The Reverse Sweep

Pakistan vs England - Pakistan series marks out of 10

Mohammad Hafeez – 7 (190 runs at 38.00; 5 wickets at 16.00):  Set the tone with the early dismissal of Cook on the first morning of the series and followed up with the bat in the first game and the ball in the second where he also snared Cook to set England’s pitiful 2nd innings collapse in motion.

Taufeeq Umar – 3 (87 runs at 17.40): Started off the series well with a fifty as he and Hafeez set a national record with their fifth century opening stand. Struggled badly thereafter, firstly against Swann in Abu Dhabi and then versus Anderson back in Dubai.

Azhar Ali – 9 (251 runs at 51.20): Gave his bowlers something to work with in Abu Dhabi and then set up another win in the final game with a career defining 157. Displayed remarkable powers of concentration, restraint and skill throughout the 727 balls he faced over the course of the series and was the only batsman on either side to average over 40.

Younis Khan – 7 (193 runs at 38.60): For two and a half Tests, England kept Pakistan’s master batsman quiet but it was always likely his class would shine through and so it proved to pass with a majestic hundred in the final Test. Now averages 67 since returning to the side in October 2010. With mentors this good, it is no surprise that the likes of Azhar are blossoming so well. See also The criminally underrated Younis Khan

Misbah-ul-Haq - 9 (180 runs at 36.00): His calm, disciplined and calculated approach at the crease and in the field was mirrored by his charges. Even when Pakistan were behind in the last two Tests, there was no panic and a bowling change here and a fielding change there by Misbah helped Pakistan prevail. His record now stands at five wins and two draws in his seven series as captain during which time he also averages 65 with the bat. Imran had his cornered tigers, but Misbah has created the most professional side in Pakistan’s history. His captaincy was so good that he gets two extra marks for it. See also Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

Asad Shafiq - 7 (167 runs at 33.40):Learnt his lesson after playing across the line when well set in the 1st innings in Abu Dhabi to play a decisive knock in the 2nd innings that helped give his bowlers something to play with. Stood tall with 45 as Pakistan were routed for 99 in the final Test to show that he has a big future at this level.

Adnan Akmal – 6 (89 runs at 17.80; 9 catches, 2 stumpings): Defied his unpromising gene pool to shine for the most part behind the stumps with only his vociferous and persistent appealing grating (even Stuart Broad is positively mute in comparison). A fifty in the 1st Test hinted at promise with the bat too.

Abdur Rehman – 9 (19 wickets at 16.73): Formed a lethal partnership with Ajmal where his accuracy was rewarded with the first two five wicket hauls of his Test career – the first of which spun England to catastrophic defeat in Abu Dhabi. Struggled badly with the bat against Swann.

Saeed Ajmal – 10 (24 wickets at 14.70): Magnificent. Teased with the teesra, tortured England’s batsmen with his accuracy and variation and tormented Ian Bell in particular with his doosra. Was the daddy from the off with his seven for 55 in the 1st Test where he made a friend for life in Bob Willis. Usurped Swann as the best spinner in world cricket on the field and best entertainer off it. If that wasn’t enough he also became the fastest Pakistani ever to 100 Test wickets.  See also Cricket heroes: Saeed Ajmal

Umar Gul – 8 (11 wickets at 22.27): Underrated by many and underestimated by England’s batsmen. His burst of wickets in the 2nd innings in the 1st and 3rd Tests helped finish England off and provided marvellous support to his spinners throughout.

Aizaz Cheema – 4 (1 wicket at 70.00): Only delivered 27.2 overs in his two Tests but actually bowled pretty well. At least he will be able to tell his grandchildren that he played in the side that whitewashed (or more accurately green-washed) the world’s number one side.

Junaid Khan – 2 (1 Test, no wickets): Made Aizaz look overworked when he replaced him for the 2nd Test, delivering just eight overs in the game and bagging a pair at number 11. Nice work if you can get it.

Where next?

Pakistan vs England - England series marks out of 10

3rd Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

2nd Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

1st Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

India vs Pakistan Tests, if only...

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3rd Test: Pakistan vs England - Pakistan marks out of 10

Mohammad Hafeez –  4: A quiet match for the Professor. Fell victim to the DRS on the first morning to a not out decision that should never been overturned on review. Missed a sweep shot second time round and bowled just five overs in the game.

Taufeeq Umar – 2: A poor game for the opener with just six runs and he also dropped a dolly to reprieve Cook early in England’s run chase.

Azhar Ali – 9: Mentored by Misbah and inspired by Younis in their mammoth stand, the youngster really came of age with a masterful exhibition of composure, concentration and class. His 442 ball knock was over100 balls longer than either side’s 1st innings.

Younis Khan – 9: There was always the sneaking suspicion that he was too good a batsman not to play at least one telling innings in this series and so it proved. Also took a stunner at slip to get rid of the obdurate Cook – see also The criminally underrated Younis Khan

Misbah-ul-Haq – 6: For once didn’t make much of a contribution with the bat, but his leadership was astute, inspiring, calm and even lucky when an extended debate on whether to take the second new ball saw Broad hit the new cherry down Taufeeq’s throat. The Presidency of his country surely awaits.

Asad Shafiq – 6: Batted well whilst chaos reigned all around him in the 1st innings but undone by Monty second time around.

Adnan Akmal – 6: Apart from a shocking drop to reprieve Strauss that even big brother Kamran would have snaffled with his eyes shut, Adnan put in another good display behind the stumps as well as breaking the sound barrier with his over-eager appealing. No runs this time.

Abdur Rehman – 8: Tormented England again with a second successive five wicket haul to raise Pakistan from the floor after being bowled out for 99. Forms a lethal partnership with...

Saeed Ajmal – 9: Magnificent and far too good for England’s traumatised batsmen as he weaved his magic again. Dismissed Bell for the fourth time in the series. Did Danish Kaneira really use to be preferred to Ajmal?

Umar Gul – 8: Why is he so underrated? Gave his side an immediate boost with the wickets of Cook and Trott after they had folded with the bat on the first day and then took four more wickets to seal the whitewash (or should that be greenwash?).

Aizaz Cheema – 4: Came along for the ride, didn’t score a run and bowled just eight overs in the match. Good work if you can get it.

