England must not be fooled into papering over the cracks

ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss was totally accurate when he greeted the 3-0 Test series defeat against Pakistan by saying: “You don’t become a bad side overnight.”
He is spot on because overnight all you can have achieved is a poor day’s play – ‘a bad day at the office’ as the favoured cliche goes.
No you become a bad side over a longer period of time – in this case three weeks.
England went to the Emirates as the No1Test side – a mantle they have only just managed to retain – and as runaway favourites to win the series after their successes in India.

So to lose the series has to be construed as an abject failure, but to be whitewashed? As Janice from television’s Friends would say: ‘OH MY GOD!’
Sadly what Strauss was trying to say was that things are not as bad as they might seem.
This to me is a dangerous approach as, while England might still be the world’s best Test outfit in terms of rankings, the series against Pakistan revealed some cracks that really do not want to be papered over.
It was the first time that Pakistan had managed a series whitewash against England, it was the first time in over 100 years that a team won a Test after scoring fewer than 100 runs in their first innings, and no England batsman scored a century in the three-match series.
And it is with the batsmen that the major problems appear to rest.

Muhammad Amir deserves a second chance

A gem must not be wasted
So, Mohammad Amir has been released from jail.
Last year, Mohammad Amir along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were jailed for spot-fixing and this incident simply brought a nation and its fans down who are in troubled waters. Though Asif and Butt received no sympathy but Amir did draw a lot of sympathy from many corners simply due to his age and his lawyers are expected to appeal for his ban being shortened so that he again play for Pakistan.  
If the ICC reconsiders his ban and shorten his ban then? I wonder will he again play for Pakistan or will the PCB consider his selection for the national team?
Perhaps yes, perhaps no! 
Many fans, whose passion was hurt in 2010, feel that Amir should never be considered for the selection for his act and must not play for Pakistan again. Yes, no doubt Amir has done a shameful act and has let his country down and thus hurting the passion of millions of Pakistani fans who watch the men in green in action to forget the pathetic situation of their country. But can we really go ahead ignoring Amir if he's really available to play for Pakistan? Can we really think about the green army without a boy as gifted as Wasim Akram?
I can't think that. Amir's act is shameful and it fumes me with anger when I close my eyes and think of August 2010. But I also turn in to think that forgiveness is a great virtue and forgiveness is a beautiful trait that cannot be practiced by all. It is one such character which is easier to preach than to practice. It requires a great magnanimity to forgive whether it is a friend or an enemy and the weak can never forgive but it’s the act of strong personalities. I rate Pakistani cricket fans as strong characters. 
Although many Pakistani fans feel that Amir doesn't even deserve forgiveness but dear men in green fans forgiving Amir can be as good and healthy for you and for the team. And obviously practicing forgiveness is the most important contribution to the healing of the past wounds. By forgiving Amir we can heal the wounds which he gave us and let him give a chance to correct his mistakes. He did commit an error but that doesn’t mean that we just ditch him and let him sink in oblivion.
I'm against Asif and Butt to be considered for the team if they ever get a chance as because they had the maturity to think which is right or wrong but if we think about Amir then we must have to consider his age. He was 18 then and at this age unknowingly big mistakes may happen. I think Amir was the victim of a putrid environment and obviously he didn't have safe hands on his young shoulders to convey good advises.
I read an article written by a respected writer in a website saying, ‘I personally do not think he or the other two should ever be allowed to wear the Pakistan shirt again. He was given a chance but blew it, there are hundreds of thousands of boys who dream of playing for their country and do not get even ONE chance, who are talented but have no-one to put a word in for them, who can play but can't afford a kit, who have the talent but have to go to work to survive because their parents are too old. What gives this guy the right to get 2 chances?’
With due respect to the writer's opinion, the boy, Amir, should be given a second chance again only because he's a gifted cricketer and a bowler which you get once in a generation. And in life there is always a second chance. If we can vote the corrupted politicians again and again and give them chances zillion of times to run a country, then why not give a teenage boy a second chance who deserve to correct his mistakes by performing well again for Pakistan.
The writer also wrote, ‘Now they want him to have ANOTHER chance. Why? Are they putting a player before the country, is the honour of the country not as important anymore?’
Well if Amir is given another chance then it will only ensure benefits for Pakistan and no harm in playing a Pakistani gem for Pakistan's finest benefits. Don't forget that by putting a player before the country is only ensuring the greater benefits of the country. 
The writer said again, ‘If someone disrespected your mother, would you give them another chance? If your mother chose them over millions of others and had her faith in them and they threw it back in her face would you allow that to happen again?’
Well, to speak the truth forgiveness is the divine quality of the mothers and no mother can ever be angry with her dearest child. Mohammad Amir is Pakistan's dearest child. The young lad's mistakes, I believe has been forgiven by her motherland and I just feel his motherland want his son to deliver the best for her to make her proud. And dear writer don’t forget that your politicians are disrespecting your motherland a thousand times and if your motherland can forgive them then why not Amir?
Then the writer says again, ‘We must make a stance and start afresh, we must sacrifice potential short term success for the future. Sport should be sport and winning should not be everything. Losing with dignity is better than winning with disrespect.’
Yes, Pakistan should start afresh but that freshness will give a beautiful fragrance by allowing once in-a-life-time package another chance to serve his country to ensure the best of the results. Definitely sports should be sports and wining is not everything but no harm in ensuring the victory by the addition of a gem. And by addition of a person who is believed to correct his mistakes will never give victories tagged ‘disrespectful.’
‘I want only the best for my country, role models we can be proud of, ones that our children can emulate. Parents will always love their children no matter what they do wrong. I will always have a love for Amir, but please give another kid a chance who deserves it,’ the writer said in his piece.
I agree that a country need to cement those players who can be role models for our young generation and what Amir did is hazardous for the next generation but in the name of saving-the-best-talent-of-the-land Amir deserves another wind in his cricketing career and surely it will be an example for the children to follow the code 'To err is human and forgiving is divine' and no harm in giving another player chance but not for the sake of a diamond. 
Mohammad Amir deserves forgiveness and a second chance and if you fans don't forgive him then I must say, ‘He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.’ (George Herber)

Thanksgiving, the Pakistan cricket team, and Greek chicken for ferocity and prettiness

Live well, eat well, play well, and look devastatingly good while you're at it
That’s right, it’s Thanksgiving in Canada today, a day to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for.  Good friends, good family, and good food.  But that’s not all, people; for all of us cricket fans there’s a great test series coming up.  You got it, the lovely lads of Pakistan are back for a three test match series against my second-favourites Sri Lanka starting on October 18 in Abu Dhabi. 
 
