Besides blaming the team’s poor batting, former players have criticised Umar Akmal’s dual role in the team with the makeshift wicket-keeper dropping Alastair Cook, when the England captain was on 28, before he went on to complete his second successive hundred.
The loss ended Pakistan’s run of six consecutive series-wins in One-Day Internationals as England gained a 2-0 lead in the four-match series. However, Cheema said the management was satisfied with Umar’s performance.
“The decision gives us an extra choice for a batsman,” Cheema told The Express Tribune. “Overall, we’re satisfied with Umar’s performance in this position.”
The team manager added that a decision on whether to continue with Umar behind the stumps will be made in the team meeting before the penultimate ODI on February 18. Cheema also rubbished claims of differences in the team, saying there was ‘complete harmony’ in the dressing room.
“Our team spirit is still our most reliable weapon. There’s complete harmony in the team and the atmosphere is absolutely fine.”
Show trust in Adnan: Waqar
Meanwhile, former captain and coach Waqar Younis felt the decision of assigning Umar wicket-keeping duties was not helping Pakistan’s cause.
“It’s affecting the team’s performance,” said Waqar. “Adnan Akmal has performed well in the Test series and the team management should trust his ability.”
Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhar said the team was missing a specialist wicket-keeper.
“You cannot ask a part-timer to take all the chances, Pakistan need a specialist with a strong batting ability,” said Akhtar before adding that irresponsible batting was the major reason behind the back-to-back defeats. “We could’ve won the game easily but irresponsible batting let us down.”
Former chief selector Iqbal Qasim, however, felt the batting failure was the only reason for the twin losses.
“The batsmen are not maintaining a proper run-rate during the innings and the lack of meaningful partnerships is harming us,” said Qasim. “I do not see any issue in playing Umar as the wicket-keeper. Sometimes playing with a part-time wicket-keeper pays and sometimes it does not.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 17th, 2012.
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They brought in Adnan, replacing Rehman same as I suggested above. But no one knew they will be Pietersenized on the day.
pakistannnnnnnnnnnn
Pakistan team has the ability to win the match at any situation ,but they do not play for nation ,all the team players to play at irresponsible ,mainly younis khan. younis is the best player for ever in the team of pakistan,but he was more irresponsible. Afridi is the good hitter in the pakistan team, he was not using his brain while playing the game. he was more excitement to hit the ball, it is the main reason afridi was fail in every game.cricket is one of the game to play with plan or mind. in the world,pakistan is one of the team to play not with plan or play with over confidence. if pakistan play with responsible, they will definately win the match at any situation."ALL THE BEST FOR PAKISTAN"
For a part time keeper, standing behind the stumps for 50 overs and then batting to his level best seems like having the cake and eat it too. Rehman may be replaced by Adnan. I think Afridi, Ajmal, Hafiz can look after spinning department very well. Adnan is at least 200 times better batman than Rehman. This will also strengthen our tail which can be measured in light years right now.
when afridi bowling why was umar keeping his hands open.
U Akmal dosen't want to be the keeper himself..beacuse he wants to see his brother in the team and that is why he is not preforming.Simple as that..