Where next?

3rd Test: Pakistan vs England - England marks out of 10

2nd Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

1st Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

Cricket heroes: Saeed Ajmal

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2nd Test: Pakistan vs England - Pakistan marks out of 10

Mohammad Hafeez - 8: After starring with the bat in Dubai, this time he contributed with the ball removing Strauss early on in the 1st innings and snaring the crucial wicket of Cook in the second after he had put England in a stranglehold with the new ball. A very fine all-round cricketer.

Taufeeq Umar - 4: The early signs were good as he and Hafeez compiled another fifty opening stand on the first morning, but looked unsure against spin and heard the death rattle in both innings against Swann.

Azhar Ali - 8: Courageous four hour 13 minute vigil for 68 precious runs gave his bowlers something to play with. Some criticised his approach, but without his Misbah-esque knock Pakistan would have been doomed.

Younis Khan - 3: Pakistan are 2-0 up in the series and their best batsman has yet to contribute. He got a beauty from Broad in the 1st innings an even better delivery from Panesar second time around.

Misbah-ul-Haq - 9: The MBA captain proved to be the master strategist again. His own contribution with the bat saw an impeccably watchful and well-timed 1st innings 84, but it was the way he organised, energised and deployed his troops that was so impressive. In seven series as captain (including the one off Test with Zimbabwe), his side have won five and drawn two with Misbah's own contribution being 1133 runs at 70.81. That is extraordinary.

Asad Shafiq - 8: Gave his wicket away when well set in the 1st innings but no doubt chastened by the criticism of Mohsin Khan, he quickly learned his lesson to form the crucial partnership of the Test with Azhar second time around. 

Adnan Akmal - 5: Failed to deliver with the bat this time and was like an excitable puppy behind the stumps where he made Stuart Broad look a reluctant appealer in comparison. Could do with turning down the volume and doubling the concentration.

Abdur Rehman - 9: Turned the ball more than anyone and having played the support role to Ajmal with aplomb took centre stage to devastating effect to rip England's doomed run chase to shreads.

Saeed Ajmal - 9: Became the quickest Pakistani to 100 Test wickets and the fastest since Ian Botham over 30 years ago. England played him better than they had in Dubai, yet Ajmal still took seven for 130 in the match and now has 17 wickets in the series at 13 a piece.

Umar Gul - 6: Only bowled 16 overs in the game, but did help peg England back by removing Ian Bell with the second new ball. A couple of lusty blows helped raise England's target even further.

Junaid Khan - 3: Bagged a pair and bowled just eight overs in the match, so should have plenty left in the tank for Dubai.

Where next?

2nd Test: Pakistan vs England - England marks out of 10

1st Test marks out of 10: Pakistan and England

Misbah-ul-Haq second only to Bradman

Cricket heroes: Saeed Ajmal

Pakistan's gripping yarn keeps on spinning but fails to enthral Hollywood

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1st Test: Pakistan vs England - Pakistan marks out of 10

Mohammad Hafeez - 8 : Struck with his third ball to further embellish his golden arm tag. Batted beautifully but fell just 12 runs short of a deserved hundred after missing an attempted sweep off Swann. Had the honour of hitting the winning runs.

Taufeeq Umar - 7:  Notched up another fifty as part of his fifth century opening stand with Hafeez (a Pakistani record) before being undone by a peach of a ball from Broad to lose his off-stump.

Azhar Ali - 1: Surprised early on by movement off the seam to feather an edge behind off Broad: a failing that was all too evident in England in 2009.

Younis Khan - 5: Struggled initially against England's plan of bowling straight to him, but looked well set on 34 before suffering the embarrassment of being dismissed by the innocuous Trott.

Misbah-ul-Haq - 8: If Margaret Thatcher was the Iron Lady then Misbah is rapidly beoming the Iron Captain. Master stroke to turn to spin in the sixth over of the match brought immediate dividends. Batting falls into the efficient and effective category rather than the entertaining and engrossing one but brought up 2000 Test runs and his 12th 50+ score in 21 inns since taking over captaincy during which time his average is 74.

Adnan Akmal - 8: It is hard to believe that he comes from the same gene pool as the butter-fingered Kamran such was his tidiness and dependability behind the stumps. Looked assured with the bat too. Labour may have picked the wrong Milliband, but it seems Pakistan eventually picked the right Akmal.

Abdur Rehman - 7: The support act to Ajmal in the 1st innings although he did get one to turn to get the crucial wicket of Swann. Picked up three victims second time around though including Morgan with a clever arm ball. A good foil to Ajmal.

Umar Gul - 7: Perhaps the frustration of bowling on this pitch prompted his ridiculous persuasion of Misbah to refer one that pitched two pitches outside leg stump in the 1st innings, but kept running in and was rewarded by the collective brain fade of England's top four second time around.

Saeed Ajmal - 9: Made a friend for life in Bob Willis and a potential bunny in Bell as he dismantled England on the pitch and in the mind with a seven wicket haul in the 1st innings and ten in the match. Has 93 wickets in his 18 Tests now and 63 at 23.60 in the 11 Tests since Misbah assumed the captaincy. The best spinner on the planet? On this showing, without a doubt. Could even afford to smile at falling foul of the DRS (and the bungling Bowden) when batting.

Aizaz Cheema - 6: Suckered Trott into a dreaded legside caught behind on the first morning and looked lively until suffering a hamstring injury in the 2nd innings. That Pakistan will probably be stronger and more balanced if Junaid Khan or Wahab Riaz replace him is no reflection on Cheema.

Where next?

1st Test: Pakistan vs England - England marks out of 10

Cricket heroes: Saeed Ajmal

Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

How good are this England cricket team?

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Cricket memories of 2011: Pakistan rise from the abyss

For any other side the banning and eventual imprisonment of its former captain and two best bowlers coupled with the fact that for security reasons the team has to play its ‘home’ matches on foreign soil, an upturn in its fortunes would be more or less impossible.

But Pakistan are not a normal cricket team.

Following a successful tour to New Zealand, Pakistan performed admirably at the World Cup; sauntering to the semi-finals before losing to hosts India.

Since then things have continued to improve under the calm leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq, who at this rate will emulate Imran Khan in captaining his country past his 40th birthday.

