Pakistan continue to bring a refreshing non-corporate, non-stereotypical X-factor to cricket, both on and off the field. The cricket world would be so much duller without them.
I still chuckle when I think of a Test match about 12 years ago in Sydney where Aus chased down a big total on the last day. Kamran Akmal the keeper missed a few chances on that last day and there was talk of him being dropped for the next test. In no other team in the world would you get a response like the one from Kamran's brother, Umar Akmal, "If Kamran don't play, I don't play".
Dear Ayush, I really want to thank you for taking the time to respond - and apologise for my tardiness in replying. For a few days I had a problem 'logging in' to my own website, and being the technical Luddite that I am, I was unable to tackle it. Anyway, it appears to sort have sorted itself out now! And yes, at least for an hour in the evening I was able to escape the repetitive humdrum of the routine and chat away... I enjoy your feedback very much. Will respond timeously in future.
David, that made me laugh out loud. Which sounds peculiar when you're alone in your hotel room. I actually think Big Vern might prove oto be an inspired (if left-field) choice but I'm considerably less convinced by Hayden. He talks in riddled gibberish at the best of times leaving the Pakistan batsmen to overcome a double language barrier.
Pakistan continue to bring a refreshing non-corporate, non-stereotypical X-factor to cricket, both on and off the field. The cricket world would be so much duller without them.
I still chuckle when I think of a Test match about 12 years ago in Sydney where Aus chased down a big total on the last day. Kamran Akmal the keeper missed a few chances on that last day and there was talk of him being dropped for the next test. In no other team in the world would you get a response like the one from Kamran's brother, Umar Akmal, "If Kamran don't play, I don't play".
Hope that while writing these diaries you were able to escape some of the insanity that sets in 'the bubble'. Thanks a lot.
Dear Ayush, I really want to thank you for taking the time to respond - and apologise for my tardiness in replying. For a few days I had a problem 'logging in' to my own website, and being the technical Luddite that I am, I was unable to tackle it. Anyway, it appears to sort have sorted itself out now! And yes, at least for an hour in the evening I was able to escape the repetitive humdrum of the routine and chat away... I enjoy your feedback very much. Will respond timeously in future.
Rameez has his commentator buddies on speed- dial :) . Safe travels home.
David, that made me laugh out loud. Which sounds peculiar when you're alone in your hotel room. I actually think Big Vern might prove oto be an inspired (if left-field) choice but I'm considerably less convinced by Hayden. He talks in riddled gibberish at the best of times leaving the Pakistan batsmen to overcome a double language barrier.