Missed Trick

I think the selectors missed a trick by not selecting Irrfan Pathan for the upcoming Australia tour. I agree that he has played only few matches after his return from injury but he has bowled well. His experience would have come handy. And if he has indeed rediscovered his in-swingers (as reported by many newspapers) then he should have been given a chance. Plus, he is a useful batsman as well.

In Australia, we will do well only if our bowlers do a good job. You let the Aussies off the hook and they will make you pay. Of course batting will be critical but bowling will determine how much 'extra' heroics we need from our batsman.

An attack with Zaheer Khan, Irrfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma/Umesh Yadav along with one spinner would have been interesting. Now, if Zaheer does not play (he still needs to submit a fitness certificate) then we have to depend upon Sharmas, Yadavs, Aarons and Mithuns.....it will be an attack without depth and variety. I have not seen much of Yadav and Aaron (thanks to the cable network in Malaysia) but I know that Yadav has pace and variation. Aaron, till now, sounds only like a bowler who can generate good pace but in short bursts. If that is correct then Australian batsman would have a lot of experience in tackling and sorting such bowlers. Mithun was exceptional in one of the Ranji matches that I saw but has hardly done anything noticeable in the international arena. That is why we needed Pathan, of course if he is fit and in form.


Irrfan may still make it to Australia but only if Zaheer Khan is declared unfit. That will be a huge blow. All the others are good support bowlers, Zaks is the only genuine wicket taker. Lets see...I hope the others prove me wrong. I am excited about Umesh Yadav though and hope that he performs well.