If a drawn Test series in the Caribbean was a mild disappointment, a clean sweep of Test, ODI and T20 rubbers with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh showed that Pakistan are beginning to make real progress. Misbah and Younis Khan have provided stability in the middle order whilst the top three of Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali have all flourished. With the ball Saeed Ajmal reached 50 Test wickets for the year and has a claim to be the best spinner in the world at the moment and Umar Gul and Abdur Rehman have also impressed.

Whilst the opposition has been weak, Pakistan’s re-emergence seems to have momentum and they can be expected to provide a tough test for England when the two teams clash in the UAE from the end of January.

Where next?

The criminally underrated Younis Khan & the criminal negligence of Ijaz Butt

Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

The Ten Commandments of Ijaz Butt

Hope from despair for Pakistan

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The criminally underrated Younis Khan & the criminal negligence of Ijaz Butt

The esteemed Indian cricket writer and fellow Liverpool fan Dileep Premachandran brought an interesting statistic to our attention on Twitter yesterday.

In illustrating Australia’s batting deficiencies, he highlighted that in an era dominated by batsmen only the discarded Simon Katich has a batting average of over 50 in Tests played since 1 January 2006.

The top ten (minimum qualification ten innings), which is dominated by batsmen from the sub-continent makes interesting reading (see full list here) and in reverse order from 10-3 comprises Misbah-ul-Haq, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahela Jayawardene, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jacques Kallis, Thilan Samaraweera, Jonathan Trott and Mohammad Yousuf.

But it is the identity of the top two that is perhaps the most interesting.

On reflection it is not a huge surprise to see Kumar Sangakkara with a stellar average of 68 at the top of the pile such is the brilliance and consistency of his batting. Moreover, the fact that he had the added challenge of captaining Sri Lanka for most of the period makes his record all the more impressive. Bowlers shouldn’t rest too easy either as if Sangakkara’s return from his most recent series is anything to go by (a defiant 516 runs at 86 against a dominant Pakistan) he is getting better and better.

Nestling just behind Sangakkara in second place is Younis Khan. Yes, the same Younis Khan that was treated so shamefully by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s former idiot-in-chief Ijaz Butt. Younis averages 65 in the period despite being betrayed when captain by a clique led by Shoaib Malik, ostracised by Butt and left out of the side. The fact that he averages over 80 since his return shows up Butt for the utter fool he is – if any further proof was required on that count.

Misbah’s calm captaincy and even calmer presence at the crease is one big reason why England should be wary of their upcoming series with Pakistan. The criminally underrated Younis is another.

England’s post-Ashes celebrations in 2005 were brought crashing down to earth in Pakistan a few weeks later and the newly crowned number one Test side could suffer a similar fate in the UAE against the same opponents in the next couple of months unless they are at the top of their game.

Where next?

Cricket heroes: Younis Khan

Responsibility and Misbah-ul-Haq

The Ten Commandments of Ijaz Butt

Kumar Sangakkara's captivating story of cricket in Sri Lanka

Who should England pick to face Pakistan?

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes

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Thilan Samaraweera's raw deal

Who do you think has the best Test average of those that have played at least three matches since New Years Day 2008?

Perhaps surprisingly, it is not Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla or even Jonathan Trott. No, the man who heads the table is that most underrated of cricketers - Thilan Samaraweera.

Samaraweera has scored 2,561 runs in 28 Tests during this period with seven hundreds and an average of 69.21 - only Younis Khan and AB De Villiers average over 60 during the same time.

But this excellent record didn't prevent Samaraweera from being dropped by Sri Lanka after the home series defeat by Australia in August.

Duleep Mendis, Sri Lanka's chairman of selectors, has stated that Samaraweera, who is 35, would not figure in the long-term plans of the selectors who intended to give more opportunities to youngsters.

That is all very laudable, but Sri Lanka can ill-afford to leave someone of Samaraweera's quality, experience and recent record out of the side at the moment. Indeed, there is a sense that they are a side in freefall with no bowler to speak of (Lasith Malinga apart, and he doesn't play Test cricket).

Samaraweera has been belatedly called up to the squad for the daunting looking trip to South Africa, where to be frank one fears for Sri Lanka's ability to make the Test series competitive.

It was ridiculously harsh to drop him and we have no doubt that Sri Lanka will need him over the next few weeks as they rely on Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera to keep the effervescent Dale Steyn from running through their batting.

Where next?

Sri Lanka know what they had and they know that it has gone

Kumar Sangakkara's captivating story of cricket in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan cricket heroes: Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan

The ten most poignant cricket memories of 2009

Sachin Tendulkar's 99.94

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

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County Championship Preview - Division 1: Warwickshire

 
Wins in their final three matches saw Warwickshire escape the relegation trap door in 2010, but do they have the squad to survive again this season?

Strengths

Younis Khan should be a good choice as overseas player – he will need to be as apart from him the batting looks weak despite the arrival of Ireland captain William Porterfield. Chris Woakes impressed for England in Australia and should get even better this season.

Weaknesses

Imran Tahir’s move to Hampshire is a huge loss and with Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell only likely to play the odd game, Woakes also likely to be in England’s limited overs squads and stalwart Neil Carter injured, the Bears look extremely vulnerable. New captain Jim Troughton has a real challenge on his hands.

Main man

Chris Woakes really came on last summer with both bat and ball and looks like a probable England Test and limited overs cricketer.

Look out for…

Doom and gloom all round – the prospects for staying in Division 1 hardly look optimistic.

Prediction

8th – it’s hard to make a case for Warwickshire to survive

Where next?

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Sussex

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Somerset

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Nottinghamshire

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Lancashire

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Hampshire

County Championship Preview - Division 1: Durham

2010 County XI of the season

Read all our 2011 World Cup posts here

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World Cup Team Previews: Pakistan - Tigers or pussies?

 
After all the furore of the spot-fixing scandal, Pakistan have been doing rather nicely, thank you very much. After running England and South Africa close in ODI series’, New Zealand were put to the sword only a matter of weeks ago. The more chaotic it gets, the better that Pakistan seem to perform. So just how do you predict the unpredictable?