His Handsomeness Wahab Riaz
Goodness gracious it’s exciting and goodness gracious I’m thankful to finally get to see his Handsomeness Wahab Riaz back in action.  I’m also thankful that Umar Gul-zilla is back after being rested and I want him to develop a ferocious appetite for Sri Lanka scalps!  Heavens, one can get aggressive just thinking about him unleashing the bowling beast and breaking some Sri Lanka furniture!  Go  Gulzilla!  Go Handsomeness!

Will Gulzilla unleash the scalp-taking beast?
Now as much as I’d like to think that Pakistan can win this one with their hands tied behind their backs, the truth is that Sri Lanka are rather good.  As  mentioned earlier,  the ridiculously handsome Riaz and wicket-hungry Gulzilla were rested during the tour of Zimbabwe, but were they well-fed?  A poor diet can have atrocious consequences, such as poor sporting performances and a loss of one’s looks.  We simply cannot have Gulzilla bowling feebly nor Wahab Riaz losing his pretty face ( I would die.  I would simply DIE). 
Therefore, to make sure our super sporting gents of Pakistan do well, in case they’ve been eating poorly, let’s influence them to make this lovely Greek roasted chicken for their dinner.  Reap the benefits of eating well, macho men!   Go tear Sri Lanka to shreds, and look fabulous while you do it, lads!  Now go get your hair nets and aprons, gents, and let’s get to the kitchen pronto.
Kairene’s Greek Chicken to Take Scalps and Inflict Sporting Pain
1 whole chicken, skin on, about 1.5 kgs
¼ pound butter
¼ cup olive oil
2 teaspoons salt (use less if you wish)
Crushed black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon or more of finely chopped fresh oregano
A couple of pinches of finely chopped fresh dill
Juice of two lemons
Pre-heat the oven to 190 C or 375 F.
Heat the butter and oil, and pour half into a baking pan to cover the bottom.
Put the chicken in the pan, and sprinkle on the salt, pepper, oregano and dill.
Mix the remaining butter and oil with the lemon juice and spread it evenly on the chicken.
Bake at 375 F or  190 C for about an hour and a half, less time if you’ve got a smaller chicken, more time if you’ve got a larger one.
Baste the chicken 3 or 4 times while cooking to keep it moist.
Now if you like, it’s possible to make some gravy to go with the chicken.  When the chicken is done, remove it from the pan.  Add some boiling water to the drippings in the pan.  In a separate bowl, add about two tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to half a cup of water, and stir it until there are no bumps.  Add this mix to the pan, and stir it.  Then put the pan back in the oven and bake for five minutes at 450 F or 220 C .
Serve with rice, potatoes, or salad, or all three for a great big dinner.
And there’s a Greek chicken that will spell doom for Sri Lanka but sporting success and prettiness for you.   That’s right Pakistan, look alive and look good!

Happy cooking, happy cricket, and Happy Thanksgiving and happy handsomeness.

Pakistan vs England: ODI Statistics & Facts between the sides

As Pakistan sealed a historical 3-0 whitewash of the current No.1 ranked Test side, It was only hours later when England announced there ODI and T20 Squads which means there in business and are no way going to allow Pakistan on this tour to steal the headlines within the desrts of the UAE. 

England have won 38 out of the 68 matches they've played against Pakistan, Losing 28 and 2 ending up as no results. 
2010 was the last time Pakistan and England played an International one day game against each other, It was the 5th game in the five match natewst series at the Rose bowl, Southampton. England took the close fought series 3-2 after winning the game by 121 runs. Eion Morgan scored a magnificent 107* to take his side to 256 but 3 wickets each from Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann had Pakistan dismissed all out for 135 

18 Months later, Both sides have different captains are ranked 1 place further away from each other and would want to take momentum heading forward especially England as the No.6 ranked side have tours of Sri Lanka and India coming up where the conditions are relatively similar. On the other hand the Pakistan Cricket Board who are deciding on who to appoint as head coach must first think what more to ask for from there current one - Mohsin Khan who was actually appointed as a Interim coach since Waqar younis resigned after the 2011 Zimbabwe tour has helped them too Test ODI and T20 series win over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Dav whatmore is the man who seems likely to be appointed as head coach but Mohsin also made his claim of a full time job by adding a Test series whitewash victory over the No.1 test side onto his CV. Khan also stated his target is for Pakistan to be No.1 and gradullay in the top 3 for Tests and ODI's so another series win for the Pakistani's could possibly take them from 5th to 4th depnding on the outcome of the on-going tri series between Australia, Sri Lanka and India.

17 ODI games against the No.1 ranked Test side, Younis Khan has 433 runs at 28.86 with 1 hundred and 3 half centuries and a best of 101. Younis who started of the test series on a low scored a wonderful 127 for his country in there 2nd innings of the 3rd test that set the platform for a Pakistani win. As always he is a vital part of the side and will be a man to look out for.

225 runs in 5 matches, No half centuries 1 century at a spectacular average of 56.25 against Pakistan he is an upcoming sensation and is one of best One day batsmen at the moment. Had nothing but an absolute horrendous 6 innings where he was terrorized by Pakistan's spinners and averaged 13.66 with 82 runs to his name in the test series. Surprisingly, Eion Morgan leads this side with the most runs against Pakistan. Should be considered extremely lucky if he isn't dropped from the test squad but his elegant strokes with a blend of nous and power makes him a natural ODI finisher and a good finish from England in the series is required and it would  be essential of him to perform.

