Preview from a Pakistani Perspective: 2005.
By Akhtar Anjum
January 5 2005
Akhtar Anjum looks at the comparable statistics for Pakistan and its opponents in test cricket for 2005, India away, West Indies away and England at home.
Bob Woolmers Pakistan are currently placed forth in the World Rankings, with only 2825 points. In the calendar year of 2004, Pakistan only played 7 tests. They will
face a testing year in 2005, which may cause many rapid changes to be made throughout the structure of the team.
Key Series' in 2005:
Pakistan in India: March-April 2005
Pakistan in West Indies: May 2005
England in Pakistan: November-December 2005
Over the last ten years, Pakistan has the highest WIN PERCENTAGE out of all the opposing teams. Pakistan heads the table, with a win percentage of
42.05%. England, who have won the highest number of games, are second with 37.19%. India then follows with 30.43%
and West Indies are last with a win percentage of 25.69%.
All Teams By Highest Win Percentage
Team
Highest Win by %....Won
.Draw/Tied/NR
Lost
Played
Pakistan
42.05
...37
..20
.31
..88
England
.37.19
45
..36
.39
.121
India
30.43
28
34
.30
..92
West Indies
25.69
28
28
.52
.109
Predicted Results & Analysis
From the outset, based on recent results, form of players and home and away win factor, these are predicted results. Of course, they are by no means any definitive guideline for results of the series.
Due to the recent results between India and Pakistan being marred by politics, it is difficult to get an accurate assumption, but if we were to use the data, one would expect Pakistan to beat India next year. If Pakistan beat a disheveled West Indian test side which by all means they should, then it would be the first series victory for a Pakistani side in WI. The English series will be, in my opinion, be the most challenging. Over the last 12 months, England have shown how adaptable they can be, and have played superbly, and are yet to loose a test in 2004.
Key Players:
Pakistan:
Inzamam-Ul-Haq
Pakistans best batsman and ice cool under pressure. Has played many face saving knocks over the last year, including classy hundreds against India & S.L. However, he averages just 34 against India and 24 in India. None the less, Pakistan will look for him as a source of inspiration.
Shoaib Akhtar
Pakistans supreme pace bowler, who has been in terrific form of late. Has performed well in his last 3 tests, snaring five-fers in each one. No reason why his form cannot continue into the tour of India. He averages 27 with the ball against the arch rivals.
Yousuf Youhana
Pakistans Vice Captain and one of their best batsmen. Youhana will need to play to the best of his ability in order to shatter the image that his runs all come against poor attacks on flat wickets. He will be tested throughout the year by quality bowlers such as Harmison and Anil Kumble.
All in all, 2005 should be a successful year and the by the end of the year, the tone should have been set for the all important tour of England during the 2006 summer.