Strengths

Despite the enforced absence of Aamer and Asif, Pakistan still has strength and variety in its attack with the brilliant Gul, backed up by Wahab Riaz, Shoaib Akhtar and the impressive spinner Abdur Rehman. The emergence of the talented Ahmed Shehzad more than compensates for the suspended Butt and Misbah and Younis Khan have brought much needed stability to the middle order. And then there is Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.

Weaknesses

Pakistan’s unpredictability can be a strength, but it also means that they habitually snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Kamran Akmal is a liability with bat and gloves and the fielding is shambolic at best.

Main man

Misbah-ul-Haq’s form has been a revelation since he came back into the side and he just pips Gul and Shehzad for this accolade.

Look out for…

Shahid Afridi, whether with bat or ball, directing his troops, eating cricket balls or pirouetting in the middle of the pitch, you just can’t keep your eyes off him.

Prediction

3rd in the group after a typically harrowing defeat against Australia, before bouncing back to beat serial chokers South Africa in the quarter-finals to set up the mother of all semi-finals with India. It is there that we predict that Pakistan’s World Cup journey will come to an end.

Where next?

Why Salman Butt commentating at the World Cup is a good idea

Exclusive: The New Ten Point Pakistan Player Code of Conduct

World Cup Team previews: Part 1 - India: Glory or effigies?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 2 - South Africa: Don't mention the 'C' word...

World Cup Team Previews: Part 3 - Bangladesh: Shock & Awe

World Cup Team Previews: Part 4 - West Indies: Calypso or Collapso?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 5 - England: How far can resilience take them?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 6 - Ireland/Canada/Kenya/Netherlands: Last chance for the minnows?

World Cup Team Previews: Part 7 - Zimbabwe - An army of spin

World Cup Team Previews: Part 8 - Australia: Four in a row?

Our XI to shine at the World Cup

Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes including Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan

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The next 11 crazy events involving the Pakistan cricket team

 
Can Pakistan cricket get any crazier? Just when you think that it has reached a low, along comes Zulqarnain Haider doing his impersonation of the Scarlet Pimpernel as he vanished into thin air only to materialise sometime later at Heathrow Airport.

We've been mulling over what is likely to happen next with the Pakistan cricket team, and after looking into our crystal ball we can confidently predict the next 11 major events.

1. Zulqarnain becomes a bit of a celebrity in his new home in the UK and replaces the Irish bloke on the X Factor judges panel, has an affair with Cheryl Cole and plays himself in an autobiographical flick entitled 'Escape From Dubai'.
2. Following the call-up of the third Akmal brother Adnan to the Pakistan squad rumours of nepotism and mafia cartels strengthen further when first Father Akmal and then Mother Akmal are also called into the squad.
3. Misbah-ul-Haq resigns the Test captaincy after the calamitous performance of the side in the two tests against South Africa, although Mother Akmal impresses with the gloves.
4. Younis Khan reveals the real reason behind the conspiracy against his captaincy that was perpetuated by Shoaib Malik - he is a cross-dresser that regularly wears stockings, suspenders and a basque under his cricket whites.
5. Shahid Afridi announces that he is returning to test cricket and is promptly named as test captain for the tour of New Zealand. After scoring 21 from 7 balls in Pakistan's failed run chase in the 1st Test, he retires from tests again citing that he doesn't have the mental strength or technique required for the five day game. Mother Akmal is made captain for the rest of the series.
6. In a poll on Cricinfo, Shahid Afridi is named as the sanest person in cricket today. Shoaib Akhtar comes second and Ijaz Butt third.
7. Shoaib Malik announces his divorce from Sania Mirza. He says that the marriage was all a big mistake and he'd got Mirza confused with the opponent she was playing at the time he first saw her. His engagement to Maria Sharapova is confirmed soon after.
8. Imran Farhat's book The Art of Batting is a worldwide best seller and copies are seen in the cricket bags of such luminaries as Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Kevin Pietersen and Ricky Ponting. All say that they wish they could bat like Farhat. 
9. Wahab Riaz beats Jonathan Trott at Madison Square Gardens to become WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World.
10. Amidst all the chaos Pakistan win the 2011 World Cup with a team solely comprised of Akmals. Kamran scores a hundred, Umar a fifty and Father Akmal takes five for ten as India are beaten.
11. Zulqarnain survives being stabbed with a poisoned umbrella on his way into the X Factor studios. Suspects include Ashley Cole and Kamran Akmal, as well as a mysterious Asian man with green lipstick.

Where next?

Exclusive: The New Ten Point Pakistan Player Code of Conduct

Historic India-Pakistan peace summit flounders on cricket diplomacy

Heroes: Mushtaq Ahmed

Zeroes: Shoaib Malik

Heroes: Younis Khan

 
As much as we recognise Younis Khan as a world-class batsman, that wouldn't normally qualify him for Reverse Sweep hero status. Nor would the fact that he is the only Pakistan captain of recent vintage to have been half-decent. Or even the fact that he doesn't appear to get on with Shoaib Malik.

No, Younis' inclusion as this week's hero is down to his dignified reaction to and ultimate victory against the ridiculous indefinite ban handed out by PCB Chairman and chief idiot Ijaz Butt earlier this year. Younis final triumph was confirmed this week when he was reinstated to the Pakistan test and ODI squads for the forthcoming series' against South Africa in the UAE.

He had successfully appealed against his ban back in June in time, so everyone including the Pakistan selectors thought, for him to be included in the party for the tour to England. But Chairman Butt(head) had other ideas and apparently required an apology from Younis before his readmission was rubber-stamped.

Younis refused to say sorry as he rightfully felt he had nothing to apologise for. Itwas hardly Younis' fault that Malik had formed a treacherous band of brothers who had vowed to undermine and conspire against his captaincy. So a long stand-off between the pair ensued.

We were impressed with Younis' dignity throughout the following months as Pakistan's cricket lurched from one disaster to another. Wedon't remember seeing anything in the press from Younis criticising the team or even the odious Butt. He merely maintained that he was available for and wanted to represent Pakistan again.

Finally this week, Butt appeared to buckle under political and selectorial pressure and Younis was back. He had to have a meeting with his bungling Chairman, but we doubt whether he apologised. In fact we hope that he made Butt grovel.