Sometimes you think will Pakistan ever be complete without this man, But for now let's just admire his 31 wickets in 22 matches with a best of 5/40 he'll bring plenty of smiles, heart touching feelings and charisma to the field. England struggled with Off spin throughout the test series but they better figure out Shahid Afridi's leg spinners too as he is as always been in the limited overs side and England better watch out for Boom Boom.

James Anderson would want to add on to his 25 wickets in 14 matches against Pakistan, With a best of 4/27 England's spear head of the attack had an ordinary test series too claiming 9 scalps - As always he is one of the main performers with the ball for his team and he's spoken his desire of also returning to the T20 side, If he does have a great One day series it is likely he'll be included in the current T20 World champions squad too.

India tv response After Pakistan 3rd test Against England on 6th feb 2012

Reaction of Indian Media After Pakistan 3rd test Against England on 6th feb 2012

A glorious win to cherish for ever

The win in Dubai against England has turned a new page in Pakistan cricket  >

I am sure I am not the only one who never writes Pakistan off, even when they are on the edges of extinction. The most unpredictable yet most dangerous cricket team never fails to surprise. After a tumultuous 2010 and a dreadful time since the attack on Sri Lankan team bus when Pakistan was declared zona non grata, few would have thought they would put world’s best Test side on the mat.
England had never lost a match in almost two years, yet they capitulated against a spirited Pakistan side inside three days. Yes three days on a flat deck! Although Pakistan was on the rise ever since Misbah-ul-Haq took over, this win was almost unthinkable before the tour started. At best they were given good odds to surprise the world’s best side.
This is a very delicate time for Pakistan cricket. I am still not convinced that Pakistan cricket is in safe hands, but a quick flash back to Ijaz Butt’s era gives immense consolation. So far the new PCB management under Zaka Ashraf has shown signs of maturity. They are not jumping on things like their predecessors. Their decision making has been sensible. Their choice of appointing Dav Whatmore despite Mohsin Khan’s apparently good performance is praiseworthy.
The role played by Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq cannot be overestimated. The good work done by Waqar is still paying off but we need to take off from here. And a qualified foreign coach is what the team needs now. Misbah has transformed this team from an incoherent bunch of cricketers to a well-gelled unit of professional sportsmen. Can he take the team to next level is another big question which only time will tell.
The most satisfying thing about Dubai win is that it came against England, the team with which we had unmemorable rapport of late. Bitter memories from the infamous 2010 tour must have been felt by players on both sides as this tour began. But this win should erase those because both teams now have immediate other issues – cricketing issues – to sort out. The attention should now divert to cricket not credibility.
The spot-fixing saga had shaken our cricket set up as well as the players, but over time they had become battle hardened. The victory in Dubai has sealed that fact. This win is at par with many of our glorious Test victories. It will be cherished much like Delhi 1952, Oval 1954, Sydney 1976, Lords 1982, Faisalabad 1986, Bangalore 1987, Leads 1987, Georgetown 1988, Lords 1992, Lords 1996, Durban 1998, Chennai 1999, Multan 2005, Bangalore 2005 and Oval 2010.
At one point on the second evening, the pitch was being criticized for not being ideal for Test cricket and Nasser Hossain and Waqar Younis were talking about possibility of a tame draw, but quite remarkably the match ended on the third day. Saeed Ajmal’s performance and the way Pakistan batting contributed as a unit signal an exciting new era for Pakistan.
Pakistan should absorb this moment and grab the opportunity. We should make this win a turning point from where we should aim for a new beginning – a beginning of a journey to become best in the world once again.

Sharapova sets sights on London Olympics

PARIS: Maria Sharapova is making the London Olympics one of her top priorities this year after missing the Beijing Games with an injury.

The third-ranked Russian has already won three Grand Slams but has never competed at the Olympics.

Sharapova said on Monday that "representing my country will be a huge honor," and is something she has wanted to do "since I was a young kid."

Sharapova missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of a shoulder injury.

Sharapova reached the final of the Australian Open last month and said she hopes that will be a springboard for winning another Grand Slam title this year.

She is competing in the Open GDF Suez for the first time this week.

Pakistan vs England - England 'Greenwashed'

Pakistan completed ‘Greenwash’ of England by thrashing them on the fourth day at Dubai in the third Test. No side since 1907 has won after making fewer than 100 in the first innings of a Test - a feat last achieved by England against South Africa at Headingley 105 years ago.

Match Report – Day4, 3^rd Test, Dubai, February 3-6(7), 2012

Pakistan’s start of the fourth day was shocking. Two chances went begging - Adnan Akmal's fumble behind the stumps to catch Strauss and Umar Gul's failure to catch Cook, on 28, at deep backward square.
Pakistan struck through the dismissal of Andrew Strauss who fell in the sixth over of the morning, lbw on the back foot to Rehman. Strauss reviewed it but the on-field umpire’s decision remained firm. Jonathan Trott and Alastair Cook threatened to build a stand but Ajmal removed Trott.
Trott, while sweeping Saeed Ajmal's doosra from outside off, top-edged to deep square-leg fielder Abdur Rehman, who flung the ball into the turf to vent disappointment of earlier drops.  Meanwhile, in the morning session, Cook became the second youngest person, at 27 years and 43 days, to reach 6,000 Test runs. Only Sachin Tendulkar has reached the landmark at a younger age.
Kevin Pietersen joined Cook and was looking dangerous as he flexed his muscles and started to attack. Saeed Ajmal produced an orthodox off-spinner on a good length in the 61^st over’s last ball which bowled Pietersen through that gate curtailing Pietersen’s brief stay at the crease.
An over later, Saeed Ajmal removed Alastair Cook. Cook, while playing a ball towards leg, gave an edge which was caught at slip by a flying Younis Khan. Morgan and Bell then provided resistance but that wasn’t enough to stop an energetic Pakistan.
Umer Gul produced a half-tracker outside off-stump which Bell lobbed tamely to cover point where Asad Shafiq ran to his right to take a sitter. Then Gul removed Morgan who faintly edged towards Adnan Akmal.
After tea, Stuart Broad, while trying to play a big shot against Gul, gave a catch to Taufeeq Umer in the deep. Graeme Swann, then, drove a Gul delivery but was caught at point by Asad Shafiq who took a smart catch low down. 
Matt Prior and James Anderson frustrated the Pakistanis with their brief stay but Ajmal removed Anderson who was caught by Younis Khan at slip. Then Rehman removed Panesar to complete the Greenwash!

