An Interview With Lance Gibbs, Part 2

If you haven’t read Part 1 of Pratham’s interview you can do so here

Pratham: So before we get into your international career, there are some general cricketing questions I have. Like you said, there’s a lot of things you picked up and you filtered out. I’m curious to go behind the curtain and identify some of the things you picked up on.

Pratham: So the first thing is…when you were bowling, was there a particular field you preferred your captain set for you?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah – if I get a certain amount of turn, I would have more men on the leg side then the off-side.

Pratham: Cause you’d be turning it in that direction…

Lance Gibbs: Yes – because when facing a right hander, you have to work it out.

Pratham: Till the end of the early phase of your career, 59′-60′, they didn’t have that rule in place that you could only have a couple of fielders behind square. So you could have close in fielders, multiple short legs, on the leg-side. Did you in your early days bowl a lot with fielders right around the bat, multiple short legs, that sort of thing?

Lance Gibbs: Depends on how much turn you are going to get. That’s the key to it. If you are getting a certain amount of turn, you don’t want 5 men on the off-side when bowling to the right hander – cause he’ll wait for the ball and hit it that way. If I’m bowling to the right hander, I would go on to bowl more straight. You bowl accordingly.

Pratham: And with left handers, did you always have a slip in, or try to have one in?

Lance Gibbs: Oh yeah. Slip? More than one slip too! (laughing)

Pratham: Did you ever have a gully or more fielders behind the off-side for the left hander?

Lance Gibbs: I would adjust accordingly to what turn I’m getting and do that.

Pratham: So that’s really nice cause it plays into a question I had for you based off the turn you’re getting, based off the pitches you were playing on. Cause obviously a lot of these questions are contingent on the surfaces…

Lance Gibbs: The turn, yeah.

Pratham: So how would you vary the way you bowled when you were bowling on different types of pitches? Say you were playing on a greentop…

Lance Gibbs: I wouldn’t get as much turn on a green-top cause when you bowl it’s going to hit the pitch and you’d expect it to turn as much but it’s not going to. It will go straight on.

Pratham: In that situation, would you change your length? Would you look to bowl fuller? Shorter, length-wise?

Lance Gibbs: No…I would concentrate on bowling nearly the same way that I bowled but adjust accordingly. Whether I’m going to grip it hard and put everything into it or not.

Pratham: Say you weren’t playing on a greentop but you were playing on an absolute road, a flat wicket. The one where you get a 600 vs 600 scoring game. I’ve heard there were quite a few pitches like that in your day in the Caribbean…

Lance Gibbs: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Pratham: So obviously you’re not getting much turn there…

Lance Gibbs: My approach there would depend on the batsman. Every batsman’s got strength and weaknesses. You’d need to concentrate on his weakness and bowl accordingly. Not because he’s an aggressive scorer on a flat pitch, you’re going to be afraid to bowl at him the way you should.

Pratham: So those are instances where you aren’t getting turn. If you are getting turn – if the pitch is turning, would you look to bowl a wider line?

Lance Gibbs: A wider line at times, and I’d take off the amount of turn at times to capitalize on it.

Pratham: In terms of modes of dismissal you were looking, on say like the green top or flat pitch, would you look more towards trying to get somebody out caught or stumped more than say when you were bowling on a turning surface? Obviously – it would depend on the batsman, but would there be some mode of dismissal you would lean towards trying to get more depending on the surface?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah, yeah. It would depend on the surface a lot. There’s also times where you’d bowl particularly well on a turner and not get as many wickets as you hope. So it’s up to your as a bowler to adjust to the conditions quickly and work accordingly.

Pratham: So we talked about different types of surfaces in terms of the turn is there – but turn’s one factor. If the ball’s turning but it’s coming at a very slow pace, it gives time for the batsman to adjust…

Lance Gibbs: You know…if it’s the left hander – I’m bowling. I’ve got Sobers bowling on the other end. He’s bowling to the right hander. So you’ve got to be able to adjust accordingly. I’d even turn to Sobie and say leave a mark outside the off-stump instead (hahaha)

Pratham: In those days, were the umpires very particular about you running on to the pitch?

Lance Gibbs: No, no, no. And I played with my boots with the pegs pretty low, so I could have run on any part of it.