For dignity and being a shining beacon of virtue in the sea of manure that is Pakistan cricket, Younis Khan is a Reverse Sweep hero.

Where next?

REVEALED: New Pakistan Player Code of Conduct

Historic India-Pakistan peace summit flounders on cricket diplomacy

Zeroes: Shoaib Malik

Revealed: New PCB Player Code of Conduct

 
Following the news that the PCB has revised its Player Code of Conduct, the Reverse Sweep has managed to glean a copy from a source whom we cannot reveal other than to say that he has been known to associate with the Bookies Circle.

The Code, which takes the form of ten key guidelines for players provides illuminating reading:

1. Henceforth, all players on tour must have a picture of our Dear Leader Chairman Butt above their bed with praise and thanks being given morning and evening.
2. Remember who your Captain is. He is to be undermined and conspired against at all times.
3. On the way out to the crease, every batsman is to punch the new Jonathan Trott effigy as they leave the dressing room. The effigy will be burnt at the end of every tour and a new one created for the next tour.
4. Any victories (which are admittedly unlikely) must be dedicated to Chairman Butt. Any defeats can be blamed on a conspiracy initiated by India, its agent Shoaib Malik and august cricket bodies.
5. On no account let Yasir Hameed speak to the press. If necessary gag him for the entire tour.
6. Don't laugh at Umar Akmal's green make-up. He is only a boy and he can't help it if he has a fixation with the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz. It also fixes his spots.
7. Everyone must actively participate in the PCB's chosen charitable concern and 'Adopt a Bookie'.
8. Don't worry about any spot or match-fixing allegations. We know that you will always be innocent and that India will be behind it. Rest assured that Judge Qayyum will be on the case and that everyone will be exonerated.
9. Remember that Younis Khan is an enemy of Pakistan cricket and not a world-class batsman and reasonably successful Pakistan captain. It was Chairman Butt and not he who was the inspiration for the 2009 World T20 win.
10. Finally, remember that a cricket ball a day keeps the doctor away. Follow the example of Afridi and munch away.

Where next?

Heroes: Imran Khan

Historic India-Pakistan peace summit flounders on cricket diplomacy

The Ten Commandments of Ijaz Butt

 

Please note that our source may be wrong and the PCB Player Code of Conduct may or may not be along the lines of this article. Just in case

A canned Hollywood film about cricket, fixing and a homeless team

Living near Cannes means you get to become on first name terms with a number of renowned film directors, as they are frequently in town.

At the weekend, I had a drink with one famous director who asked not to be named (let's just call him O. Rock), who told me a remarkable story about a film project he had worked on a couple of years ago. Basically, he had to pitch the idea to a sinister Hollywood studio boss he hadn't met before. The guy had a pretty fearsome reputation, so Rock decided to tape the meeting. He played me the recording...

Studio Boss (SB): So tell me about the film.

O. Rock (OR): Well it's about a cricket team full of a variety of miscreant characters who mostly don't like each other. They can't play matches at home because of terrorists.

SB: Good, I like the terrorist angle. Very topical.

OR: The team is run by a Tyrannical Despot who continually interferes. He fires Captains at will like Hitler used to do with his Generals.

SB: Good, good.Terrorism, a mad autocratic leader. Sounds promising to me.

OR: That's not all. As I said the team has a number of diverse characters and factions. There is a Mad Uncle, who is prone to doing Michael Jackson moonwalks on the pitch and eating cricket balls in the middle of matches. Then there is the Wise Old Grandad - he looks a bit like Gandalf the Grey and keeps retiring and then making comebacks.

SB: Kind of a Frank Sinatra figure?

OR: Exactly. There's also another older player, Sensitive Captain, who was actually quite successful at leading the side before he was the victim of a coup instigated by the team's Machiavellian Prince. He also falls out in a big way with Tyrannical Despot.

SB: Wow conspiracy and intrigue too. I suppose the Machiavellian Prince becomes captain in the end? 

OR: Well, he has a turn near the start before Sensitive Captain, but he turns out to be an even worse captain then he is a player. He also falls out in a big way with Wise Old Grandad and ends up marrying someone on the phone before divorcing her and marrying a famous tennis player. Eventually he is dropped for being too bad even for this team.

SB: Gee a lot happens to him. He sounds like a particularly unsavoury chap. Who are the other main characters?

OR: There's a couple of brothers. One is Butter Fingers - he is the worst wicketkeeper in cricket history and couldn't even catch a cold. The other is Little Slogger, so named because he tries to hit every ball for six. He also pretends he is a teenager and wears green lipstick.

SB: My God, it sounds like the Addams Family.

OR: Then there is Mr Dignity, he becomes captain towards the end and impresses everyone with the way he speaks and manages the team. But the audience is left wondering if he has a nasty secret, which he may or may not share with Rehab Boy, a brilliant bowler who is banned for drug taking but comes back and becomes one of the best bowlers in the world. Again the audience is left wondering if he has retunred to his fomer waywardness. The other character is The Kid. The Kid is an 18 year old wunderkind from an impoverished background, who is regarded as the best bowler of his age in cricket history. He has film star looks and is the darling of the nation.

SB: Kind of a rags to riches tale?

OR: Exactly, but the audience is left wondering whether he, Rehab Boy and Mr Dignity have got into bed with bookmakers and deliberately bowled no-balls in exchange for money.  

SB: A lot happens in this film. Is it realistic, is the question I am asking myself? Tell me about the plot.

OR: Well the film follows the Homeless Team around the world for a period of around 18 months. The fact that the captain keeps being changed adds to the state of flux and continuous chaos surrounding the team. First of all, they win the World T20, but then Machiavellian Prince leads a revolt against Sensitive Captain and he resigns soon after.

SB: That sounds a bit stupid.

OR: Quite. Then Wise Old Grandad takes over. Rehab Boy and Little Slogger both do well in New Zealand and the team draw the series. Then just as the audience thinks that the team is on the up. Bang. They go to Australia and it all falls apart. They lose every match including one where Butter Fingers drops even more catches than usual and Wise Old Grandad proves to be a clueless captain. Then Tyrannical Despot goes insane like Hitler in Downfall and bans everyone. The players all come out to the press and say they hate each other. It's absolute chaos.

