Lessons in leadership for Malik
Anyone see a problem in Malik’s leading? I do.
A lot has already been said about his inadequacy as a Test captain, but Pakistan’s T20 spectacle kind of silenced critics. Consensus: The chap is learning, and he absolutely kicks ass in the limited over version of the game, so there’s nothing to worry about. Granted. But I was dissatisfied with how boring the first match turned out to be, and Malik is my choice for the scapegoat.
His two mistakes:
1. Putting up spinners against Yuvraj and Dhoni, two lads who are dab hands at facing spin. Yeah, the pitch was dry and Indian spinners had success in the first innings, but I think Malik could have brought in Shoaib.
2. Defensive field. That was the biggest put-off.
Is he getting his basics right? I am not sure.
And everything else in between:
*Akhtar looked timid, just like a beast who’s been tamed after being loose for a long time. He did get Tendulkar, but he’s lost his voice.
*There were too many misfields on part of both the sides. I missed much of Pakistan’s innings, but I am told Ganguly dropped more than once. No surprise there. So is he next? I mean, the culling.
* This is one of the worst grounds in the country both in terms of infrastructure and pitch conditions. They shouldn’t play there.
* I didn’t get to see Yousuf’s 83, but he must have been in control of things. Pathan dropped him, I hear.
*And why isn’t anyone sledging? Please discard the good boy mold, and show us some nerve!
My predictions still holds. I think Pakistan can bounce back. They must acknowledge where the Indians are coming from — the clutches of Aussie attack. Every team that faces Australia becomes a little better after playing them. So Malik should try to put on a more attacking persona and try some new stuff.
Tags: cricket, india-vs.-pakistan-1st-ODI, Indian-Oil-cup, shoaib-malikRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Cricket, ODI Cricket
1 opinion for Lessons in leadership for Malik
Ottayan
Nov 6, 2007 at 7:25 am
As you pointed out, the ground conditions were bad.
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