Sensational Test series success slap on so-called pundits’ face

ISLAMABAD - Hats off to Misbah and company for carving out sensational victory against England, as the hosts won the three-match Test series 2-0 and climbed to second in the ICC Test rankings, a feat achieved after nine years of long and hard wait.
The fighting spirit shown by Misbah XI was truly remarkable and was a slap on the faces of so-called pundits, who have no other work, but to criticize Misbah and team, for unknown and totally unwanted reasons. These so-called cricket pundits had ruled out Pakistan chances even after the first drawn Test, and green caps were completely written off, after first innings’ dismal show. Who is going to tell them that Test match is not about one innings or one bad session, nobody could predict until and unless the result comes out.
It happens only in Pakistan, as people, who had almost zero or very less knowledge, try to pose as the Godfathers of cricket and always try to diminish green caps morale. All the other cricket playing nations’ greats and commentators always buck up their teams and players. Getting out cheaply doesn’t mean end of the world, green caps proved that they had adopted winning mentality and started getting rid of the unpredictable tag.
Misbah deserves all credit, which is always robbed from him. He took over the reins at a time, when Pakistan team was totally shattered, and tainted trio of Aamir, Salman and Asif had caused huge embracement to Pakistan cricket, but it was Misbah, who took national team out of ashes and played key role in helping the team win 20 Test matches under his captaincy since 2010. Nobody was ready to give even outside chance to Pakistan, when they were bowled out for 234 in their first innings, it was not exceptional bowling by English bowlers, but poor shot selection, which led to Pakistani batsmen downfall, as majority of players just gifted their wickets in plates to English bowlers. But it was sensational bowling by Pakistani bowlers especially by Shoaib Malik, who was playing his last Test. Everybody was after Malik, and wanted him to be dropped from the third Test and Azhar Ali should be given nod of approval, but those so-called cricket experts completely ignored one simple factor that Malik could not only bat at any given number, but he is also more than handy with the bowl and also a wonderful fielder.
First of all, the team management should have stick with winning combination and only forced change of Imran Khan should have been made. Rahat Ali was tailor-made replacement while Shan Masood should have opened innings alongside Hafeez, but Misbah always adopts cautious approach and also insists on Azhar’s inclusion.
It was superb bowling of Malik, Yasir Shah and Rahat Ali, even though Wahab Riaz failed to get a single wicket in the entire Test, yet he bowled with a lot of venom and it was because of his threat, Rahat was able to capture four wickets in the match. Wahab completely dominated English batsmen and scared them with his short-pitch deliveries. Moeen Ali must consider himself very lucky to get away from serious injury despite being hit from nasty Wahab’s bouncer. It was enough to rattle Moeen, after conceding 72 runs first-innings lead and losing four quick wickets despite getting a solid opening stand in the second innings.
It was Hafeez, who saved the day for green caps. Younus, Azhar Ali, Misbah and Sarfraz must blame themselves for their early dismissals. Asad Shafiq failed to impress in both innings. He was even given a charm life in the second innings, when he was dropped by Anderson, but he again failed to capitalize, despite being fully aware Pakistan team needed him to stay at the crease. Same was the case with Sarfraz, who just failed to read a straight forward Patel delivery and his middle stump was uprooted. Pakistani batsmen must have to understand the importance of playing with straight bat and must try not to gift their wickets, rather force bowlers to earn wickets.
It was sensational bowling by man of the series Yasir Shah and absolutely marvelous support from Shoaib Malik, which enabled Pakistan to hammer England by 127 runs. Yasir proved his worth and showed why Pakistan team missed him so badly in the first Test. ICC doing its utmost to create hurdles for Pakistan as only Pakistani bowlers are badly affected by suspect bowling action, while Indians always enjoy smooth ride. Off spin bowling is an art, so the ICC must understand, rules should be made more flexible and should be applied on all member nations, as special treatment towards certain members have already badly affected the international cricket body’s repute and any further biased decisions can prove final nail in the ICC’s coffin.
Now first task of winning Test series is achieved, so now green caps must carry forward the momentum in the One-day and T20 International as well, as any leniency can cost them dearly.