SB: Surely that wouldn't all happen. Where do you go from here?

OR: Then they appoint Mad Uncle as captain. You just know that it will end in tears but at first things improve. They get to the semi-final of the World T20 but snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Afterwards Tyrannical Despot un-bans all the players he had banned but still won't pick Sensitive Captain.

SB: I suppose appointing Mad Uncle is a bit of a case of the blind leading the blind?

OR: Yes. Of course it does eventually end up in tears on the tour of England, when Mad Uncle resigns after losing his first test in charge against Australia.

SB: No that wouldn't happen. Who ever heard of neutral test matches? Too far-fetched.

OR: Bear with me. Then Mr Dignity becomes captain and Rehab Boy and The Kid destroy Australia in the next match. The team do their best to throw away the advantage but actually manage to win.

SB: Oh great. A happy ending.

OR: It's not over yet. Then they play England, but because Tyrannical Despot won't pick Wise Old Grandad and Sensitive Captain, the batting is too frail even though The Kid and Rehab Boy keep taking English wickets. But they do manage to win one match when Wise Old Grandad comes to the rescue on his charger.

SB: Is that all?

OR: Not yet. Just as people start thinking the team have a promising future, Mr Dignity, Rehab Boy and The Kid fall victim to a tabloid sting, which alleges they are taking money to bowl no-balls. Remember I mentioned that earlier?

SB: Cheating and fixing as well? My God, what happens in the end?

OR: We're still finalising that. Any suggestions?

SB: I'll have to ask my friends in the ICC (laughing). I'm a bit worried all this is a bit too far-fetched. Surely one team couldn't go through all this in only 18 months?

That was it. After the recording stopped, I asked O Rock what happened next. he said it was strange because the meeting ended abruptly when Studio Boss received a phone call and he never heard from him again. Indeed he told me that it was rumoured that Studio Boss had left the business - no one had seen or heard from him since. The project was canned.

Of course, in the light of recent events we discussed how remarkably similar all this was to what is happening with the Pakistan cricket team today. I asked O Rock when the meeting was and the name of the Studio Boss.

And that was the funny thing. O Rock told me that the meeting was in 2008. And the name of the studio boss was Ijaz Butt, one month before he took up his position as Chairman of the PCB...

The Thirteen Commandments of Ijaz Butt

Buoyed by the success of his Pakistan side in winning the 3rd test at The Oval last week, we understand from a source within the Pakistan Cricket Board that Chairman Ijaz Butt is about to exclusively reveal the 13 commandments by which he carries out his role as the head of Pakistan cricket.

We understand from the source that these are Butt's 13 commandments:

1. Although there will be many captains, there is only one Chairman (or Dear Leader, which is the term I prefer).
2. When it comes to captains, coaches and selectors, remember three key mantras: undermine, undermine and undermine.
3. When the Pakistan team is on tour, remember three key mantras: interfere, interfere and interfere
4. When the team loses, remember it is everyone else's fault not yours: players, captain, coach and selectors. This calls for interference, changes, sackings, bans and fines.
5. When the team wins, remember it is all down to Ijaz Butt and no one else. If anyone dares to disagree, please see remedies stated in commandment 4 above.
6. When the team wins, make sure you are in the team photo that will appear online and in newspapers worldwide. Even better if you can stand menacingly at the back in a pair of dark glasses, with dagger drawn waiting to stab an unsuspecting player, captain or coach in the back. This is a picture of me with the team after we beat Australia at Headingley. I am fourth from left at the back with the sunglasses and clenched fist looking as inauspicious as possible.
7. Agreeing to stage a home test series in a country where your best bowler is banned from entering is an entirely rational decision. Who needs Mohammad Asif anyway?
8. Proclaiming that a captain is going to be replaced in the middle of a tour (as I did with Mohammad Yousuf in Australia) is a genius move. We may have lost the three ODIs that followed my pronouncement but we nearly won the Twenty 20 after that. 
9. Why ban and alienate one world-class batsman, if you can ban and alienate two?
10. Mohammad Yousuf is a "bad influence" and "should not be part of (the) national team in any format" "great player".
11. If in doubt blame Shoaib Akhtar Mohammad Yousuf Younis Khan.
12. If you have a player that pirouettes on a cricket pitch in the midst of a security scare, bites cricket balls, shows no responsibility whatsoever and has actually been retired from test cricket for four years, make him captain of the test side. Such a move is pure genius and cannot fail.
13. If all else fails, find someone with the same name as you and make them captain. Isn't young Salman doing well? He was always my first choice as skipper, don't you know?

Please note that our source may be wrong and that Ijaz Butt may or may not have said or written the things this article said he did. Just in case

The never-ending soap opera of Pakistan cricket

So, Mohammad Yousuf rides into town on his trusty white steed to save the Pakistan cricket team from further ignominy after the heavy defeat at Trent Bridge. Captain Salman Butt and Coach Waqar Younis were apparently not consulted. It seems a strange decision on a number of counts.

Firstly, Yousuf has not played any serious cricket since March and was supposedly 'retired' from international cricket. Two, if an experienced player was sent for, would it not have made more sense that it was Younis Khan, who at least has played county cricket in the last month or so? Three, why not give the youngsters a go - if you pick 'em, stick with 'em. 

Finally, the introduction of Yousuf into the dressing room could be akin to tossing a grenade into an army barracks. You'd certainly want to be the fly on the wall when Yousuf and Shoaib Malik are reacquainted for the first time. Poor old Salman Butt.