Summarised Scores:
Pakistan 99 and 365 beat England 141 and 252 (Prior 49*, Gul 4-61) by 71 runs
Hero of the Day: Umer Gul
Disappointment of the Day: Kevin Pietersen  
Flop of the Day: Ian Bell
Man of the Match: Azhar Ali
Man of the Series: Saeed Ajmal

England in danger of losing world No 1 status after miserable Pakistan whitewash

England's lead at the top of the ICC's Test rankings has been cut to a solitary point following their series whitewash against Pakistan.
On 125 points going into the three-match series in the United Arab Emirates, England slipped to 118 and now hold just a one-point margin over second-placed South Africa, who can now usurp Andy Flower's men ahead of the April 1 end-of-season awards and claim the £110,000.

Bad day at the office: England lost the three-match series against Pakistan

To do that, the Proteas would have to win their series against New Zealand next month 3-0.
Pakistan, meanwhile, move within striking distance of the top four in the world after leaping from 99 points to 108, just three behind India and Australia.
They also now hold a 10-point margin over sixth-placed Sri Lanka, their next Test opponents in May and June.

Read more at www.humarinews.com

Pak vs Eng: Pakistan whitewash England with third Test win

DUBAI: Pakistan's bowlers sealed an emphatic 71-run win in the third and final Test against England on Monday; inflicting a 3-0 series whitewash humiliation in the process.

Set a daunting 324-run target, England were bowled out for 252 with paceman Umar Gul taking 4-61 and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (4-67) to help Pakistan achieve a first-ever Test clean sweep against their opponents.

With the ball turning again it was always a difficult task for England's batsmen, who have been unable to play the Pakistani spinners throughout the series, on a weary fourth day pitch at Dubai Stadium.

Pakistan won the first Test by ten wickets and the second by 72 runs in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan have also become the first team to win a Test after being bowled out for under 100 since 1907 when England, shot out for 76, beat South Africa at Leeds.

It was England's seventh series whitewash, their first at the hands of Pakistan. Pakistan have now recorded five series whitewashes, their last coming in a 3-0 win over Bangladesh in 2003.

England's last series whitewash came in 2007 when they were routed by Australia 5-0.

So dominating have been Pakistanis spinners that Ajmal finished the series with 24 and Rehman with 19.

England, 89-2 at lunch, were still in with a chance with Alastair Cook (49) and Kevin Pietersen (18) batting well but they lost four wickets in the space of 84 runs. They went to tea at 173-6.

Pietersen, who struggled for runs in the series, hit Abdul Rehman for a boundary and then hoisted him for a six to post England's 100. But Ajmal struck from the other end.

The off-spinner produced a beautiful delivery to bowl Pietersen through the gate for 18. He had a mere 67 runs for the series during which he was out to spinners on five occasions.

In his next over, Ajmal produced another sharp turning delivery which caught the edge of Cook's bat and was smartly held by a diving Younis Khan in the lone slip.

Ian Bell (10) and Eoin Morgan (31) added 37 for the fifth wicket but again failed to produce a big score in the series as Gul dismissed them in the space of just three runs.

Pakistan took the second new ball at 196-6 and the first ball saw Gul dismissing Stuart Broad (18) and then Graeme Swann on one.

Matt Prior remained not out at 49 when Monty Panesar was dismissed by Rehman for nine.

England had looked for big partnerships after resuming at 36-0 but that never transpired.

Pakistan could have wrapped the match earlier had they not dropped two crucial catches, the first off Strauss on 26 when wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal grassed a simple chance off Gul.

But that didn't hurt Pakistan as Rehman trapped England captain in the very next over. Strauss challenged the decision by Australian umpire Steve Davis but his review failed.

Gul then let off Cook at 24 when he failed to hold a top-edge sweep off Rehman.

Cook had also benefited from a dropped catch on Saturday when Taufiq Umar let him off in the third slip off a miscued drive off Gul when he was four.

Ajmal then broke a dangerous looking 37-run stand between Cook and Jonathan Trott (18) by forcing a top-edge sweep which was smartly snapped up by Rehman at square-leg.

The teams will now play four one-day and three Twenty20 internationals.

Pakistan v England: Gul and Ajmal seal whitewash

England slumped to a 71-run defeat in the third Test in Dubai to suffer a series whitewash by Pakistan for the first time.

Set 324 to win, the England top order was undone by spin before Umar Gul (4-61) ripped through the middle order.
Alastair Cook (49) offered some resistance, only to succumb to off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (4-67).
Matt Prior showed late aggression and was unbeaten on 49 as England were bowled out for 252.

Pakistan Whitewashes England 3-0 defeated England by 71 Runs

Dubai - humari news, Pakistan defeated England by 71 runs in 3rd test against England and whitewashed England 3-0 in the series.This is a new record that a team who bowled out 99 in first inning and than defeated his opposite team in the match.Afridi congrates Pakistan team talking with HUMARI NEWS.He said that Pakistan team is going on a right path and Pakistan will now aiming to white wash England in ODI too.Pakistan team creates a history after whitewashing England.England is ICC TEST no.1 side.Defeating England and with whitewash is not a easily like eating a piece of cake.A team who defeated Australia , India is now defeated by ICC no.4 side PAKISTAN.Fans of Pakistan is now too much happy and glad with their teams performance against ICC no.1 test side England.

Pakistan required 1 more wicket to white wash England and creating a history

 Pakistan team requires only 1 wicket to create a history of 100 years that a team who all out in first inning defeats his opponent team.

The sunny disposition of Saeed Ajmal and the stiff-limbed tenacity of Abdur Rehman have tormented England throughout this Test series and there was the slimmest likelihood of escape at tea on the fourth day of the final Test in Dubai as Pakistan sought to inflict a whitewash upon England for the first time.

