad Hafeez took the most number of wickets in the test match from the visiting party. He was introduced into the attack, late on day 1 and picked up 4 wickets, some of them with the new ball which Misbah ul Haq delayed taking. As ever, most of the wickets came against left handers who he is ever so potent against. Hafeez didn’t last long both times with the bat, although got a bit of an unlucky leg side strangle in the second innings. His bowling played a crucial hand in keeping the South Africa first innings total down when they were 4 down for 170 odd at one stage with some of the front line bowlers barely threatening enough. Also, Mr Professor held on to the first catch of the series when Junaid knocked over Alviro. Hafeez claimed a wicket with his first ball of the series. Quite similarly, he also did so against Eng in the UAE when he nipped Cook out on the 3^rd ball he sent down.

Nasir Jamshed 6/10 - Did well to survive an over just before the close on day 1 and get off the mark the following day before being trapped in front in the early minutes of day 2 against the ever threatening Dale Steyn. Played aggressively 2^nd time around, although he rode his luck along the way. Soft, embarrassing dismissal for him in the 40s when he was starting to develop a promising, hard to dismiss 2^nd wicket stand with Azhar Ali as the left right combination worked wonders, just like Azhar and Taufeeq in the recent past. Given that he was on debut, it wasn’t the worst of beginnings for the talented left handed opening batsmen who is trying to adapt to the demands of the longer form which requires more discipline and patience in his game. These are qualities he will need to focus more on. I still expect Taufeeq Umar to be back in the side by the West Indies tour.

Azhar Ali 5/10 – He survived for over 100 deliveries in the test match, gritted it out and showed a reliable defensive game plan. Both times Kallis knocked him over with a combination of planning and execution. It was thoughtful thinking from the champion highly experienced gifted all-rounder who incidentally is one of Azhar’s idols. Ali was committing on the front foot in the first innings and gloved one through as he wasn’t quite able to get the hands down in time whereas in the second innings he was camped on the back-foot anticipating the bouncer that they were testing him out, roughing him up with and which got him in the first innings as he fell to a fuller and straighter delivery. The most impressive part of his application in this test was his leaving and knowing where his off stump was as he judged and left with a degree of assurance. Unforgettably, took a blinder when Misbah ul Haq made an inspirational bowling change as he turned to Younis to get Amla. Ali clung on to a flashy stroke at Gully which was struck like a rocket.

Younis Khan 2/10 - It was tentative poking outside the off stump from the middle order batting stalwart. He also survived a close review in his second innings. Younis now has 2 50+ scores in his last 12 test innings. However, the good old cliché stands, form is temporary, class is permanent.

Asad Shafiq 7/10 – Outstanding pressure catches at deep square leg/deep mid-wicket in both innings to send Kallis on his way, a much prized wicket in any case. Shafiq played an irresponsible waft in the first innings, but perhaps that came as a result of some sustained pressure due to tight bowling with the scoreboard not moving while wickets were constantly falling like a pack of cards. Nevertheless, in the second innings and fourth of the test match, Shafiq continues to show why he is a man for a crisis. He is more than just a complete test match blocker as there is an element of grace and elegance about his strokes once he survives the initial stages. There was the odd rash shot, however by and large he was sound in defence and followed the instructions of the captain as he worked his way to a morale lifting half century. However, he has a tendency of losing his wicket against the new ball early in the morning after surviving to stumps and this is an area where he might want to think more about. He’s a classy, compact and consistently performing player who is just the right kind of number 6 the team could do with.

Safraz 4/10 – Neat and efficient in the keeping department. Safraz now has 4 single digit scores in his test career. There were eyebrows raised regarding his selection ahead of Adnan who has been tidy behind the stumps and improved his contributions in front of them, particularly in the last 2 series against England and Sri Lanka. Adnan and Taufeeq are two men you would have expected to be playing this test match if you turn the clock back to a month ago. Safraz should be given the series and can still take confidence from the 90 odd he made in the 4 day warm up against a board invitational XI

Umar Gul 6/10 – 4 wickets in the game for the fast bowling spearhead. The opening bowler got Smith both times in his 100^th test match as captain in his home city by just angling the ball across the leg side dominant Smith. He also intelligently dismissed Kallis by trapping him with the short ball. It was creative piece of thinking on his part. Gul played a lazy shot in the first innings and for a talented, capable and number 8 batsmen with a fair deal of experience he has got to be harder on himself with the bat.

