Pakistan’s Rawalpidi Express returns, Shoaib Akhtar’s swan song
Due to the frequent and competitive nature of cricket’s limited-over game, player performance is greatly dependent on levels of physical fitness. With the high frequency of international cricket’s limited overs version, players find it hard to perform consistently. Mental stress experienced throughout their cricket tenure coupled with several injuries and controversies make players lives difficult on and off the field.
Genuine fast bowlers have a smaller margin of error and higher standards of fitness to maintain. Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee, also known to be some of the fastest bowlers in international cricket history, have suffered several injuries and they swing in and out of their respective teams.
Akhtar, also known as “Rawalpindi Express”, has the ability to bowl fast, hence the nickname. He holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery ever bowled in international cricket. He twice clocked deliveries at 161.3 km/ph or 100.2 mph. The veteran’s most lethal weapon is his ability to bowl lightening fast in-swinging yorkers and very dangerous bouncers.
He bowled India’s “little master” batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, in their first ever encounter, with his first ever ball to Tendulkar. Veteran world-class batsmen such as, Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara and many more have feared his short pitched deliveries. Another talent this Pakistani pace man has is an ability to vary the pace of his deliveries. During Pakistan’s tour of England in 2005, he troubled the English top order with his variations. He was the highest wicket-taker of the tour with 17-wickets.
His international career statistics speaks for itself. He has taken 178 wickets in just 46 Test matches at an average of 25.69. His credentials in One Day Internationals (ODI) remain commendable with 227 wickets at an impressive average of 21.85. The veteran pace man has over 450 wickets in first-class cricket with twenty-eight 5-wicket hauls.
Although, Shoaib Akhtar is an outstanding performer, his career has suffered from injuries, controversies and accusations of attitude problems. His off the field life has received as much attention as his career on the field. At one point he was more interested in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 he was caught ball-tampering, becoming the second player to get a ban for tampering issues. In 2005, he was sent back home from an Australian tour for indiscipline, lack of commitment, attitude problems and a hamstring injury.
Along with Akhtar’s history of injuries, verbal conflicts, and attitude problems, he has also been part of drug scandals. In October 2006, the veteran and fellow team-mate, Mohammad Asif, tested positive for performance-enhancing substance, nandrolone. The veteran has been arrested for possession of drugs, and has been seen, reportedly, participating in smoking marijuana at a night club, during http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s tour of England.
The 36-year old pace man’s flippant attitude towards his cricket career has reduced the level of greatness he could have achieved. His lack of commitment to the national side has affected his own performance the most. Due to his recent fitness and commitment to first-class cricket at home, he has caught the eye of selectors, to the extent that he has been given yet another opportunity to represent his country. The veteran needs to lead from the front, as he alongside skipper, Afridi, and batsman Mohammad Yousuf, are role models for youngsters in the Pakistani team. Akhtar’s commitment to the team can ensure his performance and fitness levels remain high. The 36-year old veteran can lead Pakistan’s bowling attack and help his team under current coach Waqar Younis. He has an opportunity to end his career on a high note.
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