Twenty20 will 'finish' Pakistan cricket - Mohammad Yousuf

Mohammad Yousuf drives during his innings of 23, Pakistan v West Indies, Champions Trophy, Group A, Johannesburg, September 23, 2009
Too much Twenty20 cricket, Mohammad Yousuf has said, has affected the failure of the current players in the Pakistan team to adapt to the longer versions © Getty Images

Mohammad Yousuf has issued a stark warning to Pakistan cricket of the impending dangers of too much Twenty20 cricket, insisting that it is "necessary" that Pakistan plays as little of the format as possible. Otherwise, the Pakistan captain believes, the format will "finish Pakistan's cricket."

Yousuf's counsel comes in the wake of Pakistan's defeat to Australia in the first Test in Melbourne, where their batsmen struggled on a placid pitch in a 170-run loss. Australia declared twice in the Test, but Pakistan were bowled out for 258 and 251 - the second after being 170-3. But his words come in a broader context: those totals continued a long run of sub-par performances by the batsmen in the Test arena; in 14 Test innings now, they have crossed 350 only twice.

They have struggled with their openers and their No.3 batsmen, and have been caught in a number of Test collapses through the year in Sri Lanka, New Zealand and now Australia. As in Melbourne, a number of batsmen have settled in, before getting themselves out. The failure, Yousuf believes, comes from Twenty20 cricket.

"It [batting failures] used to happen before but now because of Twenty20 cricket no player knows how to stay at the wicket anymore," Yousuf told Cricinfo. "Batsmen are finding it very difficult. I know the format has money, players get it and boards do but if Pakistan hypes up Twenty20 too much, Test and ODI cricket will really go down."

Pakistan are the reigning world champions in the format, having won the World Twenty20 in a stirring display in June in England. They reached the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 and have the best win-loss ratio of all nations in the format. In Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq they have, arguably, the format's sharpest game-changers.

They were also one of the first countries to adopt the format domestically, holding wildly successful events in Lahore and Karachi in 2005 and 2006, and the first three years of the tournament attracted what many believed to be the largest domestic crowds ever in Pakistan. Additionally, a number of their players had successful first seasons with the IPL; they weren't allowed to participate in tournament's second edition, but a number of them are very keen to be involved next season and over 12 players have applied for a place in the auction. Afridi, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Gul and Sohail Tanvir have all played, or are playing Twenty20 cricket, for Australian state sides as well.

Most Pakistanis are brought up on a diet of 20-over cricket at club and street level. That, Yousuf believes, has left much of the current crop unsuited to the longer, unique demands of Test cricket and even ODI cricket. "Both in Tests and ODIs we have problems," Yousuf said. "We struggle to bat 50 overs. Against New Zealand [in Abu Dhabi] we couldn't make 212 in 50 overs. Everyone played shots and got out.

"Twenty is easy for Pakistanis because they know how to hit, nobody knows how to defend. Until players do not play with discipline and play ball to ball and leave balls they are supposed to we will struggle in ODIs, let alone Tests. If you see a ball, hit it because you have to score. But if you are going to slog all the time what is the point? I could have hit jumping out but unless you get a ball to hit what is the point? That is the point of Test cricket. It is necessary that Pakistanis, the media, the board, the fans realise that we play as little Twenty20 as possible.

"One domestic tournament is enough and a World Cup apart from that, but my belief is that you have to reduce Twenty20 heavily. They shouldn't play it in club cricket - even there you play 20 overs, not 40-over matches. I only have 2-3 years left in my career but I worry Twenty20 will finish Pakistan's cricket."

Yousuf himself has a strained relationship with the format. He was incensed at being dropped from Pakistan's squad for the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 in South Africa. Having criticized the selectors for not picking him, he aligned himself with the ICL, before being lured back into the Pakistan fold by the board. But once he was overlooked for another multi-nation Twenty20 tournament in Toronto in August 2008, he signed up with the ICL again, playing a few unsuccessful games for the Lahore Badshahs, before finally quitting and coming back to the Pakistan side earlier this year.

Alongside Younis Khan, Yousuf has been Pakistan's most reliable and successful Test batsman during and after the Inzamam-ul-Haq era. And with Younis and Javed Miandad, he is the only Pakistan batsman with a 50-plus Test average. His worries are the pre-eminent factor behind his request for Younis on this tour, though authorities in Pakistan have yet to accede to that.

"You look at England, South Africa and Australia. They give Test cricket and ODIs the attention they deserve," Yousuf said. "Until we do the same, we will not progress. They also play Twenty20 but they do it in a controlled way. In our country we only want to play Twenty20 and no Tests. I think we have given up on Test cricket: either we look for the money or we look to revive Pakistan cricket."

Australia unchanged for Sydney Test

Ricky Ponting has declared himself a certain starter for the Sydney Test beginning on Sunday despite suffering more pain than he expected in his hurt elbow during the win at the MCG. Australia have named an unchanged 12-man squad for the second Test, resisting the urge to add Steven Smith as a second spinner following Pakistan's struggles against Nathan Hauritz in Melbourne.

Clint McKay was retained in the group but is expected to be 12th man again, following a bowling performance Ponting described as the best from an Australian Test team in a couple of years. It included Hauritz's first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, and though Ponting said a second spinner would be an option for Sydney, the selectors decided against naming Smith.

Smith was added at the MCG as cover for Hauritz, who had a groin injury in the lead-up to the Test. Smith had enjoyed a net session with Shane Warne which Ponting was certain would help his development. "I know he would have got a lot out of the session the other day," Ponting said. "Any time any young spinner can spend some quality time with Warney one on one is going to be of great benefit to them."

Ponting will lead Australia as they aim to take the series 2-0 in Sydney, despite his injury troubling him through the Boxing Day Test. He said he was not in any doubt at all for the second Test.

"I've had a bit of pain in both innings to tell you the truth," Ponting said. "It probably flared up more than I was hoping it would halfway through my first innings but I declared myself fit to play and I've just got to put up with it and get on with it from there. That's all I could do. I've continued to have treatment through this game and will the next few days give myself every opportunity to recover as well as I can for the next Test."

Australia squad Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Clint McKay.

Pakistan players apply for IPL 3

At least 12 players from Pakistan have applied to the IPL requesting to be placed in next season's auction. Though the identities of all the applicants is not yet clear, one player said most of the touring squad currently in Australia has been in touch with the IPL.

The IPL had earlier this month set a December 31 deadline for players from Pakistan to put themselves into the auction pool for IPL 3. Four players - Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Gul - already have contracts with franchises from the first season, though they stand currently suspended. The only way they can now participate is if their franchises free up a spot in their squads by offloading a foreign player.

"All the players here have sent emails to Lalit Modi expressing their interest for next season," one of the players told Cricinfo. "We haven't yet applied for visas to India but we have the NOC's in place from the board."

An IPL official confirmed to Cricinfo that "over 12 players" had applied from Pakistan though he was also unsure of the exact number. The PCB has passed out general NOCs for all its players, clearing them from their end to play next season. The board has been keen on its players being able to take part in the next season after they missed out on the last IPL, held in South Africa.

Pakistan's government had refused to clear its players to take part in that season, believing that their security would be at risk in India after the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008. That incident led to a deterioration in political ties between India and Pakistan. Because the relationship remains unstable, it is unclear what kind of interest franchises will show in Pakistan players during the auction.

Hauritz five seals Australian victory

The Australians rounded out 2009 with their most clinical final day bowling performance of the year to seal a 170 run victory over Pakistan. Nathan Hauritz, placed on notice by Australia's selectors prior to the series, claimed his first career five-wicket haul as Pakistan crumbled from 3 for 170 overnight to be all out for 251 shortly after lunch on the final day.

Hauritz's ability to exploit wearing pitches had been called into question of late, not least by Andrew Hilditch, and he proved himself worthy of the challenge on Wednesday. Unable to replicate the biting turn that accounted for Faisal Iqbal the previous day, Hauritz instead utilised flight and bounce to challenge Pakistan's lower and middle orders and was rewarded with four final-day scalps.

Australia began the day in emphatic fashion with Mitchell Johnson removing Umar Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq with consecutive deliveries in his first over. Hauritz then repeated the dose with the back-to-back dismissals of Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Aamer shortly after the first drinks break to extinguish any hope of an improbable Pakistan fightback.

Mohammad Yousuf showed admirable determination to post 61, but support for the Pakistan captain was thin on the ground. With wickets falling in clusters, the Australians required only four overs after lunch to seal victory and claim a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-three series. The result took their Test record in 2009 to an encouraging seven wins, three defeats and three draws; a substantial improvement on their 5-5-4 record from the previous year.

The younger Akmal was the first victim of the final day, pushing at a fast, swinging delivery from Johnson that was claimed millimetres above the MCG turf by a tumbling Brad Haddin. Misbah fell to an identical mode of dismissal, albeit to a straighter ball, leaving the tourists' hopes of a fightback in tatters less than an over into the day. Kamran Akmal denied Johnson his hat-trick, but almost triggered one for Hauritz when, after an hour of stern resistance, he was stumped attempting a reckless charge to a slower, bouncing delivery. Hauritz then beat Aamer for bounce with his next ball, resulting in a gloved catch to Simon Katich at short leg.

Abdur Rauf survived Hauritz's hat-trick delivery - which featured the rare sight of nine fielders around the bat - but fell soon after to Doug Bollinger. Rounding out a forgettable match, Rauf played onto his stumps to expose the Pakistan tail shortly before lunch. Hauritz completed the rout after the break by removing Yousuf to another bat-pad catch, and Saeed Ajmal to a wild swipe that was accepted by Shane Watson, who was later named Man of the Match.

The breakthroughs ensured Johnson and Hauritz a positive end to a 2009 campaign that has proved testing in the extreme. Both bowlers have been subjected to criticism - Johnson for his erratic ways during the Ashes series, Hauritz for his lack of penetration on deteriorating tracks - but have emerged better for the experience. Though not quite back to his wrecking ball ways of South Africa, Johnson is nonetheless a bowler far improved from that which struggled for much of the Ashes series. Hauritz, meanwhile, has continued his steady evolution as an international spinner, as demonstrated by his subtle changes of flight and angle on Wednesday.

For Pakistan, there is much to ponder before the Sydney Test. The selection of Rauf over the experienced and versatile Umar Gul was flawed, and the catching at the MCG largely lamentable. The likely return of Danish Kaneria and the possible reintroduction of Younis Khan could prove a significant boost for the tourists, but on the evidence of the past five days, there remains much work to do.

If nothing else, Pakistan have at least closed the chapter on the annus horribilus that was 2009. In a year that witnessed the Lahore terrorist attack, and the subsequent stripping of host venue status, the Pakistanis can look ahead to the New Years' Test with hope for healing and renewal.

Afridi steals the show for Redbacks

Shahid Afridi and Kieron Pollard came to party for the Southern Redbacks, leading them to a 29-run victory over the Western Warriors at the WACA on Tuesday.

Fans in Perth got their money’s worth with some scintillating knocks from Pollard, Mark Cosgrove, Chris Gayle and Adam Voges. However, the show-stopper was Afridi who stole the match for the Redbacks with his four-wicket haul. The Pakistani all-rounder gave away only 19 runs off his four overs.

Chasing 197 to win, Gayle set the tone for the Warriors with his 44 off 24 balls alongwith Shaun Marsh.

The opening pair built was off to a flier, putting on a brisk 60 runs before the aggressive Gayle retired hurt in the fifth over after straining a muscle.

It's all about numbers

Marsh was joined by Luke Ronchi but did precious little before succumbing to Afridi’s guile.



Warriors skipper Voges steadied the innings and kept the target in sight, scoring a well-paced 45. He was involved in six partnerships; the most significant of which came with Theo Doropoulos.

Gayle returned to the middle after Ashley Noffke became Afridi’s second victim in the 16th over. The Warriors were still 47 runs short of the target, at 150 for six.

Stubborn Pakistan hold out for final day

Stumps Pakistan 258 and 3 for 170 (Yousuf 45*) need another 252 runs to beat Australia 8 or 225 dec (Watson 120*, Aamer 5-70) and 5 for 454 dec





Pakistan stubbornly refused to concede the first Test in the face of a would-be world record run chase, but a steady trickle of wickets ensured the Australians maintained the upper hand entering the final day. Set an improbable victory target of 422, the tourists headed to stumps in relatively good health at 3 for 170 following an entertaining day that witnessed Shane Watson register a nerve-jangling maiden Test century and Mohammad Aamer become the youngest fast bowler in history to claim a five-wicket haul.

Pakistan's cause appeared hopeless when Doug Bollinger rapped Imran Farhat on the pads in the seventh over, an appeal that was orginally turned down by Rudi Koertzen, the on-field umpire, but overturned by the video official. Brief periods of revival were later punctuated by Mitchell Johnson's dismissal of Salman Butt and Nathan Hauritz's removal of Faisal Iqbal, but Mohammad Yousuf and the impressive Umar Akmal survived through to stumps, still requiring a further 252 for victory on the final day.

Australia had an opportunity to seize complete control in the final half hour of play with the introduction of Simon Katich, the occasional wrist spinner, into the attack. Katich had not bowled a ball all summer to that point, but promptly had Akmal dropped by Hauritz at mid-on with his first delivery and almost stumped a ball later. Akmal survived, however, ensuring the Australians an uncomfortable night's sleep, given the difficulties they have encountered bowling teams out on the fifth day.

Younis Khan makes surprise appearance

A week after Younus Khan was overlooked for this month's tour of Australia, the former Pakistan captain made a surprise appearance at a coaching course in Lahore. 'International and first-class players in other countries attend such courses to get more educated in the game, but Younis has set an example in Pakistan and is doing the course with interest since Monday,' PCB instructor Shahid Aslam said.

Play spinner Smith in Sydney, says Warne

Legendary bowler Shane Warne says young New South Wales legspinner Steven Smith is ready for his Test debut against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground next week.

Smith, 20, has already impressed with the bat at Twenty20 level - starring in the Blues' Champions League title win this year.

His feats with the ball have been less impressive, with just 11 first-class wickets at a swollen average of 75.

But Warne says Smith should get the nod anyway if Australian selectors want to play two spinners on the traditionally spin-friendly Sydney pitch.

"The way he bowls he looks ready. As long as he thinks well, and I think he has a good head on his shoulders, he's a chance," Warne told News Ltd.

"Ideally you want everyone to be playing 30 or 40 first-class games first so they know themselves a lot better and can learn their craft in all different conditions.

"But sometimes you haven't got that luxury. You could throw him in as a second spinner and if they do, I think he will do a good job."

"Sydney, most of the time, is a spinning wicket.

"But there have been times when we've gone up there and it's been raining so it might be a bit greener and seam around. So you might only want one spinner for the Test."

Good solid Test cricket from Ponting and his men

By Adnan Sipra

Ricky Ponting is many things to his outfit: captain, mentor, leading batsman and above all, master tactician. He leads by example, as his fluent fifty showed on the first day of the first Test at MCG. He backs his team-mates, exemplified by the constant faith exhibited towards Shane Watson and Michael Hussey; he eggs the younger players on with countless exhortations. And he is a supreme strategist, as revealed by his decision to declare Australia’s innings halfway through the second day, with the hosts on 454-5.

Another captain might have decided to pile on the runs, to push the total completely beyond the beleaguered Pakistan team’s reach, to bat through to the end of the second day, to finish with a total in excess of 550, or, maybe, even 600. Instead, Ponting chose to give his young bowling unit half a day extra to target the paper-thin Pakistan batting line-up. And, in doing so, he has led his opponents to believe they are still in with a chance in this match – a fact they wouldn’t even have considered an option after the first day’s play.

Picking up the gauntlet is Mohammad Yousuf, unruffled in his now hopefully permanent role as leader of squad that, with their recent troubled past, have always wavered between mediocre and average displays in the field; with a moment or two of sheer brilliance thrown in for good measure. As does his counterpart in this match, Yousuf represents everything that counts to his young team: an elegant batsman without peer, a calming presence in the field, leading by sheer belief in his own ability. And, most importantly, he brings a quiet, undemonstrative aspect to the captaincy – something sadly lacking in his immediate predecessor.

And Yousuf’s tactical acumen showed in the morning session as the overnight pair of Michael Hussey and Nathan Hauritz – the one: an established batsman of considerable class; the other: a tail-ender cum night-watchman displaying batting skills seemingly beyond his station – were hemmed in by watertight fields. Pakistan’s team-talk from the evening before had obviously helped as the bowlers stuck to their lines and the fielders tried (because ‘tried’ is the operative word in the face of the usual dropped catch and the inexplicable fielding lapse) to improve on their first day’s performance. But the pressure was always going to lift as the day wore on.

Thereafter, as the left-handed opening pair of Salman Butt and Imran Farhat ground their way through a stand that ate up valuable overs – but only just over twelve of them – in racking up 26 for the first wicket, eyebrows were obviously raised by those who have been fed an unwholesome diet of the slap-dash variety of cricket made popular by the glut of one-day and Twenty20 cricket. This was good solid Test cricket: an old-fashioned contest between bat and ball in different conditions from the first day; under some cloud cover, the ball seamed and swung. The basic job of any opening pair is to see off the new ball: Salman and Farhat did their bit, as did Faisal Iqbal, questionable though his presence might be at number three.

The loss of Yousuf, after a typically measured 22, off the penultimate ball of the day might, however, have tipped the scales even more in Australia’s favour, with Pakistan on 109 for 4. It now falls on a young, teenaged pair to display their commitment to their team’s cause on the third morning. How they do so will be crucial to the future outcome of this match – and, maybe, even for Pakistan cricket itself.

Aamer grabs five as Watson bats on

On a morning of firsts, Shane Watson raised his highest Test score and Mohammad Aamer claimed a maiden Test five-wicket haul as the Australians extended their lead to a commanding 6 for 192. Aamer ensured the hosts did not make all the running on the fourth morning, scything through the top-order with raw pace and subtle reverse swing, but Watson's determined innings made certain the tourists would face a would-be ground-record fourth innings run chase.

For the third time this summer, Watson endured a nervous journey through the 90s. He headed to lunch unbeaten on 98, having cautiously seen off a maiden over Saeed Ajmal to close out the first session, testing the nerves of all in attendance at the MCG. In all, Watson had been in the 90s for 55 minutes by the break; a counter-point to the free-flowing innings he had played to that point.

Should he add a further two runs in the afternoon session, Watson will become the first Australian batsman since Michael Hussey at The Oval to reach triple figures in a Test match, breaking a team sequence of 20 unconverted half-centuries. His contribution accounted for more than half Australia's total of at the lunch break, and bolstered the hosts' over all lead to 388.

The Pakistanis reprised memories of Australia's second innings collapses during the Ashes and, more recently, the Perth Test on a spritely opening to Tuesday. Aamer emerged as the perfect weapon - relentlessly attacking a top-order in pursuit of quick runs and an early declaration - to provide his side with a glimmer of hope in the match.

Michael Clarke was his first victim, caught behind chasing a delivery that tailed away ever so slightly. Marcus North and Brad Haddin then fell in the space of two balls as part of a double-wicket maiden in his 17th over - reverse swing again playing a role - taking Aamer to his first five-wicket haul in just his seventh Test.

Alex Brown is deputy editor of Cricinfo
RSS Feeds: Alex Brown

Pakistan hopes rest on young shoulders

Finally the teeth were bared and, though it may be too late for them to make an impression here, it could yet prove a worthwhile baring. Pakistan must have many more moments with Umar Akmal and Mohammad Aamer at the centre if they are to stand a chance in the series.

The long-standing beauty of Pakistan cricket has been their faith in youth. It does not always last as long as it should, but is enough for them to throw them in without questions, where other nations tend to wait and miss the moment. In other spheres Pakistan is very rigidly structured with utmost deference to seniority of age and experience, but from the days of Kardar, their cricket has been comfortable with chancing it on teenaged sensations.

Though they haven't suffered for it, Australia haven't brought enough young players into their national side, recently at least. Ricky Ponting made that point pre-Test, about how good it feels to have someone young around the squad. His Pakistani counterparts have always appreciated the central beauty of youth - that it knows no fear or doubt. It has little experience of either. It is forever pumped and perky, and its shoulders don't often droop, burdened or haunted by the years.

So was Umar Akmal, undaunted by his first meeting with the Australians, his first innings at the MCG. He has not known past failure against them; in fact he has probably been too pumped and excited at the prospect of playing. And it showed during his fifty which continued a remarkable entry into international cricket.

It reaffirmed all that is refreshing about him, as bracing as the Melbourne air these days. He was solid and correct when he needed to be at the start of the morning. He didn't wilt when struck flush on the helmet by Peter Siddle. He was braver still to unleash the most audacious bout of stroke-making against the same man a few overs later; the pulled six pleased the crowds, but the easy loft over mid-on two balls earlier from outside off was the stroke of a boy blessed. Crowds here are demanding but they appreciate a battle no matter where it comes from and Umar's contribution was duly noted.

They bestowed similar appreciation upon Aamer later in the afternoon, when he took it upon himself to rattle Australia's top order. What has been most impressive about him is the manner in which he has taken to international cricket; history probably records some ducks taking to water with more difficulty. He has taken to all three formats with aplomb, knowing instantly where and how to bowl. One of the deepest impressions from the World Twenty20 was his calculated dismantling of Tillakaratne Dilshan with the short ball in the final's opening over.

He didn't quite dismantle Ricky Ponting with the short ball here - it is doubtful whether that is even possible of such a complete puller - but he certainly engaged him and the crowd in a wonderful battle. Twice he drew false pulls and just when it seemed he had overdone it, as Ponting dismissed him in front of midwicket, he got him pulling to deep square leg. The joust with Shane Watson was doubly compelling, for by now he was hitting and sustaining some serious pace, reaching speeds which he hasn't before hit. A little kiss, a few words, many bouncers and appeals; these are small things but they go a long way in Australia and they are loved by all.

It is another thing that Pakistan haven't always utilized their youth effectively. There is forever a fear that seniors try to run down successful youngsters and many selectors have publicly backed youth while privately grumbling about it. There is a sense developing right now that Umar's spirits may be clipped because of his rasher dismissals and Mohammad Yousuf seems to get frustrated too readily with Aamer's less disciplined spells.

Pakistan have traditionally had little patience for the foibles of youth and there will always be foibles; the list of discarded, dumped and broken young men is far too long in Pakistan. But every effort must be made to ensure these two names do not appear on that list.

Osman Samiuddin is Pakistan editor of Cricinfo
RSS Feeds: Osman Samiuddin

Pakistan send out SOS for Younis Khan

Pakistan's failings with the bat in Melbourne have prompted the team management to send out an SOS for Younis Khan. The former captain, who has kept a low profile since he abruptly relinquished the leadership in November, is believed to be keen to respond and may even arrive in time for the second Test in Sydney, due to begin on January 3.

Pakistan were dismissed for 258 on an unusually docile MCG track, and only Umar Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq batted with any authority against a disciplined and bustling Australian pace attack. That continued a run of poor performances in Younis's absence on the New Zealand tour, where Pakistan relied heavily on Umar as they drew a three-Test series 1-1.

But the team management has been keen on getting Younis over since before the Melbourne Test began. After the opening day at the MCG, they called up Iqbal Qasim, Pakistan's chief selector, and said they needed Younis. Since then it is believed there may have even been direct contact between Mohammad Yousuf, the Pakistan captain, and Younis.

"They have been very keen on getting Younis over and they called up Iqbal Qasim after the first day to make the request," a board official told Cricinfo. "A request needs to be made in writing and the selection committee will discuss and weigh up the pros and cons before the decision is made."

Younis gave up the post after losing an ODI series to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, claiming that he had "lost command over his players." It came after months of reported unhappiness within the team over his leadership. He went underground immediately after, only to resurface suddenly while attending a PCB coaching course in Lahore and then turning out, unimpressively, in the emerged a possibility that he may arrive in time for the ODI series, but the frailty of Pakistan's batting has apparently sped up the process.

Younis' poor form - also a factor in his decision - remains a concern, however, and the selectors are keen for him to play at least one game of the local Pentangular tournament, which is due to begin on January 1, before he comes to Australia. Since making a triple-hundred on a lifeless track in Karachi in February, he has scored 131 runs in four Tests. His ODI form has also been wobbly.

But his experience and track record at No.3 - a particularly troublesome spot for Pakistan in recent Tests where they have tried four different batsmen in four Tests - is thought to be crucial in Australia. Not only was he Pakistan's leading scorer in the last Test series here, he enjoyed a successful stint with South Australia last season.

"Younis has been contacted and there is a chance that Yousuf has also contacted him directly," said the official. "He has said that he is fit and ready to go, but will stand by whatever process the selectors put in place for his return."

That process would appear to depend on how Pakistan ultimately fare in Melbourne. A loss could mean that there is a "70-80%" chance of Younis making it in time for Sydney. If they somehow escape with a draw he could arrive in time for the final Test in Hobart, having played at least one Pentangular match in the interim. The call-up would also entail a current member of the squad returning to Pakistan, and it could possibly be one of the fast bowlers.

A final decision could also be taken as early as tomorrow, depending on the situation of the Test.

Osman Samiuddin is Pakistan editor of Cricinfo

Pakistan, England to play Twenty20s in Dubai

Pakistan are set to play two Twenty20 internationals against England in Dubai in February to warm up for the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies at the end of April.

"We have reached an agreement to play two Twenty20 matches against England on February 19 and 20 as part of our preparations for the World Twenty20 next year," Wasim Bari, the Pakistan Cricket Board's chief operating officer, told AFP.

Pakistan wind up their tour of Australia on February 5 while England will head to Dubai a month after their tour of South Africa concludes. The World Twenty20 will be held between April 30 and May 16.