There was plentiful spin for Pakistan's spinners, leaping spin at times when the ball struck the rough, and England, still 151 runs short of victory with only four wickets remaining, looked bound for a 3-0 defeat in the series.

Ajmal, spinning the ball both ways, not extravagantly but often, dismissed Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook in the afternoon session, to add to Jonathan Trott before lunch. Rehman counted Andrew Strauss as his sole success as he bowled unchanged for two sessions, 30 overs sent down with unerring accuracy. He is the sort of spin bowler who looks slightly weary from the outset, but never noticeably tires after that.

Pietersen was bent upon playing enterprisingly. The first ball of the afternoon provided a reminder of his vulnerability when a bat-pad against Rehman flew high past short leg, but he had the fleeting satisfaction of striking him straight for six before Ajmal, from around the wicket, spun one through the gate and beamed at further bounty.

Cook put up statuesque resistance. Along the way he became the second youngest person, at 27 years and 43 days, to reach 6,000 Test runs. Only Sachin Tendulkar has reached the landmark at a younger age. His most attacking shot of the morning, a loft into the leg side against Rehman, caused the bowler to taunt him with applause. He lived on scraps, combating the turning ball with thoughtful defence and numerous works to the leg side and that proved his undoing as a leading edge was brilliantly held by Younis Khan, diving to his left at first slip.

The emphasis has been upon spin, but Umar Gul reminded England that the quicker bowlers should not be entirely discounted as he got the old ball to reverse swing as much as at any time in the series. Ian Bell's state of mind is such that a long hop is quite enough. He averaged more than 100 last summer, less than 10 in this series, and when Gul offered up a gift he mistimed it wide of point. The ball that dismissed Eoin Morgan, caught by the wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal, who embarked upon a merry dance, was of higher quality.

England, 36 runs banked the previous evening, needed a further 288 at the start of play. Strauss fell in the sixth over of the morning, lbw on the back foot to Rehman. That was lbw No. 42 in this three-Test series, one short of the all-time record for a series of any length. Strauss reviewed it, although it smacked of a captain's review and he would have been better to head smartly for the dressing room. But when it comes to captain's reviews Strauss cannot match Misbah-ul-Haq. Misbah has been lbw on five occasions in this series and he has taken a review every time. It must be a captain's prerogative.

Without lapses in the field, Pakistan could have been in a stronger position. They had dropped Cook the previous evening, a relatively simple chance to Taufeeq Umar at third slip and Gul's drop in the shadows of the stand at deep square gave him another reprieve as Pakistan lost the efficiency that has characterised their cricket throughout this series. Rehman made his frustration clear when he caught Trott at deep square as he flung the ball into the turf with feeling at the errors that had gone before.

Adnan's fumble behind the stumps to reprieve Strauss, although not costly as the England captain was out in the next over, was the worst miss of all. Adnan has had a good series behind the stumps and has the opportunity to be Pakistan's first-choice keeper for many years to come but his excitable chatter had reached a peak. As Pakistan press for victory, it is in danger of becoming counterproductive. Strauss' edge flew to him at comfortable height but he put it down. For a few minutes he was quiet and you could hear your ears ringing.

Adnan's cacophony of cries often rent the air for inexplicable reasons. As do parrots, Adnan vocalises for many reasons. He may be excitedly greeting the day or summoning his family at sunset. He may be screeching when he is excited or when he is merely trying it on. He may screech when he thinks things have got too quiet or when he thinks it is his duty to scream. He just likes screeching. At one point he burst out coughing as if in sore need of a lozenge and Trott looked at him in deadpan fashion.

Adnan is also incorrigibly optimistic about reviewing umpiring decisions. "Do it, do it, yes, yes, all good," you can sense him saying. Misbah has learned not to take his evidence into consideration and looks askance at him. But Pakistan challenged umpire Steve Davis' not-out ruling when Ajmal beat Cook on the sweep. Hawk-Eye showed that the ball pitched outside leg. There again, disturbingly, it seems that Hawk-Eye also cannot read Ajmal's doosra, probably because it is English.

DRS, the flaws within

I remember when the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS or DRS as it’s more commonly known) was introduced to cricket back in November 2009; I was very excited at the prospect of seeing cricket decisions getting rectified in the correct manner. Has the DRS helped cricket in making the right calls? No, not in my view. Though, not a failure it has not been a scorching success it should have been. There are a few reasons behind this and the faults are in the hands of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the umpires, the cricket boards and captain and players alike.

If we solely focus on the present Pakistan V England series, there has been so many DRS errors, I have lost count. The players have taken some absolutely diabolical reviews; some were not even remotely close. The players need to realise, that the DRS system was introduced to rectify the blunders, not for them to review as and when. This was one reason, why the ODI’s quota of reviews available to each team reduced, to stop the useless time wasting. Captains and players alike need to be more careful on their reviews, though umpires do not help their cause whatsoever.

The umpires at this present time look to me over reliant on the DRS system. If they make an error, they know they won’t be crucified as much because the players have a chance to rectify that error, by using a review. The umpires, are human and prone to errors, though shouldn’t abuse their position of authority and think they are safe as a result of a system like this.

The ICC have had a major role to play in all this. They decided to bring in the DRS and its various aspects. Firstly, the Hot-spot is not 100% reliable. Apart from costing a large amount of money; in severe heat it doesn’t detect the faint nicks. The place that the Hot-Spot is available is limited, so apart from close in fielders blocking the view a long stride or a high bouncer can mean the point of contact (or non contact) is not in the picture. The snicko is a innovation that has not been used, but is a cheaper and more viable option in my opinion. The snicko would detect any sound if a edge was taken, why it has been ignored is most beyond my knowledge. To the ICC’s credit a laser innovation is in the process of getting made, which they claim is more reliable, but again the cost will be a huge factor.

