31st July 2013

In the UAE the Captain has 6 half centuries in his last 13 test innings against South Africa, Sri Lanka and England. He is undefeated in a test match and test series in Dubai and Abu Dhabi across 3 different series, all were against higher ranked sides going into the series. Next test series is here against the best and most superior test side in the world. We drew against them last time we played in the UAE. This time they are significantly more confident, but so are Misbah's men having won 4 of their last 5 tests in the UAE. Should be an interesting series. I genuinely believe Misbah's men can win a test match and the series against them, but they'll have to play like they did against England in 2012 to achieve it. It will be a huge thing if they do. Misbah is the only Pakistan Captain to defeat a number 1 ranked test side in a bilateral test series. Can he do it again?

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Imran Tahir Posts

Shan Masood

Shan Masood Factfile

1)      He was vice captain of the 2008 Under 19 World Cup team which had Shehzad, Umar Akmal, Junaid Khan, Umar Amin in

2)      He was a boarding pupil at Stamford Private School in Lincolnshire

3)      He got admission to Loughborough University, one of the top ranked in UK

4)      He got admission into Durham MCCU to play first class cricket against counties

5)      He has received training from ex England players such as Graeme Fowler at Durham

6)      He combined studying at Loughborough and playing first class cricket in Pakistan together

7)      He was sitting exams 2 months before his Test debut against the world number 1s

8)      He has written impressive articles on Dawn such as ‘In Pursuit of the Star’

9)      His overall first class numbers are modest but he has played first class cricket in England along with BUCS university cricket and club cricket with success

10)   His favourite players include Alastair Cook and Younis Khan

11)   He speaks English very confidently and fluently as you would expect. The best I have seen by a Pakistan cricketer for a long time. Gives articulate responses.

12)   He comes from an educated background with a good upbringing.

13)   He is a tweeter and is the only Pakistani Cricketer who tweets without slang or internet language or informal tweeting. The quality of his tweets is good.

14)   Against the likes of Dale Steyn he put on 100 for the opening stand with Manzoor on his test debut

15)   He got off the mark in Tests with a boundary against Dale Steyn on the first ball he faced and got a 3 from the second ball he faced

Given his off field accomplishments, it’s only inevitable Shan will be a credible captaincy option somewhere down the line, especially if he nails down the opening slot.

On the other hand, he could end up becoming an Ed Cowan type, an MCCU graduate like Shan, left handed long format opener, talented columnist in his written work, suitable captaincy option with experience in the role, but struggling to hold a permanent position in the side and win people over. Instead he is known more for his academic background than his pedigree as a player.

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ICC Test Championship Logo Launch

It has the potential to become bigger than a World Cup and any one day tournament. Pakistan will need to be in the top 4 by the end of their Australian tour in 2016/17 to qualify for the 2017 event in England. Initially it was going to happen this year, but broadcasters did not like the idea and were contracted with a Champions Trophy and so the ICC decided they will play a Champions Trophy instead for one final time.

Tension

Can Pakistan Get Revenge in UAE vs South Africa? Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 624; Date: 19-03-2013, 13:13;

Pakistan will host South Africa in the return series in October and November in the Emirates. It will be 2 test matches. Misbah ul Haq’s men drew a 2 match test series against South Africa the last time they hosted them on neutral territory in November 2010. Pakistan are rightly and understandably expected to do considerably better in the test series in more familiar conditions as they search for means of revenge. One will expect Pakistan to prepare dusty slow turning surfaces in order to aid home advantage. South Africa will enter the series with 6 test wins in a row and an undefeated series streak of 12. They have only been beaten in 3 out of 21 tests against Pakistan are unbeaten in their last 8 against them. This will be the next test series South Africa play whereas Pakistan are due to tour West Indies before this in a rare test matches only tour for them. Looking down at Pakistan’s Future Tours Programme one doesn’t expect them to lose any of the next 9 test series between now and their next tour of England in 2016 as all of the series are either in Asia or against lower ranked opponents; expecting several series wins along the way. Pakistan will then host Sri Lanka and Australia after Smith and his men head home. UAE has a big 2013/14 season lined up after no Pakistan home cricket in 2012/13 season.