Pratham: And it wouldn’t have damaged the pitch…Was that the same with your other West Indian mates and cricketers? Did they also play with boots with these kind of pegs?

Lance Gibbs: Some got bigger boots and spikes then others.

Pratham: If the wicket didn’t offer you much turn but it the pitch was quick, did you feel more comfortable on bowling on that or a wicket was slow but that was turning?

Lance Gibbs: You have to adjust conditions as a bowler. And the more you adjust to conditions, they better for you.

Pratham: So you basically treated it all equal.

Lance Gibbs: Yeah.

Pratham: Let’s come on to something I think will be of fascination to a lot of people watching. There are a lot of young impressionable cricketers who are off-break bowlers who want to learn the tricks of the trade, the arts, the craft involved. And over your 20 year old career, there were a lot of things I’ve seen footage of you do which were different. The ball came out in different ways and so forth. I have a cricket ball with me. Can you walk us through the grips you would use to achieve certain things?

Lance Gibbs: That’s a legspinner (demonstrates grip of leg-spinner). This is the off-break. I spin it through there. That’s off-break leg-break. Straight ball – I’d hold on the seam. You push it. When the ball hit the seam, it’s going to go straight on.

Pratham: Would you tweak the positioning of some of those fingers time to time to confuse the batsman to think there was a new type of delivery?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah – but the batsman is not going to see anything until I deliver the ball.

Pratham: Did you sometimes hide the ball? There was a famous bowler from Pakistan, Wasim Akram. He would keep the ball hidden till the last moment when he was reverse swinging the ball. Did you try to do something like that?

Lance Gibbs: I tried to do everything, everything.

Pratham: There is something remarkable about your career. You bowled 27115 deliveries during….

Lance Gibbs: 27000? That’s all? (laughing)

Pratham: In your Test career, I’m sure you bowled a lot more at first class level. But I computed what that would be in terms of your workload per match. It came out to a figure of 58 overs per game. So about 29 overs per innings, depending on whether there were 2 innings or not. I did some statistical readings, and you were the fifth more utilized bowler by your captain and side in Test history. How did you manage to deal with such a incredible workload?

Lance Gibbs: Well I was a professional cricketer. Therefore, I tried to do everything that was right. And probably bowling as much as I did was the right thing. I’m not going to make runs. I’m going in at number 11. So therefore, I was dependent on bowling.

Pratham: Getting to know you more and seeing you in person, you’re a lean athletic man, still. Were there types of exercises you would go about doing?

Lance Gibbs: I ran 7 miles, every day. I just figured that running was the most important thing. If you are particularly fit, you will be able to help your team.

Pratham: And then, your diet. These days, you have dieticians in every national side to try to make sure you’re eating the right things to make sure you can perform on the field. What was your diet like at home versus when you were playing abroad?

Lance Gibbs: Well, it’s up to you to see what is being offered and see what best to take and what best not to take. I was that type of individual – I would pick and choose.

Pratham: Were there any meals you gravitated towards?

Lance Gibbs: Not really.

Pratham: Now I see your fingers now – they look very good now. But there was a photo I saw of yours from 68′-69’…

Lance Gibbs: Bulging! Yeah yeah yeah. (Holds index spinning finger)

Pratham: Yeah.

Lance Gibbs: As always, you can tell I don’t play anything now (laughing)

Pratham: What was that way you tried to fix that sore finger? Was there a particular ointment or something you would try to apply?

Lance Gibbs: Salt. Pack it. Hope it comes out best.

Pratham: And you know for any bowler, let alone a finger spinner who relies so much on his fingers so much, it’s going to be difficult to push yourself to play through that discomfort cause everything you’re bowling that finger’s going to aggravate. Were there ways mentally, psychologically, or physically that you get through this spell?

Lance Gibbs: Instead of using the bottom of my spinning finger, I’d use the top. From this here, I wouldn’t get as much turn but I could still help my team – which is the important thing.

Pratham: And that would have necessitated you probably bowling differently too cause you wouldn’t be able to get as much turn.

Lance Gibbs: Exactly! But there were times where you don’t know if the batsman would be able to pick that up!

Pratham: And were there times where you gave off the impression that you were really try to rip the ball and bowling an off-break…

Lance Gibbs: Where nothing was being produced? Right. You’d get wickets sometimes that way too!

