BY the time this article is in cold print, the second Test will be over and the inevitable outcome does not seem to be any different from the first one.
There is much going on the cricket horizon. Bangladesh versus India, South Africa versus England and Sri Lanka versus New Zealand. But first about the second Test at Melbourne.
Taking up the challenge with a new zeal and away from the misery of the first Test, Pakistan made its presence felt for the first time. Playing sans Inzamam-ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq, the team managed to post a respectable, if not a safe total of 341 runs that was mainly made possible due to the gallant and superb performance of Yousuf Youhanna. Compared with their previous performance they bowled well also and were able to restrain Australia to 379 runs, that of course included Martyn’s scintillating 142 who, as in his four previous knocks, proved to be the sheet anchor of the Australian innings. Both Shoaib and Sami shared five wickets a piece.
As usual, living up to their normal practice and to the dismay of everyone, Pakistan collapsed timidly in the second innings. As always, Australia came back in the game with full force and might and dedication (though they were never behind), a quality for which they are known and stand a top. They fight it tooth and nail and up to the last ball with full confidence in their ability and a solid plan that works and is invariably rewarding. No, I am not singing their song. I am only trying to compare the two teams.
Save a few, the Pakistani squad comprises of players who are not as experienced as the Aussies. Pakistan has to go a long way to re-establish themselves as a winning combination. But the interim period should be put to groom the players. The team lacks self-discipline, careful planning and execution, besides the much needed, determination and the will to thwart the plans of the opponent. The lacklustre approach to the game will not result in anything better than what we are witnessing. Cricket is a scientific game. Observation, planning and execution are the key points. Dedication, perseverance, skill and experience do play a vital role. But as said earlier, without putting the science into the game, the desired results would remain only a cherished dream.
The Australian team dropped catches, over-threw and fumbled at the ball; they did not look like the team that they are or known to be. They, however, immediately took stock of the situation, planned a strategy and sent back five Pakistani top order batsmen for a meagre 85 runs on board in the second innings. That’s no miracle. Simple planning, execution, self-discipline and the will to wrest the initiative.
That said. We need to support the team morally. It does help. On the home front, the war of words between the ex-coach, Javed Miandad and coach, Bob Woolmer seems to be getting nastier. Woolmer expressed his disapproval over the criticism which is understandable, as long as it relates to cricket. What’s not understood is the complete detour and an unrelated comment by Bob Woolmer. “Quite frankly”, he said “if Pakistan were to get together and unite the forces and harness all the forces they had, it would be a much better country for it.” Advising the country itself and beyond the realm of cricket for which his services have been hired, seems a little bit too political and uncalled for. Would it not be better for him as well as cricket itself, if he restricts himself to the game only? It would not be out of context to quote Shaharyar Khan, Chairman of the PCB who called Bob Woolmer to ask him to avoid making comments to the press until it is absolutely necessary and only give ‘issue related’ statements. That was one good executive action by the Chairman to maintain discipline and order.
Another series is up on the anvil. The VB Triangular series to be played in Australia. The hunt and the fierce competition will be among Pakistan, Australia and the West Indies. The West Indian Cricket Board has already announced a squad of fourteen players lead by Brian Lara. Recently, West Indies has shown a lot of improvement and grip. They are definitely going to pose a challenge. Incidentally, the encounter will also be the first test of the coaching abilities of Bennet King, the new coach of the team. Australia shows no sagging signs. They are in high spirits. Moreover they have the dual advantage of home ground and home crowd. Pakistan is already in Australia, fully acclimatized and ready to weather the challenge. All rounder Shoaib Malik is undergoing a remedial action on his doosra and off-break bowling. I have seen him bowl. As he goes on to the wicket, his elbow goes almost straight upward before the release of the ball. It does not seem to be serious enough as the symmetry remains there without any jerk. He only needs a little advice and practice to control the movement and should be allowed to bowl.
The series ought to be played with a planning and strategy to make things happen. We need to polish our batting, bowling and fielding as well. The team needs to put the skill into practice with all the stamina, will and zeal that take it ... to win. Fingers crossed, let’s wait.
BY the time this article is in cold print, the second Test will be over and the inevitable outcome does not seem to be any different from the first one.