DRS was innovated mostly for the edges and sorts, but has become a circus for leg before decisions. This is where the Hawk-Eye come’s into effect. Three reds and a batsman is out, one green and his not out. I have no problem with them two aspects, but the third light, the gold one, is a stinker. As I keep emphasising, the DRS was made to eradicate umpire errors, all the umpires call has done is made the umpire look as though he has made the correct call. In the Pakistan, England series we have seen number of decisions that have stayed on the umpires call when they should not have done. Take two identical deliveries, if the umpire says out to one it stays out and not-out to the other that decision also stays. Totally unfair, to say the least. Hawk-Eye is a great innovation, but needs to be used in the correct manner. Below are my recommendations for it, so it is used in eradicating mistakes and not simply trying to justify a umpire‘s decision:

1. Abolish the Umpires call completely and only use ‘out’ and ‘not out’.
2. If the ball is pitching / hitting inline and hitting the stumps by more than 50% of the size of the ball then it is out, otherwise it is not out. Any less than 50% of the ball, means we can’t be 100% sure that it is out.
3. The conversation between the on-field umpire and the third umpire should be made public, like it is in Rugby. This engages the viewers and we are clear on why a decision has been taken.

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has taken a stance of complete non-approval of the DRS system. Though as highlighted, it has it’s flaws, the BCCI are not right in their stance. They have not given it a chance. The hawk-Eye is a must in sub-continent conditions. The bounce is low and the batsman can’t leave the ball on length like they would do in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or England. Batter’s have always looked to pad up and play long innings, the DRS stops this. What is the BCCI’s problem? Maybe knowing it doesn’t suit their batsman it might be. Whatever it is, it’s not good for the game. Neither is a half DRS, for that matter and until some changes are made to the present system, a debate will always arise. The correct decision, in my opinion, is more important than the integrity of a umpire. Once the decisions are made correct, more often, people will naturally start to support the umpires.

Pakistan is going to whitewash England: Afridi

KARACHI: Pakistan's former captain and flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi feels the team is capable of handing out a 3-0 whitewash to world number one England given the way it dominated the first two Tests.

Pakistan enjoy an unassailable 2-0 lead over the English. "I think Pakistan will complete a clean sweep in the third Test. They can whitewash England," Afridi told reporters at a function to launch the autobiography of former chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed.

Afridi said Pakistan enjoyed a psychological hold over the English batsmen.

"I see this series as the best opportunity for Pakistan to win the series 3-0. As they keep on winning they are getting hungrier for success and that is always the first sign of a team turning into a top class side," he said.

"Another good thing is that all the players realise their responsibility and are contributing and supporting each other on the field."

The all-rounder, who will join the team for the one-day and Twenty20 matches against England from next week, said Pakistani players have made winning a habit.

"After winning the first two Tests, the morale and confidence in the team is very high," he added.

Afridi, who was captain of the one-day side until last May, said that the way Pakistan are improving, they could soon match the feats of other great teams.

"Pakistan has the potential to be as good as the Australians were at one time," he said.

The man of crises, the superman of Pakistan team - Younis Khan

After getting bundled out in the first innings for a paltry 99, Pakistan bounced back in the second with a commanding 180-run lead. The chief architect of this act Younis Khan, came into this game amid heavy scrutiny as he had failed to make a compelling impact on the series thus far.


Walking in with Pakistan hanging by the thread at 28 for 2, he got off the mark with an inside edge down to backward square. The enormity of the challenge he faced could be judged by the fact that it had been raining wickets since Day 1.


These were testing times for Pakistan. While all were busy making assumptions and predictions of a meagre total, Younis and Azhar silently resolved to take advantage of a pitch that was flattening out and take Pakistan to a secure position heading into Day 3.


It took Younis 20 balls to stroke his first boundary, an elegant straight drive presenting full face of the bat off Stuart Broad. Along with Azhar Ali, he showed true grit and determination in crafting an astounding revival in this innings.


Throughout his innings, he rarely gave the bowlers or DRS a chance to dislodge him. Younis presented the perfect technique of extricating yourself from frailties of the DRS system. Confidence was oozing from his stroke play as he punished anything short or wide from the bowlers. Younis was particularly good against spin bowlers, making use of his favorite sweep shot astutely.


Stauss’s applause for Younis Khan and Azhar Ali, as they marched off the ground clearly indicated a day bossed by the king who registered 20^th century under his belt with a strike rate of 58.97 in this innings.


In a broader perspective, Younis’s innings may well make Pakistan the first team since 1907, to win a test after being bundled out for less than a 100 runs in the first innings of a Test match. For now though, in a series which has failed to enchant the batsmen Younis Khan along with Azhar Ali has played a pivotal role in ascertaining Pakistan’s dominance over England.

Azhar 50 & Younis' century puts Pakistan in control

Close Pakistan 99 and 222 for 2 (Younis 115*, Azhar 75*) lead England 141 (Strauss 56, Rehman 5-40) by 180 runs

	Younis Khan scored the first century of this series to put Pakistan in the driving seat in the third Test © Getty Images
Related Links Matches: England v Pakistan at Dubai (DSC) Series/Tournaments: England tour of United Arab Emirates Teams: England | Pakistan Gallery: Younis, Azhar seize control for Pakistan

The first hundred of this Test series was a long time in coming but it was well worth the wait. It went to Younis Khan. His enduring talent has again lifted Pakistan's expectations that they can achieve their first whitewash in a Test series against England.

When Younis came to the crease shortly before lunch on the second day, he was out of form, 22 wickets had fallen for 268 runs and batsmen on both sides were in mental turmoil over a record number of lbw decisions in a three-Test series. Not another wicket fell all day.

By the close, Younis had 115, his third-wicket stand with Azhar Ali was worth 194 in 72 overs and Pakistan's lead was 180. Some Pakistan fans held aloft a banner stating that Pakistan's target was to be the No. 1 Test side in the world. England can confirm it is an uncomfortable place to be.

Whenever mutterings are heard that his Test career is nearing an end, Younis comes up with something special. England tried to bowl straight, seeking to add to the 37 lbws in the series (the record in any length of series is 43) but the pitch was slow and the sound of ball against pad was conspicuous by its absence as Younis worked the ball serenely through the leg side.

It is only two months since Younis took an unbeaten double hundred off Bangladesh in Chittagong and his serenity flooded back. Both he and Azhar, whose restrained unbeaten 75 again identified him as a talent in the making, read the line confidently, their footwork was crisp and on the rare occasions Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann matched the turn found by Pakistan's left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, they had the skill to adjust to the ball off the pitch.