Pratham: Did you ever have a bowl that you would try to bowl seam up? Instead of trying to spin the ball, were there times you tried to seam or swing the ball?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah, yeah. I opened the bowling as well!

Pratham: I know some spinners will throw that in as a variation.

Lance Gibbs: Yeah.

Pratham: If you were timed on a speed gun and say you were bowling your stock off-spinner, what would be the range of your bowling speeds? Would it be around 80-85 kilometers per hour?

Lance Gibbs: I would say that.

Pratham: And your leg-break, was it slower than your off-break? Was it the same pace?

Lance Gibbs: Well it depended on the batsman.

Pratham: And when you were bowling the straighter you had showed earlier…

Lance Gibbs: Variation was an important thing of that time.

Pratham: Did you prefer your straighter one quicker through the air?

Lance Gibbs: Quicker. Because it’s not going to turn. So might as well push it through.

Pratham: When you played against the right hander, would you look to bowl over the wicket? Or would prefer to bowl around the wicket to the right hander?

Lance Gibbs: I was never particularly good at bowling around the wicket. I prefered to use whatever I’ve got in front of me (demonstrating different parts of the over the wicket crease).

Pratham: But were there times you would do that as a variation?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah – but it wasn’t successful. Having said that, variation is the spice of life.

Pratham: Against left handers, would you ever look to bowl around the wicket to them?

Lance Gibbs: No no no. I’d bowl the same way.

Pratham: And how would you work the crease during a bowling spell?

Lance Gibbs: (Gesturing to a hypothetical crease and stumps) So you’ve got this part (the crease from over the wicket). You’ve got the stumps. And then you’ve got the other part (demonstrating part of the crease from around the wicket). And you work it accordingly. So if you’re going to bowl it from here (widest part of the crease available from over the wicket to off-spinner for a right hander), that’s your variation (moving hand multiple successive times to indicate slowly moving to end up close to the stumps and then from close to the stumps to wide of the stumps) there.

Pratham: What was motivating you to go wide of the crease? Was it based off turn?

Lance Gibbs: If I went wide of the crease, it wasn’t going to turn. Not going to turn as much for me as if I was bowling in my spot (gesturing to a midway point in the crease).

Pratham: Conversely, if you were going close to the stumps, were you looking not to turn the ball because it would only have to do as much to hit the stumps?

Lance Gibbs: You’re not going to turn the ball as much from there. But at the same time , the umpire’s there. He’s going to tell you if you’re getting too close to the stumps.

Pratham: You did have an interesting action. A lot of spinners would have a more elongated runup. You always seemed to go from a couple of paces and almost jump into your delivery stride. And it was all chest on. They would often recommend spinners getting into a side on position. Did that develop naturally? Were their benefits of you doing that compared to other spinners?

Lance Gibbs: (laughing) I never really looked at it much. That’s a question I’ve never been asked before!

Pratham: I guess that’s just something that interests me, I guess (laughing).

Pratham: Did you ever concentrate on landing the ball on leg stump? Or was it always on off-stump?

Lance Gibbs: I bowled particularly at the batsman – his feet and stance. I could vary where I wanted to bowl and where I wanted to pitch the ball accordingly.

Pratham: Was there a shot a batsman would play off of you that would annoyed them the most? Did you get annoyed when they would come down the wicket and try to hit you?

Lance Gibbs: No I was glad when they came down the wicket. Cause I knew it wouldn’t be long now! (laughing)

Pratham: One of the trends that you’re seeing in the newer format of the game T20 is that a lot of spinners are having to bowl quicker so they don’t get hit as easily. If they flight the ball, there are more chances they’ll get hit easily. If you were to help them to say not sacrifice as many revolutions – like say if you wanted to bowl quicker but not lose as much turn, what would be some of the tips you’d give bowlers to make sure the revs on the ball are present?

Lance Gibbs: Well, their grip would be important. But I don’t think I can help them much. The T20 game – I would call it a slog. If you’re a spinner and you’re involved in the T20 game, you don’t really want to go out there.

Pratham: You played a number of matches in your hometown venue at Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana.

Lance Gibbs: That’s gone.

