Shoaib Akhtar sits out in match against Australia – Cricket news
Shoaib Akhtar was not included in the squad for the match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Cup. Announcing his decision at a press conference
on Thursday, March 17, the move raised a lot of questions.
While well documented, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shoaib-Akhtar-c90080’s fitness and injury issues were brought to the fore front as the major reasons for his decision. Showered with praise from fellow professionals and the media alike for an illustrious career, the express pace bowler truly
deserves all the plaudits.
At least for what the talented and explosive pace man did on the pitch. His various scandals, controversies and allegations have not taken away the fact that he has been Pakistan’s best bowler since the legendary pair of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Waqar-Younis-Maitla-c96193. His
247 wickets in 163 One Day Internationals speaks for itself.
So, it came to everyone’s surprise when he was not selected by his side for the match against Australia. Declared fit by the Pakistani physiotherapist for the last match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045, he did not retain his place in the side. Some cynics have accused
the bowler of playing the retirement card in an attempt to reclaim his place in the first XI. Players have been known to come out of retirement after initially announcing their decision, and in Shoaib’s case, it could be a possibility.
His retirement would have made sentiments a factor in the minds of selectors, for a match that would be more of an exhibition and allowed room for experimentation. If it was a ploy to get back in the team, it has not worked well.
Yet, it is not fair to place such unwarranted accusations on one of the best bowlers of his generation. Akhtar’s recent form has not been the best, and his performance against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 highlighted the bowler’s struggles. His horrific over against New
Zealand captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LRPL-Taylor-c1849, where he bowled consecutive full tosses was one of two things that took the game out of Pakistan’s hands. Wicket keeper, Kamran Akmal’s dropped catches the other reason.
Many were surprised when he did not return to face the Zimbabweans as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s main attack bowler while others anticipated the move. Either way, fans of the player and of cricket in general will be relieved of the fact that Shoaib Akhtar has not hung up
his boots just yet, with at least one more game to go for his side in the quarter-finals.
Akhtar may still have his chance to end his career with a bang as he may get a chance to do what he does best on the pitch. The Pakistan side will also be glad to know that they have a game changing bowler waiting in the wins if they ever wish to utilise
his talent.
Tags: