View Full Version : Pakistan tell Shoiab to shorten run-up.
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has bitten the bullet with Akhtar. I think he is trying to blame him for the slow over rate, and you could see why when his run up is 33 metres, that compared to Gillespie at 19 metres and Kasprowicz at 16 metres.
gadj1976
21 Dec 2004, 09:49
they've got more problems than potentially stopping their fastest and best bowler from bowling 150km on the spot.
Shoiab was the only Pakistani player who looked at all interested in playing hard-fought, aggressive test cricket.
The rest were passengers.
Cameron_K
21 Dec 2004, 10:37
Apparently Shoab has refused and I don't blame him.
He is far and away their best bowler but I can see the reasoning behind the request.
Firstly the over rate is way too slow and this is predominantly due to Shoaib. He takes so long to walk back to his mark that each over takes 5-6 minutes to complete. This then puts pressure on his captain and team mates to make up the time or face a fine (or possible suspension for the captain).
The other reason is that he is not able to bowl more than 5 overs flat out. On the first day in Perth he only bowled 13-15 overs and looked absolutely knackered. This kind of output is not good enough for a top line bowler.
He has been quoted in the press saying he wants to be more like McGrath with his line and length, he should also aim to be able to bowl 20 overs a day at express pace. Whether this means shortening his run, getting in better condition, or hardening up a bit I do not know.
gadj1976
21 Dec 2004, 14:20
Apparently Shoab has refused and I don't blame him.
So now the coach and the best bowler are at loggerheads. Good sign for a team already on the downhill slide.