Junaid Khan 7/10 - Misbah highlighted him as the key man to look out for if he had to single out someone when quizzed at the toss by HD. Junaid was the pick of the seamers and got the red cherry to talk. He bowled with pace and energy and provided the team with the lift in the first innings when they were going through some flat phases. Junaid has worked on his batting which is now showing.

Saeed Ajmal 3/10 – 40 overs+ without taking a wicket for Pakistan’s best player. Ajmal hasn’t bowled much in the longer form of the game over the last 6 months and it showed in his lacks of wickets. Ajmal averages 40 without Rehman’s inclusion and there is little doubt that he is a much better and much threatening option when Rehman is plugging away and holding up an end as this allows him to attack and experiment more in shorter bursts and also pushes him to strive that extra mile and even takes some pressure away from him knowing the responsibilities in the spinning department don’t solely rely on him. Although Ajmal is a superior bowler on paper, the difference between him and Rehman in the longer form of the game is not much as what might be initially perceived. Ajmal was more or less playing a holding role, however if they needed someone to do that Rehman was a better option. Generally, Ajmal’s impact and effectiveness is maximised with Rehman also sharing the spinning duties as a front line option. At the beginning of Misbah’s tenure, Rehman was preferred as the front line spinner, not all that long ago. Two of the best players in the side, along with Younis need to lift their game.

Rahat Ali 1/10 – Aamir Sohail rated him highly and generally is accurate in his assessment. Rahat was thrown into the deep end, just days after arriving in the country and failed to make any noticeable impression. Perhaps he is the 41^st 1 test wonder to come out of the country. It was well mentioned on commentary from Pommie that you can’t select someone based on first class record just for the sake of it and need to look at what they will bring to the team that will help the cause and be different.

Average = 4 odd

Misbah Enters Top 10 Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 2572; Date: 4-02-2013, 13:54;

Azhar Ali After 25 Tests Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 2554; Date: 4-02-2013, 06:34;

Final Key Battle - Key Partnership 3rd Wicket Stand Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 374; Date: 31-01-2013, 08:12;

The 3^rd wicket partnership stand for both sides is a highly significant one. Amla and Kallis are South Africa’s best players and Azhar and Younis are Pakistan’s best players as the batting goes, specifically with regards to technique in defence and accumulating runs. Both number 3 and 4 batsmen respectively have an outstanding partnership record together and have a thorough understanding in the middle in developing partnerships. Azhar and Younis will always be remembered for piling on over 200 in just over 2 sessions against England in Dubai around this time last year. 22 wickets had fallen in the space of 4 sessions, however these two then got together to set out their stall, rein themselves in, churn out the runs, wear the Number 1s down and prolong the duration of the innings to make the process mentally and physically draining for Strauss and company as well as allowing their match winning bowlers some rest up in the pavilion. Younis was the main scorer, however Azhar came into his own by holding up an end, spending time in the middle and not giving a sniff of a chance to England’s bowler to dislodge him while Younis was beginning to flow fluently at the other end. To bat 2 FULL sessions without losing a wicket in a series where ball had dominated bat and wickets had fallen in clusters was a remarkable occurrence. Despite the skill and personnel of both bowling groups, these two partnerships know how to grind, wear and frustrate bowling attacks with methodical and determined play and both sets of bowling groups will be hoping they don’t have to find each in the middle at the same time often during the series, if at all ever. I expect a 100+ partnership stand between the Azhar and Younis during the course of the series when they will find themselves in the middle together at 2 down. I expect at least 1 FULL session  during the course of the 3 tests where they go unharmed without losing a wicket to grind away the South Africans with some resolute application. Kallis and Amla best showed their powers during the test at the Kia Oval in July last year where they made England look like Zimbabwe with a 600 odd for 2 score line. Also, during the opening day of their tour of Australia they stamped their mark and set the tone for the series in Brisbane on November 9th, only 2 down at stumps. 

