Teja.
Global Moderator
I think we need this thread because it's sad to see he's almost forgotten when we're discussing the great impact players like Tyson, Thomson, Snow etc. who are considered more a part of cricketing folklore because perhaps his indiscretions and injuries while not being decidedly worse per se than others are more in our recent memory.
He, was for me, the undisputed most exciting player in the world when he was playing and he could really bring it bowling a ridiculous pace despite being a overweight, semi-injured wreck even at the end of his career. Despite having a disaster first three years in test cricket and missing a load of matches due to injuries and off-field ****, he played 46 tests and took 178 wickets @ 25.6 which is a ****ing cool career for someone who didn't achieve anything close to his potential.
Would also love people like TC/Goughy etc. with a good understanding of fast bowling to tell us about just what they think made Shoaib operate like he did with an insane slower ball, best short ball I've seen and being perhaps the fastest bowler ever with a **** work ethic and cbf fitness pattern. Did he have the ideal fast bowler body, how do you rate his action etc.?
I'm one of those people who rate people on overall value they add to the team over their career and even for me, it was just a privilege watching him bowl. It's one thing appreciating cricketers for being clinical all-accomplishing beasts but Shoaib brought the game alive on a flat pitch in 45 degree heat like no other batsman or bowler. He was all that is bad with cricket and when he was bowling, he was cricket. He is one of those people who I reckon would have benefited a lot more from playing 50+ years ago wherein the cold analysis of the internet generation of current players would be replaced by a more fond look at his best ever moments. Much as I'd think I'd hate a guy with several obvious personality issues, man did he have charisma. Can't help but love/respect the man.
He, was for me, the undisputed most exciting player in the world when he was playing and he could really bring it bowling a ridiculous pace despite being a overweight, semi-injured wreck even at the end of his career. Despite having a disaster first three years in test cricket and missing a load of matches due to injuries and off-field ****, he played 46 tests and took 178 wickets @ 25.6 which is a ****ing cool career for someone who didn't achieve anything close to his potential.
Would also love people like TC/Goughy etc. with a good understanding of fast bowling to tell us about just what they think made Shoaib operate like he did with an insane slower ball, best short ball I've seen and being perhaps the fastest bowler ever with a **** work ethic and cbf fitness pattern. Did he have the ideal fast bowler body, how do you rate his action etc.?
I'm one of those people who rate people on overall value they add to the team over their career and even for me, it was just a privilege watching him bowl. It's one thing appreciating cricketers for being clinical all-accomplishing beasts but Shoaib brought the game alive on a flat pitch in 45 degree heat like no other batsman or bowler. He was all that is bad with cricket and when he was bowling, he was cricket. He is one of those people who I reckon would have benefited a lot more from playing 50+ years ago wherein the cold analysis of the internet generation of current players would be replaced by a more fond look at his best ever moments. Much as I'd think I'd hate a guy with several obvious personality issues, man did he have charisma. Can't help but love/respect the man.
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