Proportional Verdict In Advance

35%= 1-0 to Pakistan

30%= 0-0

25%= 1-0 to South Africa

5% = 2-0 to Pakistan

5% = 1-1

Player of the series in Advance – Abdur Rehman

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

South Africa Standing Tall at Number 1 Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 479; Comments: ; Date: 24-02-2013, 08:48;

Reasons for the 3-0 whitewash:
1) SAs strength – number 1 in the world
2) Conditions – alien, most have never played here
3) Preparation – inadequate to give them a realistic chance
4) Scheduling – last played in July 
5) Injuries – Taufeeq and Junaid
6) Lack of coaching stability since beating England, both head coach and otherwise
7) Lack of prioritising the test game, PSL and revival of bilateral ties higher on agenda
8- Lack of potency in the seam bowling – distinct lack of quality
9) Selection – Ignoring Adnan was an obvious blunder and refusing to play Rehman 
10) Not being pro-active, especially after the 1st defeat such as continuing to open with an all at sea Mohammad Hafeez and not shuffling the batting order

Mohammad Hafeez - The Test Match Opener Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 1132; Comments: ; Date: 23-02-2013, 09:29;

What you want from an opener, everything Hafeez doesn’t do:

1) Temperament to see the shine off the new ball
2) Make the bowlers earn you’re wicket, pride and respect you’re wicket preciously
3) Regularly be there after 25 overs so the change up bowlers or spinners cannot bowl with the pressure on the batting side when they are introduced into the attack
4) Play within your limitations
5) Have a clear game plan about how to approach proceedings
6) Concentration, old fashioned test match virtue
7) Patience, old fashioned test match virtue

Mohammad Hafeez is a joke of a test match opener against seam and swing of any real pedigree, particularly outside Asia

He has been most disappointing on this tour because:

A) He is one of 2 batsmen who have previous playing experience of red ball cricket in SA
B) He struggled here in 2007 in all 3 tests and hasn’t learn from his experience
C) He is the vice-captain of the side
D) In the absence of Taufeeq Umar he really needed to step up
E) He was supposed to be guiding a debutant in the first 2 tests

Luckily for him, he won’t have much to worry about as all of the tests in the next 3 years are in the sub-continent/UAE or against average test sides outside Asia like West Indies.

He has been one of the leading performers and presences in the sides road to redemption after 2010, however that is mainly in other formats and most of the games have been in more familiar conditions where his weaknesses are not going to be exposed as much.

Opening bowlers who can get it to move must be licking their lips at the site of him striding out to play away from his body, fall across straight ones, unable to curb his attacking instincts, in two minds about his plan of hanging around or getting after bowlers. 

He’s too tentative in his movements, doesn’t get forward or back with any positivity.

He’s not courageous or brave enough in his method of whether he’s going to stick it out the hard way with the attritional fare or get on top of the bowlers and impose himself and often gets caught in two minds.

He’s not one of those who give you the impression he is up for a battle or tussle with the bowler in a way of desperate defiant survival or living by the sword to seize the initiative.

I would like to see him in the side because of his leadership presence and reliable nagging handy off spin, HOWEVER not in the most important position as a specialist BATSMEN.

by @maza786 twitter

Tallest Cricketer Before Mohammad Irfan Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 1501; Date: 21-02-2013, 07:19;

The tallest player to play at any major level before Mohammad Irfan arrived on the block was Will Jefferson. He was a 6'10 opening batsmen for Essex and Notts. Will had to retire in his early 30s because of a severe medical condition. He was always teased for being a batsmen with the sort of height he had. All the more reason Pakistan need to look after Mohammad Irfan as an exception. The slightest of injuries could be career threatening.

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 Match Record of Coaches Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 267; Date: 18-02-2013, 05:38;

Irfan Set For Test Debut Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 815; Date: 13-02-2013, 11:08;

The 212th test cricketer to represent Pakistan

Mohammad Irfan, officially the tallest player in the history of the game is set to receive his test cap tomorrow. Irfan claimed match figures of 7-40 in the 2 day warm, albeit against a 2^nd string province side in between the last test.