Looking back over the last 18 months, it has certainly been a helluva ride for Pakistan cricket. Resignations, retirements, conspiracies, defeats snatched from the jaws of victory, suspensions, high-class fast bowling, batting collapses and comical wicketkeeping have all featured. The highlights include:

1. March 2009: The terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which meant that Pakistan can not play at home for the foreseeable future.
2. June 2009: Pakistan winning the World T20 in England with Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi to the fore. Captain Younis Khan seems set for a long reign.
3. July 2009: A topsy-turvy test series with Sri Lanka is lost 2-0 after Pakistan lose the first test when only chasing 168 for victory and then the second after being bowled out for 90 in the first innings, and collapsing in their second innings from 285 for one to 320 all out. They also lose the one day series 3-2. This is where the first conspiracies against Younis' captaincy were said to have occurred with Shoaib 'Machiavelli' Malik the rebel leader.
4. September 2009: Pakistan make the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy in South Africa before losing a game they should have won to New Zealand.
5. November 2009: The action then moves to Dubai, where a one day series is lost 2-1 to New Zealand, before Pakistan beat the same opposition 2-0 in the Twenty 20's that follow.
6. November 2009: Younis quits the captaincy and takes a break from international cricket due to the machinations of Malik and his band of brothers. Yousuf takes over despite Malik manoeuvring behind the scenes himself for the captaincy.
7. December 2009: Despite Umar Akmal announcing himself as a real talent on debut, Pakistan lose a cracking test to New Zealand in Dunedin. Mohammad Asif inspires a win in the next test at Wellington, before rain saves Pakistan at Napier. A 1-1 series result is pretty good considering.
8. December 2009 - February 2010: The Pakistan cricket team becomes more akin to a squadron of kamikaze pilots as they lose every international on the tour of Australia. The ramifications of the lost test at Sydney still linger to this day.
9. March 2010: In their infinite wisdom, the PCB decide after an enquiry into the Australian tour to hand out indefinite bans to Yousuf and Younis, one year suspensions to Malik and Rana Naved and fines to Shahid Afridi and the Akmal brothers. Yousuf announces his immediate 'retirement' from international cricket as a result.
10. April / May 2010: A weakened Pakistan side manages to get out of its group at the World T20 in the Caribbean before Michael Hussey breaks their hearts again in another semi-final where Pakistan snatch defeat from the jaws of victory..
11. June 2010: The bans on Younis and Malik are rescinded on appeal, with Afridi (who hasn't played a test for four years) handed the reins in all forms for the forthcoming Asia Cup and tour of England. Despite being reprieved, Younis is bizarrely left out of all the squads. Yousuf talks of coming back if Pakistan needs him.
12. June 2010: Pakistan perform well at the Asia Cup but bow out after losing tight matches to India and Sri Lanka. Afridi makes hundreds against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with spirit and unity seemingly returning to the Pakistan team.
13. July 2010: After beating Australia in two Twenty 20 matches, Pakistan lose the test and their captain at Lord's after Afridi amazingly retires from test cricket after just one game as captain. Salman Butt is handed the poisoned chalice. Pakistan then win a brilliant test at Headingley, after bowling the Aussies out for 88 to square the series, although they do their best to muck up the run chase.
14. August 2010: After suffering a heavy defeat to England at Trent Bridge, with Kamran Akmal having a nightmare behind the stumps, Yousuf is called up to strengthen the batting line-up whilst Danish Kaneira is banished to Essex and county cricket . Whether Yousuf arrives fit enough and in time (and with the requisite visa in hand) for the second test is anyone's guess. But you just can't take your eyes of this particular soap opera. What will happen next?

Shahid Afridi & the four captains of the apocalypse

This post was going to be about Australia and their readiness or otherwise for the Ashes. But the antics of Shahid Afridi means that this will have to wait.

Ricky Ponting must feel like the birthday girl, whose big day has been upstaged by the classroom joker setting off a stink bomb at her party. Even by the comical nature of Pakistan cricket, Afridi's retirement from test cricket and resignation after his first test as captain after a four year break from the five day game is quite astounding.

With endearing honesty, Afridi admitted that he didn't have the patience or mentality for test cricket and that the second match against Australia at Headingley will be his last test (if he is fit). He couldn't have put it more bluntly by stating that "With my temperament I can't play Test cricket," going on to admit that "a captain should lead by example which I did not. And if I played the way I played in this match it is better to leave." 

The many observers who predicted that an Afridi captaincy would end quickly and ignominiously have been proved right. This is a shame as there were signs in the World T20, Asia Cup and the Twenty 20's against Australia last week that Afridi could prove to be the unifying captain that Pakistan so desperately needed.

Afridi's dismissals in both innings were irresponsible but his Pakistan side did not descend into the rabble that they had in Australia. The first innings collapse was poor as was the body language when Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger added 52 for the last wicket in Australia's 2nd innings. And handing 14 wickets to Shane Watson, Marcus North and Steven Smith smacked of carelessness. But given the hand dealt by the selectors in ignoring Younis Khan, Pakistan actually performed reasonably well at Lord's.

The Pakistan captaincy is becoming a poisoned chalice and Salman Butt may want to think twice if he is offered the captain's job for the test series against England. Since Inzamam retired in 2007, Pakistan has now had four test captains. Shoaib Malik lasted three tests, married someone he spoke to on the phone and has allegedly been a disruptive influence in the dressing room ever since. Younis Khan was next. He led the side to victory in the World T20 in 2009 before amidst more plots and conspiracies than a John Le Carre novel asked to be rested from the New Zealand tour last Autumn. 

Then Mohammad Yousuf had a go at the top job he had craved for so long, but was blamed for the disastrous tour to Australia by the PCB and banned indefinitely. Yousuf then announced his retirement and despite pleas from Afridi and even Chairman Butt himself, has shown no signs of reversing this decision.

Where does Pakistan cricket go from here amidst the aftermath of the four captains of the apocalypse?

Four captains in just over two years may sound a lot, but England once went through four captains in a series and five in less than a year. In 1988, Mike Gatting started the series with the West Indies as captain before an alleged misdemeanour with a barmaid led to him being sacked after the first test. John Emburey took over for the next two, both of which were lost. Then the selectors took leave of their senses completely and summoned Chris Cowdrey from county cricket and made him captain. He lasted one match before Graham Gooch was handed the 'honour' for the final test of the series.

Amazingly, new Chairman of the Selectors Ted Dexter decided four captains wasn't enough  and relieved Graham Gooch of the role and gave it to David Gower for the 1989 Ashes series making it five captains in less than a year. Even Pakistan has never had anything like this.

Finally, Afridi can count himself lucky in some respects. Lady Jane Grey was Queen of England for nine days following the death of Edward VI before she was overthrown by Mary and executed at the Tower of London. Although with Chairman Butt(head) anything is possible...  