England imagined they might have dismissed Azhar lbw, on 70, just before the close when Swann found turn around leg stump. Umpire Simon Taufel said no, England reviewed, more in hope than expectation, but to the consternation of the fielding side Hawk-Eye showed the ball going too high. Pakistan's lead was 168 and England had not got the break they desperately needed. Andrew Strauss, an England captain with no time to waste, even took the new ball two overs before the close.

Younis' second 50 took 60 balls and changed the complexion of the match. His gathering confidence was illustrated when he twice reverse-swept Swann as England's spinners resorted to bowling into the rough outside leg stump. Two short balls from Panesar helped him through the 90s. When he swept Panesar to reach his 20th Test hundred, two greats of India's past, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, were moved to rise from their seats in the VIP area and applaud.

But the incident that will most trouble England was one of the rare balls Younis missed: a delivery from Panesar that pitched on middle, dislodged a piece of turf as it spun past the outside edge, and cracked Anderson on the left shoulder at first slip. This is a dry pitch and it can be expected to turn extravagantly as the match progresses.

It all possessed a different feel to the pre-lunch session. Six more wickets tumbled on the second morning, with England scraping a first-innings lead of 42 and then removing Pakistan's openers. Taufeeq Umar's technical frailties were again evident as James Anderson bowled one from wide on the crease to have him caught by Strauss at first slip. Mohammad Hafeez, after striking Panesar cleanly for a straight six, fell lbw to an over-ambitious sweep.

England's batting frailties are now so extreme that their average of 17.84 runs per wicket is currently lower than in any completed series since the 19th century, an era when the roller was probably pulled by a horse, if they could find a horse, and the art of groundsmanship extended to little more than pushing the stumps in.

England began the series fretting about the mysterious spin bowling of Saeed Ajmal but they are ending it baffled by the conventional approach of Rehman, who took five wickets for the second successive innings as Pakistan restricted England's first-innings lead. This canny left-arm spinner, enjoying unforeseen riches in his late-blooming career, had performed the sajda on the outfield in Abu Dhabi when he took five Test wickets in an innings for the first time. Once again he fell to his knees.

England, resuming on 104 for 6, lasted 12 overs. Anderson, the night-watchman, propped forward to the last ball of the first over and was bowled through the gate. It was the sort of respectable, turning delivery Rehman has produced on countless occasions and suddenly it looked unplayable.

Stuart Broad hinted at positive intent but he was lbw to Ajmal after Pakistan turned to DRS to overturn Steve Davis' not-out decision. Broad was straight back to the laptop, analysing his dismissal, seeking answers. Another centimetre and he would have been outside the line. Umpires would never give anybody out on such small margins; technology does.

Andrew Strauss' prolonged resistance ended at eight-down, to his most adventurous shot. He had extended his overnight 41 to 56 when he came down the pitch to hit Rehman over the legside and was stumped by Adnan Akmal.

Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers

Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers

Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium
Saturday, February 04, 2012, 13:00

By Richard Clarke
"We have a good opportunity to come back into the top four now," said Arsène Wenger at the end of his interview with Arsenal Player on Friday.
"We have been in the Champions League for the last 14 years and I hope it will always stay like that.

"We accept the fans' feelings and we can understand that they are disappointed when you do not win every single game. But this is a chance to show that they are altogether and behind the team until the end of the season.

"We are in this fight. We can still turn it into a great season and, at the end, we will accept our judgment.

"But this club has been built on togetherness, on fighting together - that is what you want."

It was the Arsenal manager rolling up his sleeves for the final few months of the season - and asking supporters to do likewise.

Given that approach, perhaps it is fitting that Blackburn are the visitors to Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The 4-3 defeat at Ewood Park was a lowlight of the campaign and victory in the return game would be as redemptive as it would timely.

Chelsea (fourth) and Liverpool (fifth) play top-three teams later over the weekend. An early kick-off in North London allows Arsenal to place pressure on those directly above them. A difficult 2012 has created a gap, it must be closed quickly.

Of course the draw at Bolton on Wednesday actually sustained Arsenal's five-point deficit from that fourth and final Champions League place - even though they dropped a couple of places. The manager knows that the former is the most important issue right now.

"I don't look at the table," he said. "Never. Even when we are in front I never look at the table because I know where we are. It's very tight."

Aside from a minor knock to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wenger has no injury concerns from the game at the Reebok Stadium but the tight turnaround in fixtures means he may shuffle his side. At his pre-match press conference, the manager did not even rule out resting Robin van Persie - and the Dutchman is surely the first name on the teamsheet right now.

Blackburn have spent only two weeks out of the relegation zone all season and Steve Kean has shouldered his fair share of criticism. However they are showing relatively positive signs. In their last three away games in the Premier League they have beaten Manchester United and drawn at the Merseyside clubs. However the statistics suggest Arsenal will score; Blackburn are the only side who have failed to keep a clean sheet this season.

That will not be helped by the absence of towering defender Christopher Samba while Yakubu, whose goals have sparked a mini-revival, sees out the final game of his suspension after being sent off against Fulham on January 14.

"They have had a decent run," said Wenger. "But they have just lost against Newcastle so let's hope we can take advantage of that. Certainly it was a physical game for them as well and we will be highly focused to do well.

"It was a bad defeat for us up there [in September] because we were in a position where we were in front and, at the end, we lost the game. It cost us contact with the top four in that period."

A win in the return game could represent reattachment at one of the most crucial parts of the campaign. After this weekend, Arsenal's next six weeks will be filled with fixtures against rivals for a Champions League spot (Liverpool, Spurs, Newcastle), two fixtures in two competitions against the Premier League's in-form side (Sunderland, assuming they get past Middlesbrough in an FA Cup reply) and a massive two-legged tie against Milan.

"Of course [February is crucial]," concluded Wenger. "But the next game is always the most important and it is a good opportunity for us to have a good weekend if we win the game.

"So let's focus on that."