Dogged Determination Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 409; Date: 30-01-2013, 13:20;

It is a settled, stable, consistently performing and reliable dogged batting side

This line up has posted Pakistan’s highest 4th innings total

This line up has posted the most 100+ opening stands by a Pakistani opening pair 

The middle order at 3, 4 and 5 all average in excess of 50

17 centuries have been scored in 17 tests, in the previous 16 tests pre Misbah there were less than 10

Pakistan’s average first innings total after Misbah completed his 6th test series as captain improved from 264 in the previous 16 tests to 387 in the following 12

Pakistan have only been bowled out twice in 4 out of their last 18 tests

Only 7 different batsmen have been used in the top 6 in 17 tests under Misbah which is a reflection of the consistency in performance from the batters which has enabled stability in selection

The 1st innings average duration is well over 100 overs and the runs per wicket is significantly higher than before 

The result is Pakistan have won more tests than before and lost less tests as Misbah's captaincy record illustrates

http://twitpic.com/bzbq0z

The Week it Starts Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 1031; Comments: ; Date: 28-01-2013, 08:12;

Johannesburg’s best – Michael Atherton’s career defining defiance of 185* from 492 deliveries goes unmatched when it comes to acts of individualism as England’s opening bat in 1995. He dug in, absorbed the pressure, plodded his way through, batted time, batted long, battled for his runs and prided his wicket with utmost care. He who was ably supported by an extreme display of determined, repetitive, cautious, patient defensive application from wicket keeper and number 7 batsmen, Jack Russel who went unbeaten for 235 deliveries for a hard fought 29* as he put the shutters down to frustrate the life out of the South Africans, ensure both ends were firmly close and bore them into submission as proceedings eventually petered out with England achieving their desired outcome. FEC was the man of the moment nonetheless, managing to stay in for 167 overs in the 4^th innings when the tourists tried to dig themselves out of a mammoth hole with relentless and spirited occupation to avoid a major and inevitable defeat when they walked out after tea on the 4^th day to start their act of enduring survival.  The leading qualities of Athers of unflappability, gutsiness and stubbornness shone through in abundance when the situation was idealistic for a classical persevering defensive act of grafting his way to unlikely safety. If the tourists find themselves in a similar position in the series, they will be hoping their stodgy workhorses can stand up; Azhar and Taufeeq for example who have both played marathon vigils of over 440 deliveries within the last 4 test series Misbah’s men have contested. Most recently, Faf Du Plessis played an innings most reminiscent to the one of Atherton in 95. On his test debut in Adelaide he batted for the best part of 4 sessions for an unbeaten 110 as he made an uphill task seem straightforward and squeezed the oxygen out of the Aussie attack in large passages of the final day. It was a studious vigil of negotiating solidly and working his socks off. Imperatively, he lasted the course.

Presidents Trophy Final – Misbah ul Haq’s Sui Gas took the silverware. The intellectual high achieving well rounded national captain himself got the man of the match award for an 80 odd in the first innings. His innings was reminiscent of the one he played in the Abu Dhabi test last year. It was mainly real hard graft to work for his runs and set out his stall for a long vigil, however it was combined with some moments of calculated explosiveness as his innings progressed. Fahad Masood, the HBL seam bowler deserves a mention here, too. Azhar Ali spent valuable time in the middle, lasting 201 deliveries across 2 innings for some patiently compiled 30s as he prided his wicket, applied himself to the task and engaged in some significant partnerships, specifically referring to the one in the first innings which grinded down the HBL bowlers and bored them into submission as many an Azhar-Misbah partnership would. Azhar, also has had chances to captain the departmental side this season, even when Misbah and Hafeez have been playing in the side. Umar Gul, bagged 6 2^nd innings wickets and with the kind of rhythm bowler he is, this was a sign of great positivity. Taufeeq Umar hasn’t had the best of seasons in the domestic arena and the final was little different for the test match opener. Shafiq, who was returning from injury, found some form in the 4^thinnings, however after the 1^st innings deficit a defeat was always the likelihood. Basit Ali has been coaching Sui Gas this season and saw them take the honours in his home city.

Leading Concerns: Pakistan will be playing their first test match after over 200 days. They will be playing only 1 warm up in testing conditions in a place where they have only come home once without being beaten in 4 visits since South Africa’s re-admission. They played the least number of test matches by a major side in 2012. South Africa have played the double the number of tests as them since January 2012. PCB as always continue to show a lack of preparation, focus and desire towards test cricket, especially compared with England, Australia and more recently South Africa. It’s nothing to do with the players, more of an administrative issue. They do have some serious and complete test players in their ranks though. If they can come through and out of this game without a defeat or with a less humiliating loss they’d have done well. They will have their work cut out to compete and I’d go far as saying this is their hardest challenge since 2009/10 down under. I expect a test win along the course of the series, but they will be rusty to begin with.

How fellow Asian rivals have fared in SA – No Asian side has won a test series here. India drew 1-1 in the tests here in 2010/11 and Sri Lanka won a historical test, but lost the 3 match rubber 2-1 in the previous SA home international test summer.  Pakistan should be looking to match them at least, if not better.

