Youngsters provide some long lost sanity

The game of cricket is often complimented by the romanticisation of the unknown and the uncertainty that test cricket can bring to the viewing and the playing arena. With Ireland making their first official international men's test match debut, the nation would see the likes of 11 men take the field for the first time in the most honoured format against Pakistan.

With Ireland providing the unknown, the match was appreciated with the excitement influenced by Pakistan. When looking at the match prior, there is no doubt that the tourists arrived as firm favourites on the basis of their dynamic and quality fast bowling attack. However, what remained was the large question mark over Pakistan's batting lineup. The abundance of experience becoming scarce following the retirements of test legends Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq, the weight of expectations rested on the shoulders of Pakistan's senior batsmen in Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. 

Winning the toss and electing to bowl, Ireland sent Pakistan in to bat, where swinging conditions proved to be too difficult for the top order as the tourists were jammed at 2/13 and later 6/159. With a pitch predicted score of 200 being par, the momentum that the Irish attack contained slowly leaked due to a series of dropped catches allowing 19-year old Shadab Khan (55) and debutant Faheem Ashraf (83) to take Pakistan to 309/9 before a declaration was called late on day 3. 

Much of the joy of watching Pakistan arrives from the fluency of their pace attack complimented heavily from Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Abbass. It is fair to say that Mohammad Amir has not unleashed his true potential, but has demonstrated glimpses of the destructive quality that he once showcased. With no Yasir Shah for both the Ireland and England series, Shadab Khan’s performance in the longest format was tested despite the glorious form he has been in within the limited overs formats. Leaving express fast bowler Wahab Riaz out of the side was another point of controversy on the basis that more experience was depleted from an already inexperienced side. His pace and hostility along with the capacity to harness reverse swing have proved to be a lethal weapon for Pakistan, however, Pakistan has opted for safer and less expensive fast bowlers. Whilst I believe this is negative thinking, it to a large extent opens the door for Champions Trophy star and emerging player Hasan Ali the opportunity to really assert himself on the grand stage. 

Mohammad Amir being labelled as Pakistan’s “spearhead” is somewhat delusional to the fact that Mohammad Abbass has been the only bowler that has been able to get wickets on a consistent basis and swing the ball. With 9 wickets in the match including an outstanding 5-wicket haul in the second innings, Abbass’ methodology and approach to bowling heavily remind the destructive nature that medium pace bowler Vernon Philander possesses. The lack of pace is inevitably eclipsed by the extreme control and variation of the ball that he presents at the crease. Whilst Amir has shown glimpses of the calibre of bowler he is, the back of the length approach is somewhat denying his ability to swing the ball naturally. Ultimately, I think that Abbass being the ‘real’ spearhead to the fast bowling attack, will be fundamental to Pakistan’s success against England. 

Pakistan has always had an outstanding history when it comes to their bowling attacks. The abundance of skill and talent is very well complimented by the thrilling nature in which Pakistan bowl. I strongly believe that there are not many sides that really excite as much as Pakistan does. Their depth in batting is often appreciated by the dynamic nature of their bowling. Moreover, what has been seen evolve in Pakistan cricket is their fielding, in particular, the short formats have seen a strong, fit and agile unit which is well lead under Steve Rixon (Fielding coach). However, I have not really seen the level of improvement in the field in test cricket. Dropped catches in the slips cordon have been an issue for Pakistan for a long time and the most recent test in Ireland has been an example of that. Playing in these seeming and swinging conditions, the slips play a crucial role in the game. Furthermore, sides that take their catches in the slips tend to come out on top as a large majority of runs are leaked and balls fly via the slips region. 

Whilst fielding is one aspect of Pakistan’s success, probably their biggest concern is their batting. Unlike many sides in world cricket, Pakistan has a bowling lineup that has the capacity to defend low targets. Thus, Pakistan’s overwhelming confidence is often expressed when they have in excess of 300 runs to defend. Pakistan need totals of at least 300-350 to have the confidence to challenge England. This only urges the senior players to stand up and compile the ‘big innings’. 

Overall it was a fantastic test match against Ireland which highlights the beauty of test cricket and the thrilling nature that it contains. With some quality bowling from Mohammad Abbass and some inspiring batting from Kevin O’Brien who scored Ireland’s first test century. Well played to both sides who played the theatre of test cricket brilliantly. With Pakistan now to play England in a weeks time, I think there could not be a better lead up and practice for their biggest test yet.