There have been many question marks raised with regards to his fitness and durability for the 5 day game. Nevertheless, with a strong first class record behind him and unique frame, many are fascinated by the left arm quick and feel he can be a handful on these South African surfaces, particularly with the way he bowled in India on less assistive ones.

At 30, Irfan will be at the peak of his powers and this is one of the rare opportunities he’ll get to play on bouncier tracks. Many feel for the above reasons, he is and always was a MUST play.

Did Misbah and Whatmore make the same mistake that Cook and Flower do in India by not selecting him for the 1^st test which was lost? Similarly England ignored Monty, however played him in the rest of the series and with that came a dramatic change in fortunes as England won their first series in India of this century.

He is the sort of bowler, who IF on the money, could bowl Pakistan to victory with a match winning 10-fer here.  He has the height, pace and ability to learn quickly. How Misbah uses him will be a key area and one that will need to have plenty of thought behind, however he would know given his shrewd capabilities.

SS commentator Mike Haysman was most fascinated about him both during the Johannesburg test and prior to the visitors landing with all the much awaited build up.

The former factory worker has had a remarkable journey in a short span of time and there was a real air of disappointment when he was overlooked for the 1^st test by fans, journalists, experts and commentators.

By Abdullah @maza786 on Twitter

Younis Khan After 80 Tests Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 1710; Date: 9-02-2013, 04:56;

Counties Interested in Signing Misbah Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 764; Comments: ; Date: 8-02-2013, 12:54;

Sources close to Khelopakistan.com have informed us that Pakistan captain, senior statesmen and obdurate and versatile middle order batsmen, Misbah ul Haq is in talk with a couple of counties on a 3 year contract.

Misbah has scored over 13000 first class runs since 1999, represented Pakistan in 37 test matches and captained them to 36 international victories. Misbah has transformed the Pakistan side into a disciplined, determined and focussed outfit after the dark year of 2010 which was considered an all time low for the cricket mad and cricket starved motherland.

Misbah impressed the counties with his canny leadership during the series against England in the UAE where Pakistan surprised the cricketing world with a shock 3-0 result over a side that had dominated the test arena for a solid 3 years coming into the series.

Misbah has played club cricket in the United Kingdom for the likes of Dalton in the past and it was through his performances in league cricket in the UK which earned him a recall to the Pakistan side in 2007 after what had been somewhat of a stop start international career for the Marketing Graduate.

Misbah will make his decision after the conclusion of the current highly challenging tour of South Africa. Misbah could hang up the boots completely on the national front or he might consider reaching an agreement with the respective county to allow him to balance his national and county commitments.  With the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for June, Misbah would dearly be tempted to have the chance to captain his country in one ICC event. Whether it comes at the expense of a county offer remains to be seen.

Whatever the decision, you can be sure Misbah ul Haq will think his decision through thoroughly and with a perspective minded plan with his well renowned intellect and smartness, qualities that have been commonly associated with the statesmen like cunning seasoned figure, particularly since he has been captaining his country on a full time basis with overwhelming results, on the whole.

How to Counter the Exceptional SA attack? Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 779; Date: 6-02-2013, 14:04;

Plan to counter Dale Steyn

1) Play closer to the body (hold the bat inside the line)

2) Leave most deliveries outside the off stump which are shaping away, offer no stroke, get a feel of the pace and bounce of the surface. You should happily let it go by, however keep the bat close to you as a second line of defence if the inswinger darts back in so you have a chance of keeping it out if initially misjudged.

3) Play with soft hands to avoid the edges carrying, strong top hand, weaker bottom hand

4) Play it late, even when committing on the front foot

5) Occasionally give him the walk to put him off guard rather than just letting him set you up. This requires bravery and courage when doing it vs a bowler with such pace, however this is why it's a test. When you are taking all the momentum forward it is natural to have a waft and start feeling for it outside the off stump with all the momentum taking you forward. You can also be bowled as you struggle to keep out the yorker if the bowler slides one in as you have less time to play. You need to have this in mind and only do it on the odd ball.

