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India tour Pakistan
- Samsung Cup 2004 |
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Bowlers trying to do too much: Aaqib
LAHORE: Lack of aggression has let Indian pacers down
in the ongoing one-day cricket series against Pakistan, feels Aaqib
Javed. Their body language has not been positive, according to
former Pakistan pacer and Under-19 World Cup 2004-winning coach.
"Indians have never been aggressive. Even Jawagal Srinath, who
often bowled at 90 mph, lacked necessary aggression. Zaheer Khan
struggled in first three games and Lakshmipathy Balaji is timid. The
only exception has been Irfan Pathan who has it in him to be
successful," Aaqib said.
Aaqib, who returned dream figures of seven for 37, including a hat
trick, against India in Sharjah 1991-92, also feels bowlers have
been trying too much on batsmen-friendly wickets in ODI series which
has led to huge tallies of extras.
"It's run-up up that gives you confidence. If you err there, it
up sets entire rhythm. There shouldn't be no balls at this level.
The wides also occur because of wrong wrist position. In first few
overs, one should concentrate only on natural swing and not try
anything special," he observed.
To minimise no balls and wides, Aaqib is even thinking of
inculcating take-off board used in long jump. It should be regarded
as point of delivery. If you mark your run-up and run in there, you
can get it right in just a couple of days.
Shoaib Akhtar, Aaqib feels, is struggling with rhythm. "He is
going flat out for pace too early in the innings," Aaqib said
adding, "Pakistan's strategy should be simple: Shoaib is strike
bowler, so the rest should only look to contain Indians. During our
playing days, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were strike bowlers and
my role was not to give away more than 40 runs in 10 overs."
Aaqib believes it is because of genetical, cultural and
socio-economic factors that Pakistan have regularly produced quality
fast bowlers. "We're generally tall and strongly built and that
helps a lot," he said adding, "Besides, there is diet and
Pakistanis eat lots of meat. You get lot of aggression from beef and
red meat."
"We also get to play a lot of tennis ball cricket at a young
age. The lighter ball needs power to be thrown at a distance. It
helps develop your muscles and gives flexibility to joints and
ligaments," Aaqib observed.
"One also has role models to fall back on. I grew up idolizing
Imran Khan. Today's boys have Akram and Waqar to emulate. Among
current lot, Shoaib is most famous. Fast bowling instils thrill and
style," he said.
The discussion invariably switches to reverse swing. "It's
something not easy to explain. The wrist position is very important.
It should be directed towards first slip so that it creates an
angle. This is besides maintaining shine on one side and leaving it
dry. Bowlers who are side-on, will always get advantage, Aaqib said.
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