Pratham: It’s gone now, yes. Now they have Providence. But in your day, they still played at the Bourda Recreation Ground. Now one of the things I noticed when I was looking into the dimensions of that ground – it’s not like many of the other parts of the world. It’s a lot more rectangular. The boundaries are a bit square. And that got me thinking. The dimensions of the grounds themselves – how did that affect the way you were bowling? So like say if you noticed the square boundary on one side was shorter than the other – would that affect the line you were bowling? If say the square boundary was further to the off-side at Bourda when you were bowling to the right hander, would try to make him play to that side?

Lance Gibbs: I would work it out, yes. If it’s a left hander…choose the best possible way to do that in that case too.

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Pakistan’s All-Time XI In All The Formats Of The Game

Cricket, as a sport, has a rich history, and the game’s landscape has been adorned with legendary players from across the globe. Among these, Pakistan cricket has been a key contributor, introducing many stalwarts to the game, from pace merchants to elegant batsmen and charismatic leaders. Here, in this piece, I will present my all-time Pakistani XI in all three formats – ODI, Test, and T20, based on their statistics, impact on the game, and the legacy they have left behind. So let’s get started.

Pakistan’s All-Time Test XI:

Pakistan cricket has witnessed an illustrious history, brimming with legendary cricketers who have left an indelible mark on the Test format. Selecting an all-time Pakistan Test XI is a challenging endeavor, given the abundance of talent the nation has produced. This compilation pays homage to the stalwarts who have exemplified resilience, flair, and skill in the game’s longest format.

1.    Hanif Mohammad:

Hanif Mohammad’s legendary innings of 337, which lasted 970 minutes against the West Indies in 1958, demonstrated his resilience and technical prowess, solidifying his place as one of the greatest openers in Pakistan’s Test history.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-55

Runs-3915

Average-43.98

100s-12

50s-15

2.    Saeed Anwar

Saeed Anwar’s elegant batting style and remarkable strokeplay earn him a spot in the Test XI. His highest score of 188* in Tests came against India in 1999 at Eden Gardens.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-55

Runs-4052
Average-45.52

100s-11

50s-25.

3.    Zaheer Abbas

Zaheer Abbas, often called the “Asian Bradman,” was a prolific run-scorer for Pakistan and is an automatic choice for the one-down slot. Known for his impeccable technique and strokeplay, Abbas amassed over 5,000 runs in Test cricket.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-78

Runs-5062

Average-44.79

100s-12

50s-20.

4.    Younis Khan

Younis Khan, the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in Test cricket, is an ideal choice for this slot. His unwavering determination, resilience, and ability to score big hundreds in crucial situations make him one of Pakistan’s greatest Test batsman. Younis Khan also holds the record for most Test Centuries (34) for Pakistan and, overall, the 6th most in Test history.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-118

Runs-10099

Average-52.09

100s-34

50s-33.

5.    Javed Miandad

Javed Miandad’s versatility and ability to adapt to different situations make him an essential part of the Test XI. His exceptional batting skills, match awareness, and ability to play under pressure were instrumental in several historic victories for Pakistan.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-124

Runs-8832

Average-52.57

100s-23

50s-43.

6.    Misbah Ul Haq (Captain)

Misbah Ul Haq, known for his calm and composed approach, is chosen as the captain of this Test XI. Under his leadership, Pakistan achieved significant success, including reaching the number-one ranking in Test cricket. Misbah’s remarkable batting average, tactical acumen, and ability to guide the team through challenging situations make him an ideal leader.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-75

Runs-5222

Average-46.62

100s-10

50s-39

7.    Moin Khan (Wicket-Keeper)

Moin’s acrobatic catches and agility behind the stumps, combined with his valuable contributions with the bat, give him the nod as the wicket-keeper in the team.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-69

Runs-2741

100s-4

50s-15

Catches-128

Stumpings-20

8.    Wasim Akram

Wasim’s exceptional all-round abilities, deadly left-arm swing bowling, and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs make him a match-winner and an automatic selection in the all-time Test XI.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-104

Wickets-414

5W-25
10W-5

9.    Yasir Shah

Yasir’s leg spin and ability to deceive batsmen with his variations have made him Pakistan’s fifth-leading wicket-taker in Test history. His ability to take wickets consistently and provide breakthroughs in challenging conditions make him a worthy inclusion in Test XI.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-48

Wickets-244

5W-16

10W-3

10.    Waqar Younis

Waqar’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds and his mastery of reverse swing establish him as one of the finest fast bowlers in Pakistan’s Test history. His lethal bowling in both the initial and death overs adds depth to the team’s bowling attack.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-87

Wickets-373

5W-22

10W-5

11.     Shoaib Akhtar

Known for his sheer pace and ability to intimidate batsmen with his express deliveries, Shoaib’s aggression and raw talent make him a formidable fast bowler in the all-time Test XI.

