chinaman
I couldn't agree more. While the rest of the world plays with six to seven specialist batsmen, we continue with five specialist batsmen and two so called " all-rounders". I have a problem with his muti skill approach. An all rounder can only come into the side if his pedigree is unquestionable and who delivers the goods. Symonds, Cairns, Flintoff, Pollock who could be termed as such all rounders and are regular playing members of their respective squads. India, Sri Lanka don't have anyone of that stature and they go with the specialist line of six/seven batsmen. We have a combination of two players playing under the " all rounder" banner from a pool of three consisting of Rana, Mushfiq and Mahmud. To me, they are patch work players and generaly speaking, none can be termed as genuine all rounders. I won't dare compare them to the above mentioned but they are not even in the class of Athar Ali, our best all rounder of all time, and a geniune one no less.
As far as the combination of the team, yes, we must employ six specialist batsman first and foremost. Because the situation demands as such and to do away with these non-descript all rounders will bode well for the future. The value of no.5 and no.6 in one days games can't be mentioned enough. You need players at that position who can hit and have high strike rates. Ideally they get only 10-15 overs to play. So, its imperative that he rotates and accelerates. I think, Ash and Alok ( when in form ) make up the best no.5 and no6 for us because they are good runners and are capable of higher strike rates. They also have better range of shots among other BD batsmen. If Ash stays on as an opener, which I don't mind, then I would like Aftab at no.5. He is no sanwar or faisal. I really think this guy is a genuine batsman and he should be afforded all the chances. Alok is a natural no.6. One thing for certain though, that we need six, at least six specialist batsman in the line-up.
It is also equally important that one or two specialst batsmen develop their bowling skills. Rajin should pratice on his offspinners regularly. We don't have any off spinner. Look how Jayasurya, Lehman, Gayle, tendulkar are used in one dayers these days. Shoaib Malik is another person. It will give us the luxury of picking four specialist bowlers ( whatever combination of pace and spin that the pitch may require ). Its crazy and funny when you think that at no.6 we have Mushfiq or Rana, one of the most vital spots. This is a big problem and sooner we work to address that, the better we be in terms of batting.
When it comes to bowling, Yes, we must have four specialist bowlers. Currently we are employing three ( rafiq, taposh, nazmul ). I would like Masri as the fourth bowler when he comes back. Now, Razzak, I believe will unseat Rafique in near future ( wait for another chacha type whining from rafiq ). I any case, regardless of who plays, we must ensure that four specialist are emplyoed along with six batsman and offcourse the lone wkt keeper spot at no.7. I am thinking about a future idea of a specialist wkt-batsman who will bat at the top or open ( ex : Gilchrist, sangakkara, dravid )in the context of Bangladesh. That will free up a spot for an extra batsman or a bowler. Thats five years down the line once Pilot is gone and it involves either Dhiman or Mushfiq rahim, both fiery batsmen!! But thats for the future.
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