Cricket Update: Pakistan Captain, Salman Butt, bidding on his bowling force to conquer England
Salman Butt, the Pakistan captain, did in his first Test what his many predecessors couldn’t do for so many years. Salman Butt captained his side to victory over Australia for the first time in 15 years. Even, the likes of Wasim, Waqar and Inzamam could not achieve this feat. Butt has credit this victory to his new-ball pair of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer. According to Butt, he has the best bowling attack in the game.
For some people, the duo of Steyn and Morkel is the most potent force in the world with new ball but Pakistani duo has also substantiated their claim by incredible performance in the Headingley Test. They will be a serious threat for England batsmen in the upcoming Trent Bridge Test. Aamer has been tipped by pundits as next http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wasim-Akram-c96292, where as Asif has substantial and amazing control in swinging the ball despite having low pace compared to young Aamer. They have enjoyed bowling in overcast conditions, but are also capable of producing reverse swing which could play a part against England.
In an interview given by Butt, he praised the role of speedsters in his team’s victory over http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746. He said, “The way Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul bowled was brilliant. Without any doubt I can say that Aamer and Asif are the best pair in the world at the moment and Gul with the old ball is the most dangerous because he bowls the best reverse swing that I've played in recent times.”
In recent times, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s fast bowlers have been plagued by injuries and one challenge for Butt and his coaching staff is to ascertain the well being of their bowlers. Pakistan has already played two Tests and they are scheduled to play four more. With such a schedule, injuries are certain to hit players. Although they have depth in their squad but if either Asif or Aamer are injured, then it will seriously impact Pakistan's chances against England. Talking about the fitness of his bowlers, he said, “We have to look after each other. But if somebody is feeling tired, disheartened, or if he feels there is any injury scare he can always come out and speak to me and the seniors. It is not only me, but the seniors and the team management will sit and decide.”
Pakistan has always excelled in bowling, whereas their batting has always been vulnerable. However, with big names missing in the line-up, their current batting is clearly sitting duck for opponents. The main responsibility lies on the opening pair of Salman Butt and Imran Farhat. Umar Akmal's performance against Australia clearly suggests that he lacks temperament for Tests, where as newcomer Umar Amin has out-rightly failed to impress.
Azhar Ali was the only positive force for Pakistan in batting in the recently concluded Test series against Australia. Commenting about Azhar Ali, 25 year-old Butt said, “He is a wonderful prospect. He plays his cricket in his limits. He knows his shots, his scoring areas. In the four innings so far, three times he got out a very good ball which any good batsman might have found hard to negotiate with. Azhar is a very good talent.”
Meanwhile, Umar Gul has praised Pakistan team’s coaches for their guidance, which enabled Pakistan fast bowlers to wreak havoc on Australian batsmen in Headingley Test. Talking about Waqar and Aaqib, he said, “Their presence with the team, especially with bowlers, is of great benefit. Both have been of big help to the team members. They are very experienced and know the conditions in England very well. Even batsmen can make full use of their experience.”
Pakistan and Salman Butt’s real test will be in the series against England. If they fail to produce any result against the hosts, then victory over Australia will be considered only a fluke.
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