unrealized potential

Dowders_Jnr

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Which players at international level, of immense ability, do you you think have come nowhere near realizing their potential?

When I think of this the first name that nearly always comes to my mind is Shahid Afridi.

For me, he is arguably the worlds most explosive player on his day. But he's never really become the great player he should have. Of course he is still only young, even though it feels like he's been around forever. His over compulsive style and lack of maturity has accounted for him perhaps not becoming what he should be up to this point. But in the last year I though he was really getting it together. All aspects of his game are fantastic.

Then all of a sudden, he announces that he is retiring "temporarily" from Test cricket! Apparently he wants to concentrate on getting ready for the World Cup. He also cited the heavy international schedules as playing a role. After the WC he says he would reconsider coming back to Test cricket.

Now this is a guy who has only played 22 Tests, compared to a much younger player like Pathan who I believe has comfortably passed that number already. Surely if Afridi is to become a great player and realize his full potential, he needs to dedicate himself to Test cricket as well as ODI's.

I find his decision completely baffling, but then he is baffling.
 
He's Asian, they think ODIs are more important than Tests.

But seriously, the thing about Afridi is he is a very good one day player, but not a very good test player. IMO, his technique is not up to it, he is capable of getting high scores very quickly, but with his technique a good bowler can find him out. Decent player but will never be top class.
 
Afridi is a slogger.

There is no 'technique' to his game and never has been.The only things he relies upon when he plays is getting some sort of contact on it, good running down the wicket, and a massive slog swing.

He has about as much potential as an Elephant.

And he chucks.
 
Dowders_Jnr said:
Which players at international level, of immense ability, do you you think have come nowhere near realizing their potential?

When I think of this the first name that nearly always comes to my mind is Shahid Afridi.

For me, he is arguably the worlds most explosive player on his day. But he's never really become the great player he should have. Of course he is still only young, even though it feels like he's been around forever. His over compulsive style and lack of maturity has accounted for him perhaps not becoming what he should be up to this point. But in the last year I though he was really getting it together. All aspects of his game are fantastic.

Then all of a sudden, he announces that he is retiring "temporarily" from Test cricket! Apparently he wants to concentrate on getting ready for the World Cup. He also cited the heavy international schedules as playing a role. After the WC he says he would reconsider coming back to Test cricket.

Now this is a guy who has only played 22 Tests, compared to a much younger player like Pathan who I believe has comfortably passed that number already. Surely if Afridi is to become a great player and realize his full potential, he needs to dedicate himself to Test cricket as well as ODI's.

I find his decision completely baffling, but then he is baffling.
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He made his debut in 1996-97 and scored that 37 ball century when he was 16 or 17.He's 26 or something now.And he's shite as ever.If its his lucky day he manages to slog slog slog and reach a quickfire 50 or 60.

Only a ODI player...and that too for the 'oh 434!!they chased 434!' crowd.No doubt he is an entertainer though, a livewire on the field and a brillaint fielder.

But there's no fecking way you can mention him in the same breath as Pathan.That kid is class...and will be one of the best players in 2 to 3 years.
 
Afridi announces 'retirement' from Tests

Osman Samiuddin

April 12, 2006



Shahid Afridi: opting out of Test cricket and will miss the Tests against England.


Shahid Afridi has announced a temporary 'retirement' from Test cricket. In an announcement that caught many in Pakistan by complete surprise, Afridi said that he was planning to concentrate only on ODI cricket to ready himself for the World Cup in 2007. But, in a typically Pakistani twist, Afridi said that he would reconsider his 'retirement' from Tests after the World Cup.

Speaking to Cricinfo, Afridi played down the news: "It's not such a big decision. I want to concentrate on one form of cricket till the World Cup and that is ODIs. I will reconsider the decision to play Tests after the World Cup. As it is there aren't too many Tests till the World Cup so it isn't such a big deal." Pakistan are due to play at least nine Tests between now and next March.
 
The format he has chosen to take retirement from is particularly surprising given that in the last year, Afridi has become one of Pakistan's most valuable Test players. In fact, since his recall to the Test squad in January last year against Australia, in ten Tests, he has averaged 47.44 with four hundreds and three fifties. Some of his innings, such as the 58 against India in Bangalore last March, have changed the course of the Test and with 23 wickets, he finally appeared settled in the Test side.

Cricinfo
 
DONADO said:
I don't see why anyone gives a feck anyway.
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He would be one cricketer I would postpone going to the bathroom for...
 
DONADO said:
He made his debut in 1996-97 and scored that 37 ball century when he was 16 or 17.He's 26 or something now.And he's shite as ever.If its his lucky day he manages to slog slog slog and reach a quickfire 50 or 60.

Only a ODI player...and that too for the 'oh 434!!they chased 434!' crowd.No doubt he is an entertainer though, a livewire on the field and a brillaint fielder.

But there's no fecking way you can mention him in the same breath as Pathan.That kid is class...and will be one of the best players in 2 to 3 years.
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feck-stick....did I say he was as good as Pathan or otherwise? No.