Team news:

Arsenal: Jenkinson (back), Santos (ankle), Wilshere (ankle), Diaby (hamstring) Gervinho (Africa Cup of Nations duty).

Blackburn: Goodwillie (doubt - sick), Salgado (rib), Grella (hip), Yakubu (suspended).

Random facts:

In the 4-3 defeat at Ewood Park on September 17, Arsenal had 23 shots, nine on target. Blackburn had eight shots, four on target.

In the 14 games this season in which their opponents have scored first, Blackburn have gained just five points.

Blackburn have failed to score four times in 23 matches. The same record as Arsenal.

Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in 12 games against Blackburn.

Blackburn have lost only five of their last 15 away games in the Premier League.

Novak Djokovic won Australian Open Final 2012

Novak Djokovic won his third Australian Open title when he beat Rafael Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 in an epic encounter on Sunday in Melbourne that lasted almost six hours.

After trading breaks early in the final set, Djokovic got the decisive break of serve in the 11th game and came out at 6-5 to serve for the match.

He finally closed out the match at 1:40am Melbourne time, after the longest grand slam final in history.

FOURTH SET

Rafael Nadal saved three break points in the eighth game of the fourth set then waited out a 10-minute rain break before he levelled the Australian Open final against Novak Djokovic on Sunday by taking the fourth set 7-6.

Nadal had been facing the distinct possibility of defeat within five minutes when he was reduced to 0-40 while trailling 3-4 in the set but produced a fantastic backhand pass and three massive serves to claw his way back into the match, which prompted the crowd to break into tumultuous chants of "Rafa".

The players were then forced off the court as officials shut the roof on Rod Laver Arena after rain swept across central Melbourne and the ball boys and girls scrambled around on their knees with towels to dry the court.

Nadal then fed off the crowd that had swung behind him and, after seemingly being down and out, returned to his fist-pumping, competitive best and took the tiebreak 7-5 to send the match into a decider.

There will be no tie-breaker in the fifth set.

THIRD SET

Djokovic had raced through the third set 6-2 as he began to wear the Spaniard down.

Djokovic set the tone when he blasted through the first game and held serve to love and while he had no break points on Nadal's first service game of the set, the Spaniard was forced to battle as the Serb forced three deuce points.

The world No 1 continued the pressure on Nadal's serve in the fourth game when he sealed the important break and then consolidated for a 4-1 lead when he again held his own serve to love.

Djokovic, who was stepping inside the court and attacking Nadal's top-spin forehand while compelling the Spaniard to play from deep behind the baseline, again pressured Nadal on serve then held his own serve to love to take a 5-2 lead.

He sealed the set when he broke Nadal to love in the next game and the momentum had definitely swung towards the defending champion.

Djokovic only dropped two points on serve in the 45-minute third set.

SECOND SET

Djokovic's powerful forehand finally started to find its range as grabbed the second set 6-4 to level the match.

The Serb also put pressure on Nadal's serve at every opportunity and broke in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead.

Nadal, though, had won the point of the match when he produced a stunning running backhand top-spin drive down the line that brought the crowd to their feet after a 15-shot rally that swept back and forth across the court.

Djokovic was serving for the set but was broken when he held two set points before he seized back the initiative in the next game and broke Nadal again to level when the Spaniard served his second double fault.

FIRST SET

Nadal broke the world No 1 twice in an error-ridden first set before he won it 7-5 to take the early lead.

Djokovic suffered a slight scare in the fourth game when he went over on his right ankle after attempting a slide, and went down to his haunches before he began to flex and roll it in circles at the end of the game.

Both players failed to really settle or stamp their authority on the match, though Djokovic had more opportunities to break the Spaniard's serve.

After breaking in the fifth game Nadal had to fight off Djokovic twice before the Serb broke in the eighth game, though Nadal seized back the advantage in the 11th game and sealed the opener on his third set point when a backhand return floated long.

پاکستانی فتح،برطانوی و بھارتی میڈیاکی تعریف

لندن: ٹیسٹ کرکٹ کی سرفہرست انگلینڈ  اور ورلڈ کپ فاتح   بھارت  کی ٹیموں  کی پاکستان اور آسٹریلیا  کے ہاتھوں بدترین شکست  کھلاڑیوں کے لئے بدنامی کا سبب بن گئی برطانوی اور بھارتی میڈیا  نے  گرین شرٹ سے  سبق سیکھنے کی تلقین کردیں ۔

برطانوی اخباردی سن کا کہنا ہے کہ دنیا کی نمبر ون ٹیم انگلینڈ کے بلے باز عبدالرحمان کے سامنے بھیگی بلی بنے رہے، انہیں اس کی گھومتی ہوئی گیندوں کی بالکل سمجھ نہیں آ رہی تھی۔

بھارتی اخبار ٹائمز اف انڈیا کا کہنا ہے کہ انگلش کھلاڑیوں نے پاکستانی سپنرز کے سامنے گھٹنے ٹیک دیئے، اخبار کا کہنا ہے کہ مسلسل نو سریز جیت کر نمبر ون انگلینڈ کیلئے یہ ایک بھیانک شکست ہے۔

برطانوی اخبار ٹیلی گراف نے لکھا ہے کہ ٹیسٹ میچوں میں پاکستان کے خلاف انگلینڈ کا یہ ابتک کا سب سے کم ترین سکور ہے۔

اخبار گارڈین کا کہنا ہے کہ عام خیال تھا کہ انگلینڈ میچ جیت جائے گا لیکن جس طرح اس کی اخری پانچ وکٹیں صرف چار رنز پر گر گیئں وہ حیران کن ہے۔

بھارتی اخبارات  نے دھونی الیون کو مشورہ دیا کہ وہ  پاکستان کی  موجودہ کارکردگی سے سبق حاصل کرئے کہ اس نے کس طرح  انگلینڈ کی ٹیم کو شکست سے دوچار کیا ہے۔

یاد رہے کہ بھارت  کو آسٹریلیا  نے وائٹ واش  شکست سے دوچار کیا ہے جس کے باعث کئی سپر اسٹار کھلاڑیوں  کو تنقید کا سامنا کرنا پڑ رہاہے۔
Courtesy The News Tribe