Stats in Tests:

Matches-46

Wickets-178

5W-12

10W-2

Pakistan’s All-Time ODI XI

The One-Day International (ODI) format has played a pivotal role in transforming cricket since its inception in the late 19th century. With its illustrious history in ODI cricket, Pakistan boasts an impressive track record, including a memorable World Cup triumph in 1992, a victorious campaign in the 2017 Champions Trophy, and clinching the Asia Cup titles in 2000 and 2012. Now, let’s embark on the exciting journey of unveiling Pakistan’s all-time ODI XI, comprising the finest cricketers to have graced the limited-overs stage.

1.    Saeed Anwar:

Saeed Anwar, known for his elegant strokeplay and exceptional timing, was one of the finest opening batsmen in ODI cricket. With a career spanning from 1989 to 2003, Anwar amassed 8,824 runs at an impressive average of 39.21. His 194 against India in 1997 stood as the highest individual score in ODIs for over a decade.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-247

Runs-8824

Ave-39.21

Strike Rate-80.67
50s-43
100s-20

2.    Fakhar Zaman:

 Opening the batting alongside Saeed Anwar is the hero of the 2017 Champions Trophy, Fakhar Zaman. He holds the record for the highest individual score by a Pakistani batsman in ODIs and has made a significant impact in a relatively short ODI career so far. Zaman’s aggressive style and ability to dominate bowling attacks make him an exciting choice at the top of the order.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-70

Runs-3148

Ave-48.43

Strike Rate-93.27
50s-15
100s-10

3.    Babar Azam:

At number 3 is the ever-reliable Babar Azam, whose consistency is almost second to none. His elegant stroke-play combined with solid technique and mentality is what makes him stand out, and it’s nearly impossible to leave him out of this list.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-100

Runs-5089

Ave:59.17

Strike Rate:89.24
50s-26
100s-18

4.    Javed Miandad:

 A batting maestro known for his tenacity and adaptability, Miandad’s ability to anchor the innings and score crucial runs in pressure situations cements his place in Pakistan’s all-time ODI XI.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-233

Runs-7381

Ave-41.70

Strike Rate-67.01

50s-50
100s-8

5.    Shahid Afridi:

A batting maestro known for his tenacity and adaptability, Miandad’s ability to anchor the innings and score crucial runs in pressure situations cements his place in Pakistan’s all-time ODI XI.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-398

Runs-8064

Batting Ave-23.57

Batting S/R-117.00

Wickets-395

6.    Imran Khan (Captain)::

Imran Khan’s charismatic leadership, exceptional all-round abilities, and unmatched cricketing intelligence make him the ideal captain for the all-time ODI XI. His consistent contributions with both bat and ball, coupled with his astute decision-making, set him apart as a true legend of the game.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-175

Runs-3709

Batting Ave-33.41

Batting S/R-72.65

Wickets-182

7.    Moin Khan (Wicket-Keeper):

Moin Khan, a dynamic wicketkeeper and a reliable batsman, earns his place in this ODI XI. Known for his ability to finish games under pressure, Moin played a vital role in Pakistan’s success during the 1990s. His safe glove work behind the stumps and crucial runs down the order makes him an ideal choice.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-219

Runs-3266

Ave-23.00

S/R-81.30

Catches-214

Stumpings-73

8.    Wasim Akram:

Wasim Akram, widely regarded as one of the best pacers in cricket history, was a formidable force in ODIs. His lethal left-arm swing bowling and ability to deliver match-winning performances with both bat and ball make him an automatic selection in the all-time XI.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-356

Wickets-502

Bowling Average-23.52

Economy-3.89

5W-6

9.    Saeed Ajmal:

Ajmal’s mastery of spin bowling, particularly his variations and the lethal doosra make him a valuable asset in the middle overs. His ability to deceive batsmen and pick up crucial wickets establishes him as one of the world’s finest spinners in ODI cricket.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-113

Wickets-184

Bowling Ave-22.72

Economy-4.18

5W-2

10.    Waqar Younis:

Waqar Younis, renowned for his ability to generate immense pace and reverse swing, was a genuine match-winner for Pakistan in ODIs. His lethal yorkers and ability to dismantle batting lineups make him a crucial component of the all-time XI.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-262

Wickets-416

Bowling Average-23.84

Economy-4.68

5W-13

11.    Shoaib Akhtar:

Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar’s sheer pace and ability to intimidate batsmen with his express deliveries make him a game-changer in the ODI format. His fiery spells and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations earn him a spot in the all-time XI.