I made a comparison that a player who is 26 and seemingly contented with his contribution to the Test scene thus far has decided to go into (temporary) exile. Pathan, who is 21 has already played more Test matches, inspite of the considerable age difference. Pathan has looked much more likely to reach his potential and go beyond that.

I'm not eulogizing Afridi, or calling him a great player. That is the purpose of what I'm saying, he's got nowhere close despite his obvious talents, which extend beyond what he does with the bat. I also recall saying that his batting style is what has held him back all these years coupled with his immaturity. Though more recently, under Woolmer it looked like perhaps we might be seeing a new mature Afridi, then this news.
 
Afridi failed to realize his potential mainly because of chopping and changing of coaches. by the PCB. Incidently Afridi had a great run with the bat in the test matches when Miandad was in his first stint as the coach.

The Aussies during the 90's used the technique of allowing players to develop in the shorter version for some time before throwing them in to Test matches. Mark Waugh, McGrath, Ponting, Gillespie were able to make it but some others like Bevan, Lee and Reifiel failed - but still they were one day specialists. Even the Indians followed the same technique to develop players like Yuvraj, Kaif etc.
 
Sultan said:
The format he has chosen to take retirement from is particularly surprising given that in the last year, Afridi has become one of Pakistan's most valuable Test players. In fact, since his recall to the Test squad in January last year against Australia, in ten Tests, he has averaged 47.44 with four hundreds and three fifties. Some of his innings, such as the 58 against India in Bangalore last March, have changed the course of the Test and with 23 wickets, he finally appeared settled in the Test side.

Cricinfo
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Ssshhh, Sultan, you'll blow Donado's 'slogger/chucker' arguments out of the water with silly facts like these. Let me just enjoy Donado's comments, they're bitter and funny - like him. ;)
 
Sultan said:
He would be one cricketer I would postpone going to the bathroom for...
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Exactly, he is the Naseem Hameed of cricket. You know he's not as good as he should be but there is not a true cricket fan who will not postpone being late for work/going out/to the loo when he comes in to bat!

But heck what have the Romans ever done for us? :lol:
 
Dubai_Devil said:
He's Asian, they think ODIs are more important than Tests.
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Or.....Asians are the ones with the financially-oriented brains. They know where the money is. The five day version of the game is the FA Cup of modern day cricket. It used to to be the best competition in the world...now its dying. Mourn it and get over it.
 
Dumpstar said:
Or.....Asians are the ones with the financially-oriented brains. They know where the money is. The five day version of the game is the FA Cup of modern day cricket. It used to to be the best competition in the world...now its dying. Mourn it and get over it.
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Bellend.
 
Dumpstar said:
Or.....Asians are the ones with the financially-oriented brains. They know where the money is. The five day version of the game is the FA Cup of modern day cricket. It used to to be the best competition in the world...now its dying. Mourn it and get over it.
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What a cretin.
 
It's like saying feck proper music, because there's more money to be made out of commerical/manufactured music. Everyone buys the stuff, which means it's the way to go.

Sames goes for mainstream Hollywood. feck art house/independant films, because mainstream popcorn cinema pulls in all the crowds and makes the cash. Really, this ODI stuff is a kin to all that and McDonalds.

Money money money!!
 
:eek:

Shocking responses Spoony and Slabber. I'm offended.

I'm not saying I like the idea Test Cricket is dying, but along with you guys I'll have to mourn it and get over it.

How many of you shed a tear in 1992 when premiership football stuck two fingers up at the maligned FA Cup competition?
 
Spoony said:
It's like saying feck proper music, because there's more money to be made out of commerical/manufactured music. Everyone buys the stuff, which means it's the way to go.

Sames goes for mainstream Hollywood. feck art house/independant films, because mainstream popcorn cinema pulls in all the crowds and makes the cash. Really, this ODI stuff is a kin to all that and McDonalds.

Money money money!!
Click to expand...

And it doesn't even hold true in the UK where the attendances for Tests are equally good, and the TV rights for Test matches are worth considerably more...
 
Dumpstar said:
Or.....Asians are the ones with the financially-oriented brains. They know where the money is. The five day version of the game is the FA Cup of modern day cricket. It used to to be the best competition in the world...now its dying. Mourn it and get over it.
Click to expand...

:wenger:
 
Dumpstar said:
:eek:

Shocking responses Spoony and Slabber. I'm offended.

I'm not saying I like the idea Test Cricket is dying, but along with you guys I'll have to mourn it and get over it.

How many of you shed a tear in 1992 when premiership football stuck two fingers up at the maligned FA Cup competition?
Click to expand...

Test cricket is alive and well. Did you see the Ashes last summer?

It's only on the subcontinent where it's on the wane. Because the punters have the attention spans of goldfish.
 
Slabber said:
Because the punters have the attention spans of goldfish.
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Betting must have something to do with it.

Billions of pounds are bet on each game.
 
Dumpstar said:
:eek:

Shocking responses Spoony and Slabber. I'm offended.

I'm not saying I like the idea Test Cricket is dying, but along with you guys I'll have to mourn it and get over it.

How many of you shed a tear in 1992 when premiership football stuck two fingers up at the maligned FA Cup competition?
Click to expand...


