Let’s not blame batsmen if Pakistan and South Africa finish test matches on 3rd or 4th day by losing all 40 wickets in a match and if one-dayers do not go beyond 35th over as world’s best bowlers are playing in South Africa and batsmen will truly be on their toes during this series. South African batsmen will be, however in a better position to face the lethal attack because of the home advantage but Junaid’s penetration, Irfan’s speed, Gul’s accuracy, Ajmal’s variety, Hafeez’s consistency and Rehman’s perfection will keep on testing Proteas’ nerves in next couple of month. Morne Morkel, Steyn and Philander will keep tickling Pakistan’s batting line up which, on a given day resists very well.
Pakistan’s pace battery has already shown its class against India in its recent tour. World’s best sports brains speak high about Pakistani bowlers like;
Wasim Akram says, “Irfan complete package hay, us nay tu sab ko hila k rakh diya hay”
Younis Khan speaks, “We’ve hopefully found another good left-arm fast-bowler, someone like Wasim Akram. Junaid’s keen and wants to do well…”
And Harsha Bhogle tweets,“where do you guys in Pakistan grow your fast bowlers? This Mohammad Irfan can become a serious bowler! 7ft 1 in!!”
Muhammad Irfan’s toe breaker to Yuvraj Singh, confidence shaking bouncer to Gambhir and Junaid Khan’s opening spell in first ODI against India is still fresh in the memories of the spectators.
For Years, West Indian fast bowlers remained a threat for the hosting nations and so were the Pakistani pacers. From Fazal Mahmood to Umar Gul, Pakistan has produced genuine fast bowlers who have earned victories for the country when the opponent was happy and contented with home advantage such as;
1. Pakistan’s first pacer Fazal Mahmood earned historical victories against India and England while touring both the countries in 1952 & 1954 respectively. Lucknow and The Oval are the eye-witness of those amazing spells where pacer’s contribution was 12/99 and 12/94. English media celebrated young fast bowler’s performance with the phrase “We have been Fazaled”.
2. And then comes, Sarfaraz Nawaz whose 9/86 at Melbourne (which includes 7 wickets for 1 run) remained a shock for the Australians until they got to know what exactly reverse swing was. It was another example of pushing the hosts on backfoot by giving outstanding performance.
3. Imran Khan was a real threat to any batsman’s career when he was at his full swing. Imran leveled the series against dangerous Windies by taking 21 wickets in 3 matches while playing in the West Indies in 1988. He was the only Pakistani captain who beat India in India and England in England with his exceptional bowling and best bowlers. His unique indipper to Vishwanath is still remembered by many. Imran and the famous two Ws have a long list of winning abroad.
4. Wasim made both the test hat-tricks by beating the hosting nation Sri Lanka and won the first ever Asian Test Championship. Wasim’s 2 deadly inswingers at Melbourne in the final of the World Cup 92 turned the table. “We have been Akramized” echoed this time in commentary box. His career best bowling 7/119 in test was also against the hosts (New Zealand).
5. Waqar’s reverse swing, toe breakers, banana swings and lethal swinging Yorkers were a treat to watch. All of them were highlighted by the hosting media who tried to rescue their batsmen in 1992 when Pakistan was touring England. Ws shared 43 wickets to earn a memorable 2-1 series victory and same performance was repeated in 1996 against the same opponent at same place. Two Ws were even unplayable when they were playing in England, Australia or South Africa.
6. Shoaib got fame for his speed when he broke “The Wall” and caused first Golden Duck for The Little Master” on two consecutive deliveries. In first match of the Asian Test Championship in 1999, Dravid and Tendulkar were completely deceived by the world’s fastest bowler’s speed. Pakistan won the match and the championship later on. The match was played in Delhi India.
7. Pakistan’s bad boys Amir and Asif were also great speedsters. Their last series was the best series of their careers which was played against England in England. Amir was declared Man of the Series in that series (2010). And Muhammad Asif remained unplayable on bouncing and seaming tracks especially the very series.
8. Umar Gul lead the pace battery of Pakistan in the absence of Amir and Asif. He kept the tale of great fast bowling going. Gul became every captain’s first choice for death overs. His 5/6 against New Zealand in a T-20 match made his visible at the highest level. Gul’s victims are known as “Guldozzed”.
9. And it’s Junaid’s and Irfan’s turn to keep the tale of outstanding fast bowlers going while playing abroad as they are having experienced Gul and young Tanveer and Rahat with them to assist…
In current series… Yes, there are Smith, Kallis, Amla… Yes, there are Misbah, Younis and Asad, and Yes there are Ajmal, Hafeez and Rehman to celebrate moments but spectators will be waiting for South Africa to be Irfaned, Junaided & Gulled… To get best out of the series, I would rather suggest not to focus on results but to enjoy genuine fast bowlers of both the sides.