Stats in ODIs:

Matches-163

Wickets-247

Bowling Ave-24.97

Economy-4.76

5W-12

Pakistan’s All-Time T20 XI:

Pakistan, home to some of the most exciting and enthralling cricketers in the history of the sport, has always remained a potent force in the realm of T20 cricket. It is no surprise, then, that the task of choosing an all-time Pakistan T20 XI is as intriguing as it is challenging. Combining an eclectic mix of swashbuckling batsmen, audacious all-rounders, and formidable bowlers, this list pays tribute to the cricketers who have significantly contributed to Pakistan’s T20 glory.

1.    Babar Azam (Captain)

Babar Azam’s incredible consistency and ability to lead from the front not only make him an ideal choice for opening but also captaincy. Babar Azam has the second most fifties and centuries in T20 Internationals and is also the most successful Pakistani T20 captain in terms of matches won.

Stats in T20Is:

Matches-104

Runs-3485

Average-41.48

Strike Rate-128.40

100s-3

50s-30

2.    Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper)

Opening the batting with Babar Azam is the resilient Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan is not only a good batter but also a gun wicket-keeper. I would have him on my team even if he doesn’t bat just because of his keeping skills. He’s that good.

Stats in T20Is:

Matches-85

Runs-2797

Average-49.07

Strike Rate-127.30

100s-1

50s-25

Catches-43

Stumpings-11

3.    Mohammad Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez is next in the batting lineup, whose unparalleled experience and cricketing acumen provide an additional layer of stability to the middle order. His handy off-spin bowling can also chip in with crucial breakthroughs, exemplifying his utility as an all-rounder.

Stats in T20Is:
Matches-119
Runs-2514
Average-26.46
Strike Rate-122.03
50s-14
Wickets-61
Economy-6.60

4.    Misbah Ul Haq

Misbah might surprise a few people here, but those who have been watching cricket for a long time would know how good he was for Pakistan, especially in the 2007 T20 World Cup. Renowned for his cool-headedness under pressure, Misbah has the ability to steady the ship in dire situations and shift the gears when set.

Stats in T20Is:
Matches-39
Runs-788
Average-37.52
Strike Rate-110.20
50s-3

5.    Umar Akmal

Umar Akmal is a naturally aggressive batsman with a knack for turning the tide with his fiery batting. His hard-hitting prowess and ability to score quickly make him a perfect fit for the XI.

Stats In T20Is:
Matches-84
Runs-1690
Average-26.00
Strike Rate-122.73
50s-8

6.    Shahid Afridi

Afridi, affectionately known as ‘Boom Boom’, has an unparalleled reputation as a game-changer. His dynamic leg spin and explosive batting, capable of demolishing any bowling attack, make him an essential component of the all-time T20 XI.

Stats in T20Is:
Matches-99
Runs-1416
Average-17.92
Strike Rate-150.00
50s-4
Wickets-98
Economy-6.63

7.    Shadab Khan

An agile fielder and a wily leg-spinner, Shadab’s economical overs often act as a pressure-building tactic. Moreover, his lower-order batting skills have proven valuable in numerous crunch scenarios.

Stats in T20Is:

Matches-92
Runs-569
Average-18.96
Strike Rate-137.77
50s-1
Wickets-104
Economy-7.07

8.    Sohail Tanvir

Known for his unconventional bowling action, Tanvir is a specialist new ball bowler, often swinging it prodigiously. He is a master of powerplay bowling and can also hit a few big hits down the order, providing much-needed depth to the lineup.

Stats in T20Is:

Matches-57
Wickets-54
Bowling S/R-22.4
Economy-7.18

9.    Saeed Ajmal

A spin wizard, Ajmal’s ‘doosra’ has often been a nightmare for batsmen. His economy rate and ability to pick crucial wickets in the middle overs make him a prime choice for the spinner’s role.