Pakistan are the defending champions and Bari said the latest development was aimed at discovering more talent. "We see the two matches as an opportunity to try and develop some new players and give more and more players the opportunity to play at the top level," Bari said.

He added that the Pakistan A team will take on England A for a series of three one-dayers in the UAE later in the year.

Bollinger loves a stoush

Ronny Lerner, Sportal

The fiery exchanges between Australian opening batsman Shane Watson and emerging Pakistani paceman Mohammad Aamer are good for the game, according to Doug Bollinger.

The pair were involved in some entertaining byplay during the final session on day three of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG with the standout incident coming when Aamer rocketed a bouncer into Watson's shoulder in the 12th over.

Watson failed to get out of its path in time and ended up on the ground, prompting Aamer to mockingly blow Watson a kiss and clap his hands in front of the opener.

"It's good for the crowds, it's good for the game," said Bollinger after the day's play.

"We don't want anything like what happened to come out again," he said in reference to the heated clashes with the West Indies that led to four Aussies, himself included, fined or reprimanded. "But it's good for a bit of fire and flair to come out."

"He (Aamer) bowls fast and fast bowlers are meant to be angry and have a bit to say and 'Watto' batted well and stepped up."

"I think it's the old opening bowler-opening batter situation."

"You know, you have a new ball in your hand and you get a bit of fire and you have no-one else to blow up at so you blow up at the batsman."

Watson scored Australia's 21st half-century of the summer in the final session and remains unbeaten on 64.

The hosts are still in search of their first ton for the season after a bevy of near-misses, three of which have been produced by Watson who scored 96 and 89 against the West Indies before being run out for 93 on Boxing Day after a comical mix-up with Simon Katich.

However, Bollinger believes the prospect of a maiden Test ton will sit easy with Watson overnight.

"He'll sleep pretty sound, some of the boys are tired, we've been working hard but I think he'll be alright he looks really sharp there and I think he really wants a 100 like most of us," Bollinger said of Watson who has now scored seven fifties in 12 innings this year.

Bollinger ended up with figures of 3-50 and was pleased with the pivotal role he played in dismissing Pakistan at tea for 258 in response to Australia's first-dig 5-454 (declared) when he snared three wickets in four overs with the second new ball.

Skipper Ricky Ponting took the second new ball as soon as it became available and Bollinger re-entered the attack with immediate results as he dismissed nightwatchman Aamer (15), Kamran Akmal (12) and Abdur Rauf (three).

"It was pretty hard work but I am really happy the way all of us stuck together and bowled them out," Bollinger said.

"I didn't think I was going to get a wicket there but I was happy to get three and come in confident, hopefully we can knock them over in the following days."

And Bollinger is confident the wicket will help Australia do just that.

"The new ball's harder and it comes on a lot more but I think it's going to get lower on the following days and that will be beneficial for us as it will be harder to score," he said.


"You just have to keep it simple, just bash away as hard as you can, I don't know, try and get the ball to swing as much as you can reverse."

"I think we have to try and hit good areas and make them play low and hopefully some will stay low and we'll get a couple of lbws or bowleds."

Australia in command despite early tumble

MELBOURNE: Australia ended the third day of the first Test against Pakistan in a dominant position with a 307-run lead at the loss of three second-inning wickets on Monday.



Opener Shane Watson was batting on 64 along with Michael Clarke (21) when play ended on a day that saw nine wickets fall. Australia’s second innings total stood at 111.


More to follow..

Shane Watson restores Australian dominance

Mohammad Aamer breathed life into the Boxing Day Test with a spell of aggressive and precise pace bowling, but another half-century from the dependable Shane Watson restored Australia's position of dominance. Having played a leading role in guiding Pakistan past the follow-on target earlier in the day, Aamer returned with the new ball to dismiss Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey in the final session before engaging in a fearsome, though ultimately unsuccessful, duel with Watson.

His bowling, in union with the miserly Mohammad Asif, at one stage, reduced Australia to 3 for 40 in their second innings, but the settling influences of Watson and Michael Clarke allowed the hosts to add a further 71 runs without loss by stumps. That took Australia's overall lead to 307 with two days to play, almost certainly ensuring that Pakistan will face a ground record fourth-innings target when sent into bat sometime on Tuesday.

Asif, whose unerring accuracy was reflected by his sub-two economy rate, was first to strike in Australia's second innings, removing Simon Katich who caught-behind to a prod outside off-stump. Aamer continued the assault on the hosts' top order, claiming Ponting to a miscued pull - fulfilling Chris Gayle's prophecy - and Michael Hussey to an angling lbw decision that was upheld by the video umpire.

With the adrenaline flowing, Aamer turned his attention to the flammable Watson and pulses quickened across the ground. The Australian opener, who had driven elegantly and frequently in the early stages of his innings, was forced to defend a series of short-pitched deliveries around the 150 kmh mark, several of which Aamer followed with blown kisses.

While entertaining, Aamer's ploy failed to rattle his Australian adversary. Watson raised his second half-century of the match - and seventh in 12 innings as Test opener - with a pull to the boundary off Saeed Ajmal and advanced his total to an unbeaten 64 by stumps.

Pakistan will require quick wickets on the fourth day if they are to remain competitive in the match, and will be forced to do so without the assistance of the video umpire. Aamer and Abdur Rauf burned both Pakistan's challenges with unsuccessful lbw appeals; Hussey also used up one of Australia's after disputing the lbw decision that ultimately led to his demise.

Earlier, Australia's pacemen ruthlessly exposed the length and frailty of the Pakistani tail, claiming five wickets after lunch to terminate the tourists' first innings for 258. Doug Bollinger proved the chief destroyer, reaping the rewards for probing lengths and attacking lines with the wickets of Aamer, who proved a most stubborn nightwatchman, as well as Kamran Akmal and Rauf.

The removal of Aamer two deliveries after accepting the second new ball was a classic fast bowlers' dismissal - the batsman fending a short, snarling delivery to the body - and triggered a collapse in which Pakistan lost five wickets for 99 in 17.3 overs. Bollinger favoured a fuller length to remove Akmal and Rauf, both caught by the wicketkeeper while attempting to push forward, showcasing a shrewd fast-bowling intellect to complement his bullyboy capabilities.

Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson rounded off the second session rout, accounting for Mohammad Asif and Ajmal. Only half-centuries from Misbah-ul-Haq (65 not out) and the impressive Umar Akmal (51) allowed Pakistan to avoid the follow-on.

Umar proved a one-man highlight reel in the first hour of play, showing little regard for the Australian bowlers or the reverse-swinging ball. His penchant for advancing on Watson, Australia's best exponent of reverse swing, disrupted both bowler and wicketkeeper, and his treatment of Siddle in his 17th over bordered on the disdainful.

Having been struck a nasty blow to the helmet by Siddle the previous over, Umar opted for a change in strategy in the period prior to lunch. A fullish delivery was dispatched over mid-on with a hybrid drive-pull stroke, and when Siddle shortened in length the next ball, Umar swatted him more conventionally to the long-on boundary. With his targets now set, he launched Siddle's ensuing offering over the long-on rope, and followed with a thick edge through a vacant third slip to the third man boundary.

Umar proved himself a batsman of rare class in New Zealand last month with a ton on debut followed by three half-centuries, and his first Test outing on Australian soil continued the theme. Fearless in mind and solid in technique, Umar raised his fifty in Johnson's next over but, with a touch of youthful impetuosity, was dismissed next ball attempting to blaze an angling delivery through the covers. The capitulation had begun.

ACC fails to pick Asia Cup venue

LAHORE: Owing to BCCI’s indifferent attitude, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) lacks accord and its latest result is the failure of the council to finalise the venue for next year’s Asia Cup, for which China and Malaysia were the main candidates.



ACC chief and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt said the Asian body could not decide the host country for the continent’s premier event but formed a committee to look into the matter.

He was talking to reporters following his arrival at the Lahore airport after chairing the ACC meeting in Singapore.

Since the PCB took charge of the ACC in 2008, the continental body has failed to take any decision, which shows a poor level of understanding and harmony among the council members.

In fact, India has dismissed all ideas coming from the PCB to promote cricketing ties between the two countries. Furthermore, without the Indian board’s timely cooperation it is very difficult for the ACC to function properly.

The BCCI officials have rarely attended any ACC meetings, which were chaired by Ijaz, a clear message that the current chairman has totally failed to convince BCCI President Shashank Manohar to promote the ties.

Ijaz, as the ACC chief, also failed to gather the members’ support that resulted in the ICC stripping Pakistan of its hosting rights of the 2011 World Cup earlier this year on security grounds. Pakistan’s share of 14 World Cup matches was allotted to the other hosting countries – India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Sources said that until Ijaz remains the ACC chairman, India will not allow the Asian body to take any decision. Sources further said neither the ACC members nor those of the ICC were happy with the way the PCB chairman is working with them

PCB ‘shocks’ Shoaib by denying him place in any domestic team

Staff Report

LAHORE: Temperamental Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar’s dreams of making a ‘shock’ comeback to the international cricketing scene has been shattered, as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee has ignored him for an important first class domestic tournament. Akhtar’s name was not in the final list of the players picked for the Rest of Pakistan squad for the Pentagular Cup starting January 1, which has left his future in jeopardy.

“The selectors have mainly concentrated on selecting those players who performed well in the just concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and some promising Under-19 youngsters,” said one of the selectors. The fact that the Rawalpindi Express failed to secure a place in any of the five teams participating in the tournament has certainly put a big question over his international career.

Akhtar’s wounds are likely to get more painful, as the PCB is unlikely to retain his central contract, and chances are that he may be axed from the elite list of cricketers. A two-member committee, consisting of PCB chief operating officer Wasim Bari and director cricket operations Zakir Khan, will finalise the list, and insiders suggest that Akhtar is unlikely to get a central contract for the next season.

Akhtar has been out of competitive cricket from a long time due to niggling injuries and other health related issues. Once the mainstay of Pakistan’s bowling line up, the PCB has completely sidelined the Rawalpindi Express, replacing him with younger fast bowlers like Mohammad Aamer and Umar Gul. With bowlers like Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Sami returning to the national squad, it has become even harder for Akhtar to return to the international stage.

Pakistan paceman Tigers' import

THE Pakistan connection with Bellerive Oval is set to continue with Cricket Tasmania yesterday announcing paceman Rana Naved- ul-Hasan as its international signing for the Twenty20 Big Bash.
Rana, 31, has played nine Tests for Pakistan, taking 18 wickets at an average of 58, 69 one- day internationals, collecting 104 wickets at 28.18 and three Twenty20 internationals, taking four wickets at 18.


He also averages 19.91 with the bat in Tests and 15.44 in one- day internationals.


Overall in Twenty20 cricket, Rana has played 37 matches and collected 38 wickets at 22.08 at an economy rate of 6.67, while averaging 22.92 with the bat, at a strike-rate of 145.24.


Rana played his last Test in 2007, but has played limited-overs cricket for his country this year.


He is Tasmania's third attempt at attracting international talent after earlier signings Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga and English all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas both withdrew due to injury.


Rana joins West Indian stars Chris Gayle (Western Australia), Dwayne Bravo (Victoria), Kieron Pollard (South Australia) and Dwayne Smith (NSW), Rana's Pakistan teammate Sahid Afridi (South Australia) and New Zealanders Daniel Vettori (Queensland) and Ross Taylor (Victoria) as international names in the Big Bash competition.


Rana's signing will continue the Pakistan feel to Tasmanian cricket following the Tigers' tour game against the country this month and the third Test between Australia and Pakistan at Bellerive Oval in January.


Tasmania's first Twenty20 Big Bash match is against NSW at Bellerive Oval on Wednesday.


Tasmania's selectors yesterday named a 17-man squad for the Tigers' first two home games against NSW and WA.


SQUAD: George Bailey (c), Travis Birt, Luke Butterworth, Ed Cowan, Gerard Denton, Michael Dighton, Xavier Doherty, Alex Doolan, Brendan Drew, James Faulkner, Brett Geeves, Jason Krejza, Rhett Lockyear, Tim Paine, John Roger, Jeremy Smith, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan.

Pakistan, England T20 dates finalised

England and Pakistan will be landing in Dubai on February 16 to play two Twenty20 International on February 19 and 20 and both matches will be played in Dubai Sports City Stadium, an official from Dubai Sports City confirmed Cricdb.

Cricdb has learnt that the two-match series was infact purposed by the ICC task-force[headed by ECB Chairman Giles Clarke] to help Pakistan in funds raising as the cash-strapped Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) facing difficulties in generate revenues due to international teams' refusal to tour Pakistan because of security reasons.

Last year, the ICC moved the Champions Trophy from Pakistan to South Africa and India refused to tour Pakistan after the Mumbai terror attacks. And PCB revenues have fallen sharply after it was forced to stop hosting international matches due to ongoing security concerns.

PCB's chief Ijaz Butt said that its annual revenues fell by 71 percent as they lost $40 million in revenues from the loss of the India series alone.

With no scheduled Twenty20 internationals before the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies in May, the England Board was eager to arrange two extra internationals in order to prepare for the T20 World Cup. The England team currently in South Africa will head to Dubai after concluding their tour. On other hand Pakistan finishing up their ongoing tour of Australia on February 5.

Dubai Sports City will also hosting England Lions and Pakistan A team from February 7 to 26 next year. They will be playing five one-dayer and 5 Twenty20s, scheduled for Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

© Cricdb

Jamshed Ahmed : "Under 19s Should go into World Cup with a Positive Mindset"

With only a few days left before the Pakistan Under 19 squad departs for New Zealand to play 3 one dayers against the Kiwis and then take part in the World Cup, PakPassion caught up with the former Under 19 World Champion, Jamshed Ahmed.

Jamshed of course has fond memories of the 2006 tournament in Sri Lanka where Pakistan devastated their highly rated Indian counterparts in the final at the Premadasa Stadium Colombo.

Whilst the tournament that Jamshed took part in was over 3 years ago, it was clearly evident to me by the way that Jamshed reeled off the scores in the tournament, that those memories are cherished and not too far from his mind.

"It was a special time for me and the other boys in the squad. Pakistan were the reigning champions and we wanted to do our best to retain the title" stated Jamshed.

The left armer who is currently playing first class cricket for PIA continued "Our coach Mansoor Rana was brilliant throughout the tournament. He never let our heads go down and even in the final when we only mustered 109 runs he said we could bowl the Indians out for less than 100 and lift the title. During the innings break he gathered all of us and said that the Indian batting lineup was relatively untried during the tournament, as they had won many of their matches with relative ease and if we could pick up some ealy wickets we coud run through their batting order".

Jamshed who picked up 14 wickets in the tournament at less than 12 runs apiece added "There was a real bond in that squad and we had such a positive mindset and attitude, we felt as if we could beat anyone. We would listen to readings of the Quran before a match and our plan was to impose ourselves on the opposition".

Jamshed feels that the current crop of Under 19 boys have different strengths to the 2006 squad that he was part of. "Our victories were based on our seam attack. I would say that we won the World Cup largely down to our seam bowlers. With the current squad, the batting is strong with Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad and Azeem Ghumman and the bulk of the runs will be expected to come from them. My colleague at PIA who is the wicketkeeper batsman Anop Ravi is also a very talented cricketer. The spin options of Raza Hasan and Usman Qadir are also very talented cricketers and wicket taking bowlers and I would expect them to perform well in New Zealand".

Jamshed who is looking to play league cricket in the UK next season continued "Its so important for the youngsters to listen to the advice being given to them by coach Ijaz Ahmed and to support one another and most importantly to go into the tournament with a positive mindset".

Pakistan Under 19s are in Group D alongside Bangladesh, West Indies and Papua New Guinea. Their first warmup match is against Zimbabwe on 11th January and their World Cup campaign commences against the West Indies on January 15th.

Pakistan crawl after Umar fires

Pakistan's teenage brigade launched a stoic counter-offensive to begin the third day, but their efforts could not entirely stave off Australia's advancement. Umar Akmal continued his brilliant form from the tour of New Zealand with an eye-catching half-century and Mohammad Aamer, the nightwatchman, stood firm through to the lunch break as Pakistan progressed to 5 for 190, still trailing Australia's first innings total by 264 runs.

Akmal proved a one-man highlight reel in the first hour of play, showing little regard for the Australian bowlers or the reverse-swinging ball. His penchant for advancing on Shane Watson, Australia's best exponent of reverse in the match to date, disrupted both bowler and wicketkeeper, and his treatment of Peter Siddle in his 17th over bordered on the disdainful.

Having been struck a nasty blow to the helmet by Siddle the previous over, Akmal opted for a change in strategy in the period prior to lunch. A fullish delivery was dispatched over mid-on with a hybrid drive-pull stroke, and when Siddle shortened in length the next ball, Akmal swatted him more conventionally to the long-on boundary. With his sights now set, he launched Siddle's ensuing offering over the long-on rope, and followed with a thick edge through a vacant third slip to the third-man boundary.

Akmal proved himself a batsman of rare class in New Zealand last month with a ton on debut followed by three half-centuries, and his first Test outing on Australian soil continued the theme. Fearless in mind and solid in technique, Akmal raised his 50 off Mitchell Johnson's next over but, with a touch of youthful impetuosity, was dismissed next ball attempting to blaze an angling delivery through the covers.

His entertaining stint at the crease over, the task fell to Aamer and Misbah-ul-Haq to push Pakistan towards the follow-on target. Aamer batted stodgily, adding just ten runs for the session, while Misbah looked to target Nathan Hauritz, swiping his first two deliveries for ten runs. Misbah was gifted a life by Ricky Ponting in the penultimate over before lunch, dropped at second slip attempting to thrash a wide, reverse-swinging Johnson delivery.
Alex Brown is deputy editor of Cricinfo

Asif says nobody supported him during his tough days

Melbourne, Dec 26 Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif said that one day he will lift the lid on his darkest days that saw him tossed out of international cricket after testing positive for drugs in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Asif was banned for a year after he tested positive for banned substance Nandrolone while playing for Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. While returning to Pakistan, he was also detained in Dubai for 19 days after traces of opium were found in his pocket.
In 2006, both Asif and Shoaib Akhtar were were pulled out of the Champions Trophy in India after both tested positive for nandrolone during an internal testing. Both had their bans overturned on appeal.
Asif, however says he was unfairly treated and has vowed to one day "tell everything" about his drug dramas.
"I had a very strong case, but they didn't actually listen. Nobody was with me, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) were on the back foot. I was just alone and had to handle the whole thing," Asif was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun.
"I will tell everything when the time will come. It's not the right time to tell that. It was a very difficult time for me. There were lots of things in my mind in that time. Sometimes I thought I would not be back.
"That was a tough period, but I continued my training and practising. Now I am very happy and I am playing good cricket."
But despite his drug controversies, there is little doubt about his talent. In New Zealand, he was the series' highest wicket taker with 19 scalps at 19.78 in three Tests.
"I feel well and I enjoyed my bowling in New Zealand ... I have improved. I take a lot of top-order wickets," Asif said.
Having already faced the likes of Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, during his debut series in 2005, Asif is not daunted by facing the current side.
"At the moment Australia is not that much of a hard side. When I started in my first tour of Australia they were a very great side with Hayden and Martyn and Warne and McGrath. At that time it was a great side, now they are just doing good," he said.

Saeed Anwar to hold camp for openers

Cricinfo staff
Former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar is set to conduct a month-long specialist training camp for Pakistan's opening batsmen in Lahore when the team returns home after the Australian tour in February.

"I have decided to hold this training camp for openers after having discussions with the Chairman of the board, Ijaz Butt. He wanted me to help resolve the issue of the national team of not having a pair of reliable openers or good back up," Anwar was quoted as saying in The News.

With over 4000 runs in 55 Tests, Anwar was one of the most prolific openers in Pakistan's history. While timing and placement were the hallmarks of his batting, he also had the ability to weather the storm against the new ball.

Anwar believed Pakistan's opening woes translated into failures in the middle order that got exposed early to the new ball. "To be a successful opener one must have a solid technique and the patience and application to play long innings. The Pakistan middle-order batsmen fail a lot of times because most of the time they are exposed to the new ball very early in the innings."

Mohammad Yousuf, the mainstay of the Pakistan middle order, struggled on this count since he often had to come in early and face the new ball. Anwar contrasted Yousuf's situation with that of Ricky Ponting to drive home his point. "In comparison you look at Ricky Pointing. His biggest advantage is that he comes into bat most of the time after good starts by their openers. It is always easier for a middle order batsman to negotiate and settle down to play a long innings when he comes into bat after a good opening partnership," Anwar said.

Anwar said openers in Pakistan domestic cricket did not focus on eliminating faults in their techniques, as a result of which they got found out in the international stage. "I prospered as an opening batsman after my first international tour because I knew I had to improve my technique and mindset to a great extent to be successful in the long run," Anwar said.

Australia, Pakistan square off in first Test from today

MELBOURNE: Australia captain Ricky Ponting has declared himself fit to play in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan starting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here on Saturday after having overcome an elbow injury.

Ponting suffered the injury on the opening day of the third Test against West Indies in Perth on Dec 16 and has been having intensive treatment since then.

But after a solid net session on Christmas Day at the MCG, Ponting said he was confident of taking on Pakistan.

“I went well today actually, I went better than I did yesterday [Thursday],” he said on Friday.

“I had a bit of pain in the nets yesterday but I was always going to bat two days leading in to the game just so I had a really good gauge on it and how I was going and I’m really confident that I can play the game.

“Hughesy [Phil Hughes] will stay here until the game starts just to wait and see how I wake up in the morning but I’m pretty confident that I’ll be OK.

“At some stage I’ll probably have a little bit of discomfort there in it but it’s not going to be anything that’s going to stop me functioning.”

Australia called up opener Hughes as cover in a 13-man squad.

Fast bowler Peter Siddle looks to have recovered from the hamstring injury which caused him to miss out as Australia sealed a 2-0 series victory against the West Indies.

He is set to take the place of Clint McKay, who took one wicket in his Test debut in the third Test.

Ponting said: “He [McKay] hasn’t left the squad but Siddle has done everything that he needs to have done, playing the game the other day, backing up, and having his bowl this morning and getting through so I’d expect that he’ll play.”

Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz also had a solid session in the nets on Christmas Day after struggling with a groin complaint.

“With Nathan, it’s a bit the same as me actually, he’s a whole lot better today at training than he was yesterday,” said Ponting.

“But as we know with his injury over the last few weeks really, it’s been a day-to-day sort of thing with him. One day he feels great, the next day he doesn’t feel so good so tomorrow morning is going to be the important time for him now as well.”

However, paceman Ben Hilfenhaus is not yet ready to return because of a knee problem and also remains a doubt for the second Test in Sydney, starting on Jan 3.

Pakistan are likely to provide a far more testing assignment for the hosts than the series win over West Indies.

Pakistan have never won a Test series on Australian soil but appear to have a more balanced attack than the hosts, with pacemen Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Sami — the world’s best leg-spinner at present in Danish Kaneria — plus dangerous off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

They go into the series without senior batsman and former captain Younis Khan — but that might be about to change if current skipper Mohammad Yousuf gets his way.

“I called Younis because we have always been good friends and we have played a lot of cricket together,” Yousuf said. “He has been to Australia before and scored lot of runs here, so I want to see him in the team.”

Younis is available for selection again after missing the tour of New Zealand due to his desire to take a break from international cricket.

The conditions at the MCG will suit Australian pacers more than the Pakistani bowlers as Pakistani pace bowlers rely more on seam and swing.
If the pitch didn’t offered any sideways movement then Mohammad Asif will be neutralized. Pakistan must play Umar Gul as the conditions will suit him better than any other bowler in their line-up.
Meanwhile, MCG curator Cameron Hodgkins has said that he is hopeful about striking the right balance between bat and ball for the first Test.
Hodgkins predicted that the pitch would not be too batsman-friendly, which has been the nature in matches at the MCG so far this season.

The curator said that he would prefer to prepare a similar wicket to the one from last year’s Test between Australia and South Africa, where the batsmen from both sides scored well, but they also had to combat some reverse swing.


“So far there’s been good pace and carry and the good bowlers are getting wickets. In the last game there was plenty of grass, but the only ingredient missing was there wasn’t much nibble,” Hodgkins was quoted as saying in the local media.

Teams (from):


AUSTRALIA
Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Phillip Hughes, Clint McKay.

PAKISTAN
Imran Farhat, Salman Butt, Faisal Iqbal, Mohammad Yousuf (captain), Umar Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Aamir, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif, Saeed Ajmal, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Malik, Abdur Rauf.

Umpires: Billy Doctrove (West Indies) and Rudi Koertzen (South Africa).
TV umpire: Asoka de Silva (Sri Lanka).

Australia take control as Watson nears first century

Shane Watson moved within sight of his maiden Test century and, in doing so, threatened to become the first Australian batsman since the Ashes finale in August to reach triple-figures. His unbroken opening stand of 177 with Simon Katich (77) served as the ultimate punishment for the Pakistanis, who squandered opportunities to dismiss both batsmen in the opening session.

Watson flirted unsuccessfully with centuries in Adelaide and Perth this summer, but showed few overt signs of nerves as he took his total to 90 at the tea break - the sixth time he has posted a half-century in 11 innings as opener. He began his innings with a series of imperious straight- and cover-drives off the bowling of Mohammad Aamer, then switched to square-of-the-wicket scoring channels in the afternoon session.

Watson was seldom troubled against Pakistan's faster bowlers, but encountered more difficulty reading and repelling the doosra of Saeed Ajmal. One such delivery 20 minutes before lunch brushed his outside edge, only for Misbah-ul-Haq to turf the chance at first slip. It was, to that point, Pakistan's third missed chance of a morning in which they all but handed Australia the ascendancy.

The other reprieves went the way of Katich, whose battles with timing and fluency in the first session gave way to more assured strokeplay after lunch. Katich's first life came when Mohammad Yousuf missed a run-out chance; an error compounded when Umar Akmal dropped him shortly after to a chest-high gully chance off the bowling of Aamer.

Katich found his groove in the second session and, along with Watson, commenced the task of setting a massive total for the Pakistanis to chase. Watson raised the duo's third century stand of the summer with a powerful cut to the boundary, and Katich continued the attack with a succession of drives to the boundary off Mohammad Asif. They plundered a combined 104 runs in the second session.

Asif's speeds hovered around the 130kph mark, and with little lateral movement to be found in the air or from the surface, he threatened the Australian batsmen infrequently. The same description applied for Abdur Rauf, making all the more mystifying the decision to omit the more seasoned and versatile Umar Gul on form grounds. Ajmal, Aamer and Imran Farhat, the occasional legspinner, proved the most penetrative of Pakistan's bowlers on a batting-friendly MCG surface.

Watson and Katich set strong platform

Cricinfo staff

flat batting surface and poor Pakistani fielding allowed Australia to survive the first session of the Boxing Day Test unscathed as they reached 0 for 73. Shane Watson (45) and Simon Katich (24) further entrenched themselves as Australia's long-term opening combination on the first morning, the sixth time in 11 innings the duo have notched a partnership in excess of 50, although both were the beneficiaries of fundamental fielding errors.

As was the case in Perth, Watson proved the chief aggressor. He punished a series of over-pitched offerings from Mohammad Aamer inside the first hour of play with classical and powerful driving, and later proved adept off his pads and square of the wicket through the off-side. Katich, on the other hand, seldom looked comfortable, and owed much of his survival to the missed opportunities of the Pakistani fieldsmen.

Mohammad Yousuf had the first chance to dismiss the obstinate Australian opener via a run-out, only for his throw from the covers to pass comfortably wide of the stumps. Worse was to follow for the tourists when Umar Akmal spilled Katich to a regulation, chest-high gully chance off the bowling of Aamer. Both opportunities fell before the first drinks break, denying Pakistan the positive start to the tour they had so craved.

The final indignity of the opening session was suffered when Watson stabbed at a Saeed Ajmal doosra in the lead-up to the break. The ball deflected subtly off the glove of Kamran Akmal and was turfed by a lurching Misbah-ul-Haq at first slip, drawing a look of frustration from Ajmal, who had so brilliantly deceived the batsman to that point.

Pakistan's woes detracted from an otherwise disciplined bowling display on an MCG wicket described by Ricky Ponting before play as "tacky", but which proved true in bounce and carry. Mohammad Asif's steady six-over opening spell yielded just ten runs, while Aamer's extra pace, varying angles and hint of swing tested the Australian batsmen.

Earlier, Ponting won the toss and elected to bat on a morning in which medical staff cleared him to play after a week-long battle with an elbow injury. Nathan Hauritz and Peter Siddle were also deemed fit, while Pakistan omitted Danish Kaneria and Umar Gul. Ajmal and Abdur Rauf were called into the tourists' starting XI.

Sohail Tanvir opts out of Victoria contract

Cricinfo staff

Pakistan allrounder Sohail Tanvir has pulled out of a contract with Australian domestic side Victoria after doctors advised him to rest an injured knee. Tanvir, 25, was due to play in the Twenty20 Big Bash, but made himself unavailable with the healing process requiring two to three weeks.

"Tanvir had to pull out of his contract with Cricket Victoria, as he has been further advised by doctors to make sure his knee injury is properly healed," a statement from his agents said.

Tanvir, who last year turned out for South Australia in the event, taking only two wickets in 14 overs at an impressive 6.50, has recently recovered from back trouble and a knee injury which forced him out of the national team. His ambitions to play for Surrey in the county season also failed to materialise earlier this year over immigration issues.

"As much as I feel really good on my fitness, I have to listen to the advice of my doctors at the PCB," Tanvir was quoted in the statement. "This is a huge loss for me and my cricket, but it is important that I have the go ahead from my doctors who have been working on my knee injury for a few months, as I have been recovering.

"I would like to thank Cricket Victoria for giving me the opportunity, and wish them best of luck in the T20 competition."

He said he hoped to recover in time to regain his place in Pakistan's one-day squad for next month's five-match series against Australia. He has featured in two Tests, 31 one-dayers and 15 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan since making his debut in 2007.

Tanvir, who was dropped for the series in Sri Lanka after a poor 2009 World Twenty20, also finished as the leading wicket-taker in the inaugural IPL with the champions Rajasthan Royals.

Shahid Afridi, flew to Australia early on Friday to play for South Australia in the Big Bash.

Kaneria injures finger in Melbourne

MELBOURNE: Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria sustained a finger injury on his right hand during a field session ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan here on Thursday.

Team manager Abdul Raqeeb however ruled out any uncertainty over Kaneria’s availability for the opening Test but added: ‘He [Danish] underwent medical tests and a report is expected tomorrow — on which we will decide whether he will able to play or not,’ said Raqeeb. Kaneria proved his worth in New Zealand series with 13 wickets in two Tests.—Agencies

Aussies keeping eye on Mohammad Aamir

MELBOURNE: Australia’s top-order batsmen on Thursday watched footage of 17-year-old Pakistan quick Mohammad Aamir to check his reverse-swing ability.

Aamir, who has modelled his action on that of left-arm great Wasim Akram, can bowl at speeds approaching 150km/h and says his favourite batsman is Australian captain Ricky Ponting.

At an age when many Aussie cricketers are still years off playing in the Sheffield Shield, Aamir has played six Tests.

His returns have not been astonishing — 13 wickets at 43 with best figures of 3-38 — but an Australian batsman said he had been told to beware the youngster’s sharp pace and reverse swing.

Australia believes Aamir may be able to reverse swing the old ball both ways and players will pore over footage of him in action in Pakistan’s recent three Test series in New Zealand.

Australian coach Tim Nielsen also has footage of Pakistan’s tour match against Tasmania.

Aamir himself does not lack confidence. ‘I want to be the go-to guy for the team, someone the captain and the nation relies on to lead them to glory,’ he said recently.

Aamir says former Pakistan batsman Mudassar Nazar has played a crucial role in his development.

Mudassar was the director of the National Cricket Academy in Lahore when two back stress fractures hobbled Aamir on a youth tour to England in 2007 and has been a father figure to him.

Then, just as Aamir had returned to the bowling crease, he feared his career was over for good when he was contracted dengue fever in Malaysia during the ICC Under-19 World Cup.

‘I had no energy. I spent one month in a hospital and one month at home. The world had turned upside down for me,’ he said.—Agencies

Shoaib Akhtar ignored for Pentangular Cup

The absence of Shoaib’s name from the final list of the players picked for the Rest of Pakistan side leaves a big question mark over the future of the pacer.

“The selectors are not going to consider him for the national team once again until he proves his form and fitness in domestic cricket. The question is whether will he get a chance to now play domestic cricket during the Australia series,” one former player said.

Shoaib also failed to find a place in the other teams of the Pentangular Cup tournament - Karachi, Sialkot, Habib bank or Sui Gas.

“The selectors have mainly concentrated on selecting those players who performed well in the just concluded Quaid-i-Azam Trophy and some promising Under-19 youngsters,” a selector said.

Shoaib has undergone a knee surgery this year in England and is also said to have liposuction to shed excess fat and weight but the fast bowler has denied having the cosmetic procedure and insisted he is fully fit and fighting.

The fast bowler is likely to suffer another setback next month when the PCB announces the new list of players who will get the central contracts. —Agencies

Yousuf: Pakistan can bowl Aussies out

Stand-in Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has boldly predicted that his talented attack is capable of bowling out Australia twice ahead of their three-Test series opener in Melbourne on Boxing Day.

And Yousuf's optimism might be justified considering paceman Mohammad Asif and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria starred in the recently-drawn three-Test series against the Black Caps in New Zealand.

The pair claimed 32 wickets between them to be first (19) and third (13) respectively on the series' wicket-takers list.

With the likes of Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamer supporting Asif in the pace department as well as Saeed Ajmal on call with his off-spin, Yousuf is confident of producing positive results against the Aussies too.

"Yes, we have a very good bowling side we can take 20 wickets in a Test," Yousuf said before Pakistan's training session at the MCG on Christmas Day.

"We have to play good cricket for five days. This is not Twenty20 cricket, it is five-day cricket, at least 30 hours playing good cricket against any team."

However, the Pakistani captain knows his batsmen will also have to carry their weight.

