Shoaib Akthar's advice to Team India: Stick to Shikhar Dhawan for some more time

Praises Pakistan cricket team for winning Lord's Test

 

By Shoaib Akhtar

One, two, three, four, five, six......twenty. Please do not misunderstand as I am not replicating the push-ups by the proud Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq. My count to 20 is for that these many years ago we had won a Test match at Lord’s. Well done to the entire group for making this happen. It is something that the entire cricketing world should rejoice as a healthy Pakistan cricket setup is critical for the state of Test cricket. I will explain this later in this write up but first let us savour the great acts of the cricketers. 

The lead-up of the Test match was all about Mohammed Amir’s return to the venue where he embarrassed his country. There were speculations, taunts, remarks in the media for the young man. I do not know if that motivated the entire team to turn out a spectacular show. I am sure it helped other players as spotlight was always on young Amir. Away from unnecessary attention, the other players went about their business with focus and resolve. My utmost credit goes to captain Misbah-ul Haq. I was extremely critical of him in the past but I think his game is best suited for this format and he showed it again. It was a typical Misbah innings or shall I say a typical Test match innings.

His post-hundred celebrations have become talk of the town. I must say that initially I was drawn to think that it was to do with his critics doubting his fitness due to his age. I thought the pushups were a gentle reminder by the captain to them that he was fit enough to be there. I was even more glad that this was his salute to the armed forces for the sacrifices and hardwork they make for our country. I was deeply touched when the entire team did push-ups after winning the game. Such was an emotional rush that for once, I wanted to go back and be one of the cricketers. 

I wish there are many more opportunities in the series when Paksitanis are seen doing these push-ups. I was particularly impressed by leg-spinner Yasir Shah. Away from the 10 wickets in the game, it was about the mental edge he gave Pakistan speedsters. To me, it seemed England batsmen were thinking spin even when they were facing fast bowling. Yasir had the control, guile and perseverance – all three qualities of a spin bowler. In the context of the game the 40 in the first innings by Mohammed Hafeez and second innings 40s by Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed were like gold. I hope they take confidence from this game.

Meanwhile, Indian cricket is going through a happy headache of too many options for the opening slot. With KL Rahul in good form I read that Virat Kohli could be looking to give him that opportunity at the expense of Shikhar Dhawan. Personally, I think India should stick to Shikhar for some more time. He had a reasonable second half of IPL and needs support from the new regime. This will not only give confidence to Shikhar but will also send message down the ranks that Kumble-Kohli combo is also about providing security to the players. Trust me this is vital for any team's fabric – especially in systems like India and Pakistan.