Its not there
Venkatesh Prasad tells us what we've known in some shape or form for a long time: Munaf Patel isn't quite all there. Even now. The comments by Prasad suggesting that Patel isn't bowling with the same intensity are pretty damning. Note that he gives Patel a clean chit on fitness. So, what could "intensity" mean? Its pretty indefinable, but fast bowlers are fast bowlers, and carry a certain attitude or zest about them. Patel has none. I've already described his run-up as a bit of a leisurely lope, and his first over is pretty much a warm-up. Its a terrible thing to watch: this man who could have been a match-winner with his reverse swing, reduced to bowling amiable stuff. But there is something else that is interesting, which is the openness with which Prasad has described the poor communication between the selectors and the bowling coach. I'm guessing Prasad will soon receive a phone call telling him to shut up. But the cat is out of the proverbial bag for now.
PS: Some good news: Adam Gilchrist is considering quitting one-day cricket. I'm not saying this because it means other teams will do better, but because a decision like that could probably prolong his test career. And I'd like to see him play test cricket a little longer (and couldn't really care less about his career in one-days).
PS: Some good news: Adam Gilchrist is considering quitting one-day cricket. I'm not saying this because it means other teams will do better, but because a decision like that could probably prolong his test career. And I'd like to see him play test cricket a little longer (and couldn't really care less about his career in one-days).
posted by Samir Chopra at 8:28 PM
4 Comments:
That really vindicates the stand about Munaf insipid Patel, that few bloggers including me have been taking.
i really hope that someone does a tough talk to the bowler and gives him a hard message. Shape up or ship out. Cant afford to have such thuds on overseas tour, where a replacement might not even be so easy to flow.
And Prasad has done a great job in saying this. Prasad lacked pace in his playing days, but he never was short of aggression and intensity.
The 1996 QF against Pakistan is a great example.
I would retire after the Twenty20 if I was Gilchrist; he won't make the next world cup and, like Warne, would be better off extending his Test career.
Tubby:
Yes, I don't think theres much doubt about the fact that Patel can't seem to bring the same aggro levels to this pre-wicket-taking behavior (he's pretty pumped up when he takes a wicket!).
Tim: Spot on.
Stage fright perhaps?
Smart decision by Gilchrist. I admire the freedom Australian players have in deciding the shape of their careers.
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