Word on Indian tour (I didn’t cover it) – 3/5 wins is an overwhelming success. I said 2 would be reasonable and that’s what I anticipated. However, sterner challenges were always ahead of them which should warn them against any degree of overconfidence or complacency. The resumption of Indo-Pak ties were exciting times for both sides, but more so Pakistan who tend to more passionate about it as many Indians feel the contest has been watered down. It was the PCB who did the running for this tour and the series win in the one dayers was yet another  feather in the cap for Misbah’s captaincy profile and among his biggest captaincy achievements in ODIs along with beating Sri Lanka 4-1 and winning the 11^th edition of the Asia Cup. It was the first time Pakistan have beaten India in a series in India since 2005 and the first time they have beaten them in any format home or away since 2006. Hence, it’s after the Inzamam era, the first time Pakistan have got one over India and the likes of Misbah, Hafeez and Whatmore deserve their due. It’s always bigger when it happens in their back yard, especially.

Jamshed was a revelation and I think it’s only a matter of time before he will play the longer form of the game, too. At some point or another he will have the get a chance. 3 successive 100s against India and 4 100+ stands for the opening wicket in 10 ODIs since returning are top numbers. Junaid was a talking point, regularly troubling Virat Kohli with his pace, movement and whole heartedness to the task. If anyone now deserves the chance to bowl on seaming wickets it’s him. 8 wickets in 3 ODIs, taking the key wicket of Kohli in each one of them should give him plenty of confidence. Jamshed is a touch reminiscent of Graeme Smith given his favourability towards the on side. Coming back to the bilateral ties, here’s hoping we get to have a crack at them in test matches, home, away or neutrally sooner than later, because we have a top chance given how settled our side are who have been one of the best we have ever produced and produced for a very long time whereas they are going through a transitional re building phase.

Mohammad Akram – Appointed bowling coach in August. This is his first test series in charge. Seems to be working well given the vastly improved seam bowling performance in India. Conditions were helpful given the time of the year they were playing. They were up against a top batting outfit and made them look ordinary which compensates it out. Junaid and Irfan formed a mouth watering new ball pair for Misbah and both were men who could be trusted. Gul is still there or thereabouts as the more experienced seamer.

Warm up

Day 1: Misbah won the toss and elected to bat first. The openers posted 100 for the opening stand. Jamshed was played ahead of Taufeeq due to Taufeeq sustaining an injury while warming up prior to this first class fixture. However, the middle order could only post fewer than 20 between them and the run rate dropped significantly as the day progressed. Pakistan concluded on 168/6 with Gul and Safraz unbeaten overnight.

Day 2: Safraz and tail wagged to push Pakistan’s total to 329. Safraz fell 7 short of a first class century for his country while Gul and Junaid both scored quickly and played aggressively. Pakistan were bowled out in just over 100 overs. South Africa’s side XI were 213/7 at stumps with the experienced Martin Van stealing the show with the bat. Saeed Ajmal bowled economically and Irfan fielded impressively.

Day 3: Ajmal and Junaid cleaned up the tail to provide Pakistan with a lead of 79. Both had 3 a piece in the wickets column. Hafeez and Jamshed posted their 6^th 100+ partnership in 12 innings as an opening pair for the greens at all major levels combined. Azhar Ali and Younis Khan missed out, however Misbah ul Haq continued his splendid touch that he had shown in the PT final as he was unbeaten on 52 at stumps with Pakistan leading handsomely by 312 with 5 wickets in the tank.

Day 4: Once more Misbah gets out in the first 30 minutes of the day after being well set the previous evening and not out at stumps. Pakistan declared, setting the invitation XI 323 to take the first class encounter. The visitors had around 80 overs to try and knock them over. SA concluded on 190/5 as both skippers shake hands. Winning draw for Misbah.

Extra Stat – Both captains are undefeated in 12 consecutive test matches. South Africa have won 5 test series in a row. They are undefeated in 11 series in a row.

Hafeez has been involved in the most 100+ opening stands for Pakistan in both tests with Taufeeq and in ODIs with Jamshed

Fielding first – WAY TO GO

1)      Traditionally the way they (visitors) have won tests

2)      The way Misbah has won most of his 9 tests

3)      All 3 tests in 2007 were won by the fielding side on this tour

Congratulations Saeed Ajmal – Leading international wicket taker 2011 with 89 scalps, leading international wicket taker in 2012 with 95 scalps and already has 8 wickets in 2 ODIs in 2013. He was the only player to feature in ESPN cricinfo team of the year for all forms of the game for 2 years running which is a testimony to his performance and versatility. As the Sri Lankan captain who has recently departed from the job said last year, he’s sheer class.