Stats in T20Is:
Matches-64
Wickets-85
Bowling S/R-16.8
Economy-6.36

10.     Mohammad Amir

Amir’s knack for swinging the ball at pace and his ability to take early wickets consistently gives the team an advantage upfront, making him a vital member of the XI.

Stats in T20Is:
Matches-50
Wickets-59
Bowling S/R-18.2
Economy-7.02

11.    Umar Gul

An exponent of the Yorker, Gul’s death bowling expertise is second to none. His ability to consistently hit the blockhole in the final overs is a vital weapon in T20 cricket.

Stats In T20Is:
Matches-60
Wickets-85
Bowling S/R-14.1
Economy-7.19

In conclusion, Pakistan’s rich cricketing history is replete with exceptional talents who have left an indelible mark across all formats of the game. From the grace and resilience of their Test cricketers to the explosiveness and flair of their ODI and T20 stars, Pakistan has produced a remarkable pool of players.

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An Interview With Lance Gibbs, Part 1

We are grateful to Pratham Chhabria of Cow Corner Cricket Podcast for an extended interview with one of the greatest off spinners the game has seen.

Pratham: Welcome all to Cow Corner Cricket Cast!

Pratham: I’m your host, Pratham.

Pratham: It’s my real pleasure to be joined by Mr.Lance Gibbs today.

Pratham: Mr. Gibbs is a off-spinner from the West Indies.

Pratham: All of you are probably most familiar with him holding the world record for 309 wickets.

Pratham: He played from 1958 to 1976 internationally.

Pratham: A lot more years domestically as well.

Pratham: It’s a real honor and privilege to meet with Mr. Gibbs and have this interview, and yeah!

Pratham: Mr. Gibbs, it’s a pleasure!

Lance Gibbs: Thank you very much!

Pratham: So, I wanted to start by asking you some questions your early life in particular.

Pratham: It’s always fascinating for me learning the stories of cricketers and how they get into the game, especially from the Carribbean. There’s the beach cricket stories that you hear from some of the players like Sir Viv and all the others…Sir Garry as well.

Pratham: So I wanted to ask you – who was the first person who introduced or encouraged you to play cricket?

Lance Gibbs: That is a hard question. I lived near the Queenstown Pasture and you know myself and some other friends used to play cricket there. We sort of loved the game. It was a challenge, you know.

Pratham: Fair enough! Did you also play on the beach? Or did you also play on the streets?

Lance Gibbs: No, no, not on the beach. We were not near the sea. So I played just in the Queenstown pasture.

Pratham: Got you.

Lance Gibbs: The pasture was particularly big. You could have had 2 or 3 different games being played on it.

Pratham: That’s interesting…I haven’t heard too many Caribbean cricketers talk about you know getting their start in cricket that way. But yeah, it must have been fun just playing and interacting with all your friends and all.

Lance Gibbs: Yeah, very much so. It was a challenge, you know. You couldn’t particularly in the yard in your home because you’d be breaking windows and different things.

Pratham: I might have had some experience getting in trouble because of that…

Lance Gibbs: Exactly!

Pratham: So that I guess answers my question about how you were encouraged or introduced you to playing but it follows then who was the first figure to teach you how to bowl spin.

Lance Gibbs: Spin! Well I started as a leg-spinner. I used to bowl a lot of leg-breaks. I got accustomed to doing it, you know. Then, ah, Arthur McIntyre, came to Guyana to coach. And…my legbreaks were not particularly good. So I decided to make the change.

Pratham: Were your leg-breaks not…did they not turn enough? Were you not like accurate enough with the action you had when bowling legbreaks?

Lance Gibbs: They turned, but ah….not the way you wanted to really out the batsman, you know? So, I decided to change…and it was a great success, as you can see!

Pratham: Indeed!

Lance Gibbs: It was safer. The ball going away from the batsman – right hander. It’s easier to punch it through the covers. The off-break, it was difficult because it was turning into him and there was more room for the batsman to think about what to do. So the off-break, you know, it was the ball after a while you preferred to bowl. I still bowled legbreaks every now and again and get a wicket here or there…but the off-break was the dependable ball.

Pratham: That makes sense. And was your action when you used to bowl with a leg-break after that change…was it easy to tell that you were bowling a leg-break versus an off-break.