It's still the same game, you fecking bellend. Unless we've all fecked off the proper version of the game for a fiver side one.

What a cretin.
 
Spoony said:
It's still the same game, you fecking bellend. Unless we've all fecked of the proper version of the game for a fiver side one.

What a cretin.
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Spoony, how old are you? Your use of the English language is very colourful.

Anyway, I'll try using smaller words with a modern slant, innit blood.

Its like this, see, you know, well, feck it, I think we're, kind of, you know, dependent (oops long word) on the bruvas down in the Indian sea, like, 'cos that's where the money is. See. Its all about bodies, and shit like that. And advertising and other bling bling that comes from round there and will do in the future. Word.
 
Dumpstar said:
Spoony, how old are you? Your use of the English language is very colourful.

Anyway, I'll try using smaller words with a modern slant, innit blood.

Its like this, see, you know, well, feck it, I think we're, kind of, you know, dependent (oops long word) on the bruvas down in the Indian sea, like, 'cos that's where the money is. See. Its all about bodies, and shit like that. And advertising and other bling bling that comes from round there and will do in the future. Word.
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And what the feck has this got to do, with anything I've just fecking said?

I hope you get raped by an ugly Indian transexual tonight.
 
There's much more interest in playing Australia, South Africa and the West Indies.
 
Dubai_Devil said:
He's Asian, they think ODIs are more important than Tests.
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ODI's are as important as tests.

Its a very good stage to develop players before throwing them in to test cricket. Almost all the best test batters from India, SA, SL and Australia shaped their game from the limited overs version.

England suffered during the 90's for ignoring the shorter version.
 
Slabber said:
There's much more interest in playing Australia, South Africa and the West Indies.
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Slabber, as I know you are intelligent I'll try communicating with you instead.

I don't want test cricket to die. But its headed that way unless the brainboxes at the ICC can come up with some strategies for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, the ICC are as clued up as the English FA about strategy.

The 'main' sports in England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies is no longer cricket. Football and/or rugby take a massive precedence in the first three and basketball does in West Indies.

Cricket is the be all / end all sport in Pakistan and India. Unfortunately, the brand of cricket they are now favouring is one dayers and unless more interest can be generated there then test cricket looks doomed. India is the next emerging super-economy along with China and it is hard to ignore what say they have in the sport that they treat as king.
 
Dumpstar said:
Slabber, as I know you are intelligent I'll try communicating with you instead.

I don't want test cricket to die. But its headed that way unless the brainboxes at the ICC can come up with some strategies for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, the ICC are as clued up as the English FA about strategy.

The 'main' sports in England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies is no longer cricket. Football and/or rugby take a massive precedence in the first three and basketball does in West Indies.

Cricket is the be all / end all sport in Pakistan and India. Unfortunately, the brand of cricket they are now favouring is one dayers and unless more interest can be generated there then test cricket looks doomed. India is the next emerging super-economy along with China and it is hard to ignore what say they have in the sport that they treat as king.
Click to expand...


Football and Rugby can exist with Cricket but the main threat comes from the American Isolation sports. The sport need to marketed to compete with the American sports. If not for one day cricket the marketing side of the sport could suffer a big backlash.

The format of the Test matches should be changed to make more result oriented and entertaining.
 
Dumpstar said:
Slabber, as I know you are intelligent I'll try communicating with you instead.

I don't want test cricket to die. But its headed that way unless the brainboxes at the ICC can come up with some strategies for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, the ICC are as clued up as the English FA about strategy.

The 'main' sports in England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies is no longer cricket. Football and/or rugby take a massive precedence in the first three and basketball does in West Indies.

Cricket is the be all / end all sport in Pakistan and India. Unfortunately, the brand of cricket they are now favouring is one dayers and unless more interest can be generated there then test cricket looks doomed. India is the next emerging super-economy along with China and it is hard to ignore what say they have in the sport that they treat as king.
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I just don't agree with your premise. Test Cricket is still very healthy in England, Australia, and South Africa. If you guys don't want to play it, you can feck off.
 
On the topic, another player in recent times who I feel never achieved his potential was Klusener. There was a time, especially that glorious world cup, when he was just unstoppable. After that, it all went downhill. How much of it was his own doing and how much the fecked-up South African board's, i'm not sure but... what a pity!!!
 
Paul Jarvis was hailed as the fastest white bowler in the world. But then he went on a rebel tour to South Africa and got banned. Plus he was a bit shit.
 
Slabber said:
Paul Jarvis was hailed as the fastest white bowler in the world. But then he went on a rebel tour to South Africa and got banned. Plus he was a bit shit.
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Cricinfo only rates him as fast-medium.
 
Dubai_Devil said:
Cricinfo only rates him as fast-medium.
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He was only fast medium. Which goes to show the lack of fast 'white' bowlers in the late 80's.
 
He actually has fulfilled his potential. Hes a hero in Pakistan, quite like Dhoni is here. But he has never actually had the good enough technique to perform consistantly in tests. He was made for one dayers and to slog. So hes doing fine. Nothing like Pathan who's on a different level.
 
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