6) If you keep fishing outside the off stump, take an off stump guard and leave anything outside the eye line. Make sure you get forward and the head doesn’t fall over to avoid LBW when Steyn bowls a straighter line if you are taking such a guard.

7) If the balls are angling in before moving away with the new cherry or with the help of overcast conditions,open the blade, BUT only inside the line, not outside the line of the off stump as this is what the slip cordon and outswing bowler want to see.

8) Be unflappable and ride your fortune, you will need it!

Plan to counter Morne Morkel

1) Plenty of cutting. Taller batsmen can get on top of the bounce; shorter figures need to go up and over or offer no stroke

2) Force him into bowling a fuller length, even dishing up the half volley which you can put away with a nice looking forward drive

3) Look for nudge of the hip to get down the other end

4) Confidently leave on bounce, even when the ball is pitched up

5) Play the ball close to the body and get behind the line with a high left elbow when playing the backfoot defence

Plan to counter Vernon Philander

    1) Get forward and play with soft hands

    2) Give him the walk from time to time and don’t bat too deep in the crease as he doesn't have as much pace

    3) Keep your focus and concentration because at times he appears innocuous, but just does enough to find the edge

Plan to counter left arm spinner

  

1) Block him all day or smash him out the park, whatever you do don’t be half hearted in approach and do it with intent, can ill afford to give him wickets after surviving the hard yards against the seamers

2) Don’t close the face of the blade early as he gets the odd ball to dip and spin away

3) Repetitive, patient, endless forward defences will automatically earn the bad ball such as the full toss or half tracker, his control will be tested

4) Don’t play for the spin, generally play straight for the arm ball drifting in and straightening

                                           Plan to counter Kallis

1) Play back and from the crease unless it is really full so you can drop the hands and sway out of the line when the bouncer arrives

2) See him off and avoid any degree of complacency, he is a cunning operator with a wealth of experience

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

Dale Steyn - One of a Kind Author: Analyst Maaz; Views: 560; Comments: ; Date: 5-02-2013, 08:44;

Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

If this was England, they would have made sure they at least organised 3 warm up matches before the first test and arrived a good month before to acclimatize to the conditions. That’s how they won the Ashes and beat India in India after 28 years. Preparation played a big part. Even in the UAE, they played 2 warm ups. 

Rather than trying to protect and pride on their top 4 test match status, all the focus from the PCB heads have been on the Twenty20 World Cup and a one day series in India.

The purest form of the game has to be made a front line priority.

You would have thought after whitewashing the previous number 1 side and going undefeated for 7 series in a row that would be the case.

When Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 43, New Zealand have been bowled out for 45, Australia have been bowled out for 47, Pakistan have been bowled out for 49, doesn’t that tell you something about the quality of the bowling and the difficulty of the pitches?Dale Steyn deserves his due. You can criticise Pakistan all day, but one should at least have the courtesy to appreciate a sublime bowler, a sublime talent, a once in a generation bowler, a lethal bowler who has found the edge and ran through the defences of many highly respectable test match batsmen. In an age where batsmen dominate, seeing the ball angle, swing, zip through like it does when Steyn is charging in; is agreeably a refreshing sight. His accuracy is unerring, his swing is late, his pace is always up, and his attitude is one of a man who refuses to give up.

This is undeniably the best ever South African test side that are tipped to dominate the world game in the test arena for many years to come. There are at least 5 players from the current side that would get into an all time South Africa test XI. Pakistan are a solid, consistently performing unit under their current captain, however it’s more through the qualities of team work, tactical nous, collective efforts, structured game plans and a stable environment that has contributed to their success as opposed to individual talent or sheer natural ability of an individual person. There is a debate that Younis and Ajmal will get into an all time Pakistan XI, but still it would take some convincing for others. The difference between the sides in sheer superiority, recognition and natural ability needs no further explanation.