Pakistan’s last-minute amendments to their World Cup squad have clearly been informed by lessons learned from their 4-0 series loss to England.
Inzamam-ul-Haq and the Pakistan team’s brains trust have shown they’re working out, so to speak, when it comes to their World Cup homework.
Pakistan feel that the prophecy regarding the World Cup being a batsmen’s paradise is almost certain to be fulfilled – and in reaction they have turned to wicket-takers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.
Amir and Wahab are two of Pakistan’s biggest and loosest cannons in a pace arsenal that seems to grow by the day despite a relative lack of resources.
Their selection was down, in no small part, to a loss of faith in Junaid Khan and to a lesser extent Faheem Ashraf.
Neither Khan nor Ashraf were able to produce much swing in England and the belief is that Amir and Wahab have more conventional fast-bowling skills at their disposal – and will be able to take wickets even if batsmen get after them.
In the world of fast bowling, not every bouncer is created equal, but Amir and Wahab are two players who will bring a lot of passion to the Pakistan attack along with experience – and the ability to take wickets in all conditions.
Youngsters Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain are both raw talents, but they have shown glimpses of the kind of wicket-taking prowess Pakistan need to be competitive at the World Cup – and keep targets within the capabilities of their batsmen. Hasan Ali has shown encouraging signs of recovering the kind of form that helped him propel Pakistan to the Champions Trophy.
The decision to use a Dukes ball with a less pronounced seam might have dealt a blow to some of the craftier bowlers hoping to make an impact in the World Cup.
As for what other teams can take from Pakistan’s experience in England, the Proteas’ plan A appeared to be spot on with express pace favoured, but injuries have dealt Ottis Gibson’s men some blows. The effectiveness of the medium-paced bowling of Chris Morris, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo might be questioned during a World Cup tournament that could be very hard on bowlers.
Australia might look at their pace offerings and wonder if they might not have a little more in the way of genuine pace. Kane Richardson, had a nightmare ODI tour to England just last year – and there is little about his recent form to suggest that he won’t be a weak link for the defending champions.
England have unsurprisingly added Jofra Archer into their squad, seeing sense in inserting an in-form quick bowler with others in the attack looking wayward.
Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel might prove to be the West Indies’ secret weapon in this World Cup. Both players have enjoyed themselves bowling in England recently.
Aggressive fast bowling is not a traditional strength for either Bangladesh or Afghanistan, though the Tigers have a few handy pacemen. India have one of the best all-terrain bowling attacks in the world right now – and are unlikely to be thrown off their plans for a dominant World Cup run.
Like New Zealand themselves, their pace bowling attack is an underrated unit that could do some damage in England and Wales.
Pakistan falling back on their experienced pacemen might not give too many pause for thought, but it does serve as an indicator of expected conditions.
Written by @JonhenryWilson
