Merv tells Shoaib to take steps
Jon Pierik
22dec04
FORMER Australian firebrand Merv Hughes has questioned whether Shoaib Akhtar should be considered one of cricket's premier pacemen.
As Shoaib ponders a demand from team management to cut his marathon 33m run-up, Hughes yesterday criticised the Rawalpindi Express for his lack of endurance.
While Shoaib may be the world's quickest bowler, his ability to remain venomous after his opening spell has often been a moot point.
"They talk about Shoaib and what a class bowler he is," Hughes said.
"A class bowler can bowl more than five overs in a spell. Shoaib bowls five in a spell and he's absolutely knackered.
"So, his team is not getting as much out of him as he can.
"You have a look at the Australian bowlers, whether it be Brett Lee, whether it be (Michael) Kasprowicz or (Glenn) McGrath or (Jason) Gillespie, they can bowl 10, 12-over spells and they are fit enough and strong enough to carry that.
"But also because of their run-up they are allowed to do that. With Shoaib, there is no way known he can possibly bowl a 12 or 13-over spell."
While he battled weight problems throughout his career, Hughes' ability to dish up hostile spells throughout a long day made him invaluable.
Hughes, who finished with 212 wickets in 53 Tests, was also one of the great intimidators of his time.
He feels Shoaib, with 139 scalps at 24.14 in 34 Tests, also lacks this important quality.
"When he bowls it, he finishes off at extra cover," Hughes told radio station SEN. "He is not getting in the face of batsmen. If you look at Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz, they virtually run down the pitch.
"They finish off halfway down the pitch looking at the batsman.
"Especially from a Pakistan or Indian or Sri Lankan's point of view, when they are that size and looking at blokes 6ft 6in that are virtually standing over them, they have got to be intimidated.
"But Shoaib . . . the batsmen are looking at him and thinking there is no intimidation there."