Pakistan's replacements for Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf

We scoured the internet to find a picture of Azhar Ali and Umar Amin - effectively the two replacements for Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf at numbers three and four in the Pakistan batting order playing against Australia at Lord's.

This was the only picture we could come up with.

I suppose it is hardly surprising then that both debutants looked a little bit out of their comfort zone against world class bowlers on a seam friendly track. As Alan Hansen once said "you won't win anything with kids".

Only Pakistan could ban their best batsman (Younis) indefinitely, then lift the ban and not pick him for the touring squad. But to then compound the situation and suspend Shoaib Mailk, rescind his ban and pick him for the squad, but then not select him for the XI is an interesting decision to say the least. We wonder where Yousuf stands on his 'retirement' now if he is watching the action? 
 

The lunatics are back in charge of the asylum

It was only a brief interlude then.

Sanity looked to have made a surprising appearance at the Pakistan Cricket Board when they realised that banning some of the national side's best players was maybe not the best way to improve the side's fortunes.

The appointment of Shahid Afridi as captain coincided with the rescinding of bans for Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan, and there were even open moves to persuade Mohammad Yousuf to reverse his retirement. With Afridi making the right noises as skipper and good performances at the Asia Cup even in defeat to Sri Lanka and India, hopes that Pakistan would be competitive on the forthcoming tour of England rose.

Then though normality returned with the selection of the squad that will play Australia as well as England in tests in July and August. Having brought Younis back into the fold, Pakistan would at least have one of their two best test batsmen available even if Yousuf stood steadfast in his retirement. And then Younis' name was inexplicably missing from those announced yesterday.

Only Pakistan could first indefinitely ban one of its best players, lift the ban and then omit him from the squad. The lunatics are well and truly back in charge of the asylum that is the PCB.

Five days in cricket

Well we've quite a lot these last five days whilst we've been in hospital for the happy event of the birth of our daughter Isabella. Catching up we've missed some predictable and some not so predictable events.

1. We missed a brilliant game of cricket between India and Pakistan with Harbhajan Singh again proving he is the man for the big event.

2. England beat Scotland easily in a one day international and supposed slowcoach Andrew Strauss scored at a much quicker rate than greyhound opening partner Craig Kieswetter.

3. Australia were given a scare by Ireland. And then were also given a minor fright by Middlesex before Cameron White again underlined his credentials to be the next Australian captain in all formats. We saw too that Owais Shah gave a gentle reminder to the England selectors that he is still around.

4. We were delighted to miss test centuries by Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis as they were no doubt mind numbingly boring and efficient. At last the West Indies have shown a bit of fight in their reply though. One other observation is that test matches in the Caribbean have become slow and turgid affairs. When you add South Africa to the mix that equals utter tedium.

5. More games took place in the FP t20 and crowd numbers no doubt fell further as even the most ardent supporters start to tire of a never-ending competition that makes the overbloated cricket world cup look like Kate Moss in comparison. We did see that our county Sussex continue to do well though.

6. We were bemused to see that the PCB rescinded the ban on its best batsman Younis Khan and then promptly didn't pick him for the upcoming tests against Australia and England. So the lunatics are still in the charge of the asylum.

7. And finally, England's football team has surpassed itself with its utter incompetence. And the malaise has a warning for cricket too. More of which later.

But all in all, it's good to be back.

Ijaz Butt gets down on one knee to Mohammad Yousuf

We're not sure quite what to make about the penalties issued and now rescinded on several of its players by the PCB.

It seemed at the time that the sanctions were applied that Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf had been dealt with rather severely. Admittedly, both appeared to be crap captains for different reasons. Pakistan actually won the World T20 under Younis' stewardship but eight of his players apparently made a secret pact against him (we're not sure why, maybe they didn't like being told what to do?), so he didn't exactly inspire loyalty. Although we wonder whether it should been Younis that was damned rather then the players who brazenly admitted underperforming in order to undermine his captaincy.

Yousuf could well be the worst international cricket captain we've seen. More defensive than the Greek football team when winning the European Championship in 2004, he was to blame as much as butter fingered Kamran Akmal for Pakistan throwing away the Sydney test against Australia. And as for his childish spat with Shoaib Malik? Well, our eighteen month old son hasn't had tantrums quite like that. Yet!

But life bans did seem harsh for essentially being crap captains. So it is no real surprise that Younis' ban has now been lifted on appeal and he is free to play in the Asia Cup and tour England this summer. Along with Yousuf, Younis is Pakistan's best batsman and they desperately need him to provide some solidity from his usual number three role. If Shahid Afridi's fine for biting the ball can be removed (and we're not quite sure how that crime can be rescinded), then clearly Younis should never have been banned in the first place.

Yousuf on the other hand has stuck steadfastly to his decision to 'retire' soon after his life ban was handed down. At the time, PCB nutter-in-chief Ijaz Butt said that "Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, keeping in view their infighting which resulted in bringing down the whole team, their attitude has a trickledown effect which is a bad influence for the whole team should not be part of national team in any format." 

Butt now seems to have done a huge about-turn, maybe mindful of Yousuf's record on Pakistan's last tour of England where he scored nearly twice as many runs in four Tests (631) as the second-leading run-scorer, with three hundreds at an average of 90.14. Butt said of Yousuf that "We have sent messages to him through others that if he takes back his retirement he can play for Pakistan again. But he declined that." He went on to add that "If he takes back his retirement he will be welcomed back into the side. He is a great player and has a few more years in him. He has done so well for us and particularly on the last tour of England he was outstanding, so he would definitely be welcomed back."

It's not quite getting down on one knee begging for forgiveness, but it isn't far off. Yousuf has always struck us as someone with a bit of an ego who maybe has a touch too much self-importance than he should. Some of the comments attributed to him certainly reflect that assertion. He now has new captain Afridi, Butt and several senior players all publicly pleading for him to return. Yousuf's commitment to his "retirement" is certainly being sorely tested.

We doubt many bookies are giving good odds against him returning to the fold in time for the tour to England. We certainly expect to see him there. Pakistan cricket just gets crazier and crazier and with Afridi potentially having to captain a squad that includes Younis, Shoaib Malik, Shoaib Akhtar and now maybe Yousuf too, it could get even more crazy.