Yousuf scored 111 when he last played at the MCG and he hopes to at least match that effort this time around.

"I will try for the same performance. I will try ... I will try for 300," he quipped.

Pakistan's selectors are yet to finalise the team that will tackle Australia in the Boxing Day Test but if it were up to Yousuf, who confirmed Gul was fit to play after a knee scare, not much tinkering would occur.

"So far I'm very happy with the team from the past three Test matches, we played good cricket (in New Zealand) and I am pleased with the way we played," he said.

That's not to say that Yousuf wouldn't prefer former skipper Younus Khan in the team.

Yousuf admitted the absence of Younus will hurt the team's chances of a successful Australian tour.

Younus took a break from international cricket last month after a match-fixing inquiry tarnished his captaincy.

Although he was cleared of any wrongdoing, the 32-year-old claimed to be 'disgusted' by the allegations before pulling out of the country's tour of New Zealand.

The former skipper, who averages over 50 in Tests, has since returned to the domestic scene in Pakistan but failed to gain selection for the Australian summer.

According to Yousuf, the sooner his predecessor returns to the national team, the better.

"We will miss him," Yousuf said.

"He's a very experienced player and a very good team player as well and has performed all over the world."

Meanwhile, Yousuf isn't concerned by the status of Ricky Ponting and Nathan Hauritz who remain under injury clouds on the eve of the first Test.

"I don't mind if they play or not play," Yousuf said. "We have to take 20 wickets and we need to do better batting or bowling."

As for West Indies captain Chris Gayle's claim that the Windies discovered a weakness in Ponting's batting this summer, Yousuf replied: "He has made 25,000 runs in both (ODI and Test) cricket ... he's the best player."

If Hauritz fails to take his spot in the team, raw New South Welshman Steven Smith will make his Test debut - if that occurs Yousuf could be forgiven for thinking Smith was a pitch invader.

"Who? Steven Smith?," Yousuf said when asked if he knew who Smith was
http://sportal.com.au/cricket-news-display/yousuf-backs-bowlers-83317

Yousuf: Pakistan can bowl Aussies out

Stand-in Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has boldly predicted that his talented attack is capable of bowling out Australia twice ahead of their three-Test series opener in Melbourne on Boxing Day.

And Yousuf's optimism might be justified considering paceman Mohammad Asif and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria starred in the recently-drawn three-Test series against the Black Caps in New Zealand.

The pair claimed 32 wickets between them to be first (19) and third (13) respectively on the series' wicket-takers list.

With the likes of Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamer supporting Asif in the pace department as well as Saeed Ajmal on call with his off-spin, Yousuf is confident of producing positive results against the Aussies too.

"Yes, we have a very good bowling side we can take 20 wickets in a Test," Yousuf said before Pakistan's training session at the MCG on Christmas Day.

"We have to play good cricket for five days. This is not Twenty20 cricket, it is five-day cricket, at least 30 hours playing good cricket against any team."

However, the Pakistani captain knows his batsmen will also have to carry their weight.

Yousuf scored 111 when he last played at the MCG and he hopes to at least match that effort this time around.

"I will try for the same performance. I will try ... I will try for 300," he quipped.

Pakistan's selectors are yet to finalise the team that will tackle Australia in the Boxing Day Test but if it were up to Yousuf, who confirmed Gul was fit to play after a knee scare, not much tinkering would occur.

"So far I'm very happy with the team from the past three Test matches, we played good cricket (in New Zealand) and I am pleased with the way we played," he said.

That's not to say that Yousuf wouldn't prefer former skipper Younus Khan in the team.

Yousuf admitted the absence of Younus will hurt the team's chances of a successful Australian tour.

Younus took a break from international cricket last month after a match-fixing inquiry tarnished his captaincy.

Although he was cleared of any wrongdoing, the 32-year-old claimed to be 'disgusted' by the allegations before pulling out of the country's tour of New Zealand.

The former skipper, who averages over 50 in Tests, has since returned to the domestic scene in Pakistan but failed to gain selection for the Australian summer.

According to Yousuf, the sooner his predecessor returns to the national team, the better.

"We will miss him," Yousuf said.

"He's a very experienced player and a very good team player as well and has performed all over the world."

Meanwhile, Yousuf isn't concerned by the status of Ricky Ponting and Nathan Hauritz who remain under injury clouds on the eve of the first Test.

"I don't mind if they play or not play," Yousuf said. "We have to take 20 wickets and we need to do better batting or bowling."

As for West Indies captain Chris Gayle's claim that the Windies discovered a weakness in Ponting's batting this summer, Yousuf replied: "He has made 25,000 runs in both (ODI and Test) cricket ... he's the best player."

If Hauritz fails to take his spot in the team, raw New South Welshman Steven Smith will make his Test debut - if that occurs Yousuf could be forgiven for thinking Smith was a pitch invader.

"Who? Steven Smith?," Yousuf said when asked if he knew who Smith was
http://sportal.com.au/cricket-news-display/yousuf-backs-bowlers-83317

Rao Iftikhar - "Technology to help umpires is a welcome change"

by Saj Sadiq (PakPassion.net)
Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Pakistan pace bowler Rao Iftikhar Anjum stated that the introduction of technology to help umpires is a welcome change.

"The introduction of technology is a good addition from the ICC, it's a welcome change. The most important thing is to ensure that at the end of the day the right decision is reached whether it be in favour of the batsman or the bowler" stated Rao.

Rao who has represented Pakistan in 60 one day internationals, a single test match and 2 Twenty/20 internationals further added "the technology needs to be powerful and consistent around the world. It would be good if features such as hot spot are available in all future international matches".

Rao recalled missing out on a 5for in Abu Dhabi last year against the West Indies, due to the technology not being available. "I had Chris Gayle caught behind when he was on 99, it was a clear edge and Gayle started to walk off the field. Me and my team mates celebrated the wicket and as the umpires got together, Gayle came back and stood his ground. The umpires were unsure and the technology wasn't available, so Gayle continued his innings".

Rao who in August of this year took an impressive 5 for 30 against Sri Lanka at the Premadasa is hopeful that he will get the call up for the one day squad in Australia. "Nothing is guaranteed, but I'm hopeful that I will be selected. I had a good couple of matches in Sri Lanka recently and the 5 for 30 was enjoyable".

Rao who has taken 26 wickets in his last 15 one day internationals feels that Pakistan's top order need to fire if Pakistan are to do well in Australia. "If our top order batsmen can support the Akmal brothers who have been batting well of late, then the series could be interesting. Pakistan's bowling attack is very impressive and Danish and the fast bowlers should do well in Australia. This Australia team is a good team but they aren't the same Australia of a few years ago" stated Rao.

29 year old Rao who has been representing ZTBL in this season's Quaid E Azam Trophy feels that a few tweaks within the setup can help improve domestic cricket in Pakistan. "The scheduling and planning of the fixtures at the start of the season would be beneficial. It would be good for all the players who are taking part in domestic cricket to know which tournaments are taking place and also the fixture schedule for the respective tournaments".

Rao continued "This season there has been a lot of low scores in the Quaid E Azam Trophy, I would say that is largely down to the quality of the batting skills and the wickets that were bowler friendly".

Rao responding to a question regarding pitches in Pakistan stated "What I would like to see is consistency in the preparation of wickets in Pakistan so that international pitches in Pakistan are similar to those in domestic cricket. At the moment the pitches are bowling friendly in domestic cricket and generally batting friendly in international matches".

Pakistan take on Australia in the Boxing Day test whilst the one day squads and Twenty/20 squads will be announced next month prior to the one day series which commences on 22nd January in Brisbane.

3 County Teams Chase Afridi for T20 Competition

by Saj Sadiq

3 English County teams are in the running to sign flamboyant Pakistan all rounder Shahid Afridi for next season's Friends Provident Twenty/20 competition.

A deal is expected to be finalised in the second week of January for the in demand Twenty/20 captain of Pakistan, who was one of Pakistan's key performers as they lifted the Twenty/20 World Cup earlier this year.

29 year old Afridi who was described by Geoff Boycott recently as the best one day all rounder in the world, is looking to take part in the whole of the Friends Provident Trophy which is due to be played in June and July of next year. However the Asia Cup schedule is yet to be finalised and this may mean that Afridi is only available for part of the Twenty/20 competition in England.

Afridi is fast becoming a popular choice when it comes to Twenty/20 cricket around the world, having already signed a deal to represent South Australia in the forthcoming Aussie Big Bash and he will also be representing Nashua Dolphins in South Africa's domestic Twenty/20 competition next year. Afridi previously played for Deccan Chargers in the inaugural Indian Premier League and is one of 12 Pakistani players who are expected to be listed in the auction for next year's IPL competition.