Sad News – Passing away of Tony Greig and Christopher Martin Jenkins in their mid 60s between the last time I wrote. Fitting tributes have poured in, in abundance for two influential men in the game. They will be deeply missed and condolences go out to their respective families at this time of great sadness.

Bangladesh – One aspect I struggle to comprehend is why Zaka Ashraf was as angered as he way  upon Bangladesh’s refusal to break the drought when he went on to say that QEA Trophy and South Africa series is more important than their tour. If it’s not that important, why show such anger over the cancellation? It would have only been a limited over series in any case and not the best of ways to prepare for South Africa by any stretch of the imagination so on cricketing terms it mightn’t have been a bad thing to see the tour cancelled and players can prepare for South Africa by playing the QEA, PT final or training in camps by focussing on their long format skills. His lack of prioritisation on priding and protecting Pakistan’s top 4 test status doesn’t feed well with me.

New Zealand beating SA in an ODI series – don’t read too much into it at all

Concluding

We will provide a harder challenge to South Africa than Sri Lanka did in their last international summer and what New Zealand have given them recently. Having seen the way Irfan and Junaid bowled in India I am now more confident of the team’s chances than say 3 months ago when I previewed the series well in advance.

Playing the number 1 ranked side once more, but a better number 1 ranked side than India or England in recent times, the best ever South African side and in their own backyard where no Asian side have won a test series.  They are undefeated in 11 series in a row with 5 series wins in a row including series wins in England and Australia.  I expect Smith’s men to win the series if they play to their potential, but Pakistan might be able to do as well as India did in 2010/11 (1-1) mainly thanks to Dravid and Tendulkar’s final day resistance or Sri Lanka (lost 2-1) in the last South African season. Given they are playing their first test after 200 days you’d expect them to be rusty to begin with (in same time SA have played 3 more series). Probably, it’s Pakistan's hardest series since Australia 2009/10. It is their first major series outside Asia against a better ranked side since England 2010.  Both teams have beaten England in 2012, and have captains who are unbeaten in 12 tests in a row.

However, apart from Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the hosts haven't beaten anyone major at home since 2009. Australia, England and India have all drawn in their previous visit. They are stronger on paper, though their home record is not a ruthless one in recent years. 

Misbah’s Pakistan have won series in the sub continent (Bangladesh) and won series/drawn in the Middle East against higher ranked opposition (Sri Lanka, South Africa and England) along with defeating or drawing average test sides outside the sub continent (Zimbabwe, West Indies and New Zealand). His record against them is as good as it can get and he’s done everything possible on that front. However, now he will be up against a higher ranked opposition outside Asia for the first time. As well as he has done and as great a reputation he has gained, you’d have to fancy South Africa beating Pakistan here, but history is always there to be created and re-written.

Misbah’s philosophy

Slow and steady wins the race

It is better to win defensively than lose play aggressively

Predictable boring consistency is not a bad thing

Sports is a results business first and foremost

It is a game of focus and patience, these qualities are promoted and encouraged in a time consuming sport

You can do wonders with a simplistic, conventional, uncomplicated method to batting

Self belief, mental toughness, self determination, methodology and a principled attitude are key ingredients to success

You can pride you’re game on discipline, perseverance, reliability, consistency, statistical landmarks and make a healthy reputation out of it

Flair, instinct, glamour can only take you can so far

Every great captain has an element of uniqueness attached with them. Misbah’s prosaic and stoic nature has orchestrated a chapter of terms that are never being associated with Pakistan, being associated with them and more importantly resulting in consistent success through them. This includes dogged batting, reliance on spin, channel bowling from the seamers, experience and youth balance,  stability in selection matters, better fielding unit, well conducted side, no in house fighting and more focus being invested in the ‘thinking’ aspect of the game as opposed to just going for instinct first.

Best Captain since Imran based on:

Statistically high achieving

Stable

Intellect

Well-roundedness (off field accomplishments)

Individually performing (while captain)

Respected (by team-mates, commanding but approachable presence)

Credited (Western journos etc)

Influential (handling adversity, changing the dynamics of the side, reviving the broken side with an unbelievable success rate over a sustained period of time)

Continuity (being in the job for long enough)