Pakistan Cricket team, Salman Butt’s gamble pays off
Pakistan’s cricket team has had its share of worries and troubles for the last few matches not to mention the political mess the country finds itself in. With not much to look forward to at present, the nation scours for things to give them hope. The latest find for Pakistanis is not the President of Pakistan, but Azhar Ali the bright young star of the Pakistan cricket team.
Many people have been criticizing Salman Butt’s insistence on including young players in the side. Some were questioning his orientation, but his plan has worked out well so far. The youngsters put on quite a show against the Englishmen, who were dreaming of a 4 – 0 white wash against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 in the series.
The tables have turned in the third match with star performances from Mohammad Amir, Azhar Ali and Wahab Riaz. With some direction and coaching from the team coach, Waqar Younis, for the two bowlers, and Ijaz Ahmed helping out the young batsman they can truly turn into real assets for the Pakistan side. The young Azhar Ali, who normally plays at number 3, adapted to the conditions and played a crucial knock for Pakistan. He was also all praises for the veteran Pakistani batsman, Mohammad Yousaf, who he said helped him gain confidence while he was playing against the English side.
Mohammad Amir and Saeed Ajmal left the English fans in complete shock as they came in after the tea break to annihilate the batting line-up with reverse swing and spin. The combination worked out well for the Pakistan side since the two bowlers managed to take 4 wickets each. The English side showed their vulnerability as we witnessed a bizarre batting display by experienced batsman. Jonathan Trott, who spent a lot of time on the crease, without exerting any influence, chased a fairly wide ball only to get out.
Pakistan managed to make use of the conditions. They have a great history at this particular venue, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Fazal-c56914 Mehmood making headlines during Pakistan’s tour of England in 1954. Saeed Ajmal has been spectacular with his spin. His ability to turn the ball both ways makes batsmen wary and they play him with caution.
All in all, the Pakistan side has a great amount of potential if handled properly by the administration. The greatest example of the prisoner’s dilemma and game theory was seen during the time of Miandad and Imran http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319, who put their personal differences aside to play for the team. They never got along and Miandad still holds a grudge against Khan for declaring his innings while he was on 280 not out when it looked as if he would have gone on to make 300. Despite that, when the time came during the 1992 World Cup, the two of them made the winning partnership that helped Pakistan win the World Cup.
The same kind of team spirit is now required from the side. They need to put their differences behind them and work in cohesion. It is Salman Butt’s responsibility along with the coaches to foster a dressing room environment which is conducive to the growth of this young side. The youngsters need to be retained and given sufficient chance to prove their mettle. Mohammad Yousaf has given this side the much needed confidence when playing against the best international sides.
"When you walk out to the crease and see Mohammad Yousuf waiting for you then you immediately feel more relaxed. Yousuf bhai just soaks up the pressure and standing at the other end watching him play the bowlers without any trouble whatsoever made me more confident in my own skills too", Azhar Ali said.
In all, Pakistan’s team has a lot of potential to bounce back and true to their nature of being unpredictable they have played like cornered tigers. One can hope that the young stars of Pakistan cricket help the team become World Champions once again.
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