1st Test: Pakistan v South Africa at Abu Dhabi

[quote author=Gina145 link=topic=84132.msg525979#msg525979 date=1382177046]
I'm sure a lot of people agree with you about Tahir vs Peterson. But do the selectors feel that way? I read a report the other day which made it sound like the new coach was very much in denial about the need for any changes to the team or the strategy.
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I get their line of thought Gina. They're thinking that everything sucks, so lets go with Robbie P who's an excellent fielder and can bat a bit. But I think that this line of thought is screwed up. Tahir has potential, he's certainly no Paul Harris/Robbie P 2.0, but you have to get him in, and invest in him, despite being crap for a bit. It takes time for dividends, but it is their only long term option. They can't just leave that big hole intact and hope for opponents not to notice this. 

[quote author=Kyle link=topic=84132.msg526110#msg526110 date=1382237279]
I get their line of thought Gina. They're thinking that everything sucks, so lets go with Robbie P who's an excellent fielder and can bat a bit. But I think that this line of thought is screwed up. Tahir has potential, he's certainly no Paul Harris/Robbie P 2.0, but you have to get him in, and invest in him, despite being crap for a bit. It takes time for dividends, but it is their only long term option. They can't just leave that big hole intact and hope for opponents not to notice this.
[/quote]

Imran Tahir probably is our best bet at the moment though his last test appearance was a disaster. Whether he's really a long term option though is another question as he's already nearly 35. I really hope that there is some younger spin potential playing the domestic game because the hole is one that opponents cannot fail to notice.

[quote author=Gina145 link=topic=84132.msg526169#msg526169 date=1382283585]
Imran Tahir probably is our best bet at the moment though his last test appearance was a disaster. Whether he's really a long term option though is another question as he's already nearly 35. I really hope that there is some younger spin potential playing the domestic game because the hole is one that opponents cannot fail to notice.
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Yes, I agree. Also to be fair to Tahir, no one, at least non Oz spinners, has done well in Australia. Yes, he bowled absolute dross to say the least, as bad as his figures suggests, but lets cut the guy some slack here. He was probably under some sort of pressure maybe.

If they're gonna play in turning conditions, Tahir is still their best bet. I don't know about future prospects either, when I look at the FC stats card, all I see is pacers (like Abbott) and Tahir - which indeed looks worrying.