The Shoaib Akthar Discussion/Appreciation Thread

[nightprowler10]

 

[pardus]

Yeah he was thrilling, Loved some of his battles against Poontang

Like this snapshot of Akhtar Ponting battle. Langer's recollection of the battle brought a smile.
https://youtu.be/cw8nhe05pwA
That second delivery @0:24s appeared insanely quick. Ponting was caught in a tangle.

Some of the best genuine pace vs ATG batsmen battles in Test cricket in 2000s were Akhtar vs. Ponting, and Lee Vs. Lara

Ian Chappell reckoned that at his fastest Thommo was "unhookable". I think Shoaib at his quickest belongs to the same category.

 

[Bolo]

I suspect that admitting anything but a feeling of loathing for the man is going to similar leave a feeling of distaste in my mouth for myself, but I've got to say, the OP puts a raging monster of an argument together. As for loving/respecting the man, no. I'll leave my love/respect for his bowling, and even this is begrudging.

Shoaib was a wrecking-ball tipped with razor blades, and when he could get it to swing in the right direction (poor grammatical play intended) he was a joy to watch, which, IMO only 2 bowlers of the last 30ish years top.

 

[Teja.]

I cbf finding highlights of that World Cup game vs New Zealand in 2011.

Thank you for your input.

 

[Bolo]

This has got to be the first time anyone has ever described 110km full tosses as unplayable, but I'm inclined to agree. The dip on these is insane.

 

[AndyZaltzHair]

still remember this. had an exam coming up the next day but was glued to the tv that day. failed but no regrets!

what makes the delivery to sachin more beautiful is that sachin probably anticipated that it was coming but still had him beaten

 

[smash84]

those dravid and sachin deliveries were classics

this one against australia is one of the finest spells of fast bowling ever

Running through an ATG batting side in the space of a few overs

the waugh brothers, ponting, gilchrist. Just insane bowling

 

[smash84]

Also loved this spell against SA. Some pretty good players of pace bowling in there as well

 

[Lillian Thomson]

The twerp deserves neither discussion nor appreciation.

 

[CricAddict]

This is one of the unforgettable childhood memories etched in my mind. The first thought that came up when I saw the thread. I have still not seen the video but can exactly remember how it panned out.