3 Observations from Day 1 of the Multan Test
Shan Masood
It took more than 4 Years but Shan Masood has finally scored another Test Century. On a Wicket where Abdullah Shafique also scored a Century, Masood did so with a Strike Rate of 85.31. It’s an impressive number for anyone, but especially for a player whose biggest problem has been an Overall Defensive Approach to Batting. Unfortunately for Shan, he has to go on a run that would confirm his status as a legitimate Test Batsman. His Career suggests the alternative is a more likely outcome.
Where is Matthew Potts?
A wise man once said, “Rob Key is the Best Thing to Happen to English Cricket.” While Rob Key has made a mostly positive impact in English Cricket, England’s Roster and Lineup Construction continues to be dubious. Again, it’s not a problem against lesser teams like Pakistan, it is going to be a problem against Australia in Australia. England’s decision to play Bryden Carse ahead of Matthew Potts is truly confounding. While I like the idea of Bryden Carse, his Player and Career Archetype is reminiscent of the Overton Brothers. Physically Imposing, Potentially, Mesmerizing, But Ultimately Underwhelming. Potts on the under hand is on a trajectory to become an Excellent Multi-Format Bowler for England. After Gus Atkinson, he should be the Next Name in England’s Matchday Lineup.
Babar Azam
On a Pitch where Shan Masood dominated, Babar Azam scratched his way to 30. It goes without saying that Babar Azam is one of the most talented batsman Pakistan has produced. While the International Cricket Community likes to wax lyrical about Babar, his career has been mostly withdrawn from any substance. Despite scoring almost 14,000 Runs in International Cricket, there are only a handful of memorable innings. Pakistan at least historically, haven’t been blessed with Great Batsman. If you spend any time in Pakistan, it’s obvious why. But in every era, Pakistan have always had at least 2 maybe 3 stalwarts. In this era they have none.
One More Thing
The Saint Lucia Kings defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors to win the Caribbean Premier League. As someone who once worked for the Franchise, I couldn’t be more delighted for Cricket Fans in Saint Lucia.