*Official* Pakistan in Bangladesh 2011

[BoyBrumby]

I'm a big fan of Tamim, but the boy really needs to get his shot selection sorted out if he's to do justice to his talent. Daft shot to fall to in the first session on day one of a test.

Liking Cheema's work too. Great seam position and constantly making the batsmen play with his lines.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Predictable again from Bangladesh, lets hope these two and the rest can at least put a respectable total on the board and we have a decent match unlike the last one.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Been sensible stuff so far from Shakib & Shahriar. Playing the spinners with ease.

Just wish I could stop mentally yelling "No ball!" when Ajmal's "bowling".

 

[Hurricane]

110/4

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Just wish I could stop mentally yelling "No ball!" when Ajmal's "bowling".

Best get used to it he will have a lot of bowling to do that we will watch next month.

 

[BoyBrumby]

110/4

112/4, tbf. Neat leg glance from the erstwhile skipper.

Gul back on, right move IMHO. Spinners getting nothing from the pitch.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Nice 50 from Nafees.Need him to go on now and at least double it up. Expecting him to get out for about 65 though.

 

[Xuhaib]

why is Mibah so insistent on bowling first every time he wins a toss does not even have enough confidencce on his top order to get through BD seam attack on first morning.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

To be fair to him it worked, they were 4 down in no time. The fact these two have played well doesn't matter as Pakistan are still well placed here, you just know a collapse is around the corner with Bangladesh and the pitch will be lovely and flat by the time Pakistan get to bat and rattle up 450+

 

[Xuhaib]

To be fair to him it worked, they were 4 down in no time. The fact these two have played well doesn't matter as Pakistan are still well placed here, you just know a collapse is around the corner with Bangladesh and the pitch will be lovely and flat by the time Pakistan get to bat and rattle up 450+

I am not a big fan of bowling first unlessits a real green top can't see Pakistan adopting this tactic vs England due to the Swann factor this would have been a nice test for the openors to bat under cloudy skies as they do take on one of the best new ball bowler next month.

 

[Hurricane]

Nice 50 from Nafees.Need him to go on now and at least double it up. Expecting him to get out for about 65 though.

getting close to 65 now.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I am not a big fan of bowling first unlessits a real green top can't see Pakistan adopting this tactic vs England due to the Swann factor this would have been a nice test for the openors to bat under cloudy skies as they do take on one of the best new ball bowler next month.

I can see your point there but the bowling is probably the strength of the team and it is a plan that is working of late so no reason to change it. If it aint broke don't fix it and all that.

 

[Prince EWS]

The fast bowling is definitely NOT the strength of the this team IMO; it's probably the worst thing going for it now other than perhaps the openers. Gul and Cheema are decent Test standard bowlers, but awesome they aren't.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

The fast bowling is definitely NOT the strength of the this team IMO; it's probably the worst thing going for it now other than perhaps the openers. Gul and Cheema are decent Test standard bowlers, but awesome they aren't.

Better than the batting line up though. They have done ok of late against popgun attacks but they rely very heavily on the old men of the team, the bowling has potential with a couple of useful youngsters and a steady old pro in Gul.

 

[Prince EWS]

Better than the batting line up though.

DWTA completely. Pakistan having **** batsmen and good fast bowlers is a tired stereotype that doesn't apply to this side IMO.

 

[BoyBrumby]

The fast bowling is definitely NOT the strength of the this team IMO; it's probably the worst thing going for it now other than perhaps the openers. Gul and Cheema are decent Test standard bowlers, but awesome they aren't.

Think you're being a bit harsh. Tests aren't Gul's real format, but Cheema looks impressive. I'd say Pakistan look a seamer light, actually. With Hafeez in the team I'd forgo one of Rehman or Ajmal.

Probz the former, but one lives in hope..

 

[flibbertyjibber]

DWTA completely. Pakistan having **** batsmen and good fast bowlers is a tired stereotype that doesn't apply to this side IMO.

I guess they have a stellar batting side in comparison to Australia though. I can't see how having a pair of oldtimers averaging 45 and 52 with the other 4 of the top 6 averaging 36-41 being a good line up. These days you aren't a good test player unless you are averaging close to 45 as there are so few good bowlers around. A top 6 containing 2 guys averaging under 40 and another bang on it is no more than workmanlike. Also you need to remember that in the last 12 months they have batted no more than ok against the worst attacks in the world.

 

[Prince EWS]

I guess they have a stellar batting side in comparison to Australia though. I can't see how having a pair of oldtimers averaging 45 and 52 with the other 4 of the top 6 averaging 36-41 being a good line up. These days you aren't a good test player unless you are averaging close to 45 as there are so few good bowlers around. A top 6 containing 2 guys averaging under 40 and another bang on it is no more than workmanlike. Also you need to remember that in the last 12 months they have batted no more than ok against the worst attacks in the world.

The age of the players involved and Australia have nothing to do with it really.

And while I agree that their batting isn't fantastic, neither is their fast bowling; both are mid-range really. Their best bowler is a spinner and they only play two quicks half the time. I definitely wouldn't call their pace attack their strength; it's just a stereotype. I wouldn't put either of their two opening bowlers inside their top four players and that's without even yet taking into account the fact that they only play two quicks.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

A good stand here becoming a great one as far as Bangladesh are concerned. Hopefully both players see it out till the close and we may get a decent match on our hands.

 

[African Monkey]

Shakib with a century. Nafees not far off.