Lance Gibbs: Yeah, easy.

Pratham: I know there were some spinners around your time…there was a man by the name of Johnny Gleeson…

Lance Gibbs: Gleeson, yes. I played with him.

Pratham: I knew there were some spinners like him that were mystery spinners where you couldn’t really tell whether it was a leg or off break. So I was wondering if you were like that. But that makes sense.

Lance Gibbs: The most important point is that if I bowl an off-break I’m going to get it to turn, and turn it much more then I would get it to turn when bowling off-breaks.

Pratham: I did hear a story…and ah, I want to…you know you hear a lot of stories about cricketers and all…and I always want to fact check essentially or validate if it’s true or not. I heard about some of the batsmen in the club you used to play in. They way that they’d encourage bowlers would be to put a coin on the top of off stump and then if you hit the top off stump, the bowler could get a coin as a prize. Was that true, in your case?

Lance Gibbs: Is that true? Yes…but the leg-break is going to turn away, and therefore is not going to hit the stump you’re aiming at. So it was easier to bowl off-breaks with the ball coming in to the batsman. And most of the batsman in those days were right handers…

Pratham: Wow! Makes a lot of sense. So once you switched to off-breaks….do you remember how many coins you earned?

Lance Gibbs: How many coins I earned? Fair amount! Haha. Fair amount, fair amount.

Pratham: And do you think that helped you with your accuracy as a bowler in general?

Lance Gibbs: I would think so…certainly did.

Pratham: One other thing that interested me in your stage where you were still budding as a young cricketer. And it has to do to something I noticed when you became an experienced cricketer. In watching footage of past matches and so forth, I noticed that you’d be standing in the fielding position of gully. I was wondering…did that start when you were in club cricket or was that something once you got to the Test side you were asked to do? Do you have advice if you are fielding at gully as a young cricketer?

Lance Gibbs: Fielding at gully? Yeah, it’s a great position. You keep your eye on the ball all the time. When you are fielding in the slips, you don’t take your eyes of the ball at all. If you do that you’re going to get hit and lose out. So it’s best to concentrate on the ball at all times. Some fellows seem to field at slip, but they don’t seem to care.

Pratham: Did you bend more a lot more when you were at gully? Were you mostly upright? I ask because one of the cricketers I was reading an interview about this matter (Darryl Cullinan) said something to the effect that slip & gully fielders should emulate their wicketkeeper in terms of position and stance as to be capable to catch the ball. Did you try to do that?

Lance Gibbs: Yes certainly. Once you are invovled in it you pick up little hints here and there and you try and concentrate and do as is best for you and your team.

Pratham: There is something else that I’ve heard your team had a role in playing in. Please feel free to corroborate whether this is true or not but I heard when you were younger, especially when you were in club cricket, you were a talented batsman.

Lance Gibbs: Hmm..hmm..

Pratham: And because you were one of their main strike bowlers and spinners, your skippers said “don’t worry about the batting…just focus on the bowling.” Was that true? Did you feel a certain kind of way regarding that (getting demoted down the batting order, not getting enough batting opportunities)?

Lance Gibbs: I worked on my batting because in order to get into the Test side and eventually come up to the top, you’ve got to concentrate a lot and make sure you are doing it both ways. Batting a little bit, bowling a little bit. So I worked on my batting early on and got chances…but it was not at Test level.

Pratham: Makes sense. That covers most of the queries I had regarding your early life. And now, I want to ask you a bit about your path to the Test side.

Pratham: You made your (first class cricket) debut in ’54 for British Guiana.

Lance Gibbs: 53-54, yes.

Pratham: My understanding was that it was February of that year, and it was against the MCC who were England at the time. How did you feel when you were making a debut against them? Cause they weren’t a weak side. They were the best side in the world.

Lance Gibbs: No, no, they weren’t a weak side. But you know, I aimed to reach to the top. Gave my best and by aiming my best to reach up there. And you know, once you know what exactly you are doing, it helps. You had help from coaches down the line (Berkeley Gaskin, McIntyre)…and in the Caribbean, you’d bring out someone who was particularly good. They would become the main individuals you could go to and they would say do so. If they saw you bowl a bad ball, they’d. So you had a lot of help from the fellows. And I was particularly pleased with what transpired.

Pratham: It’s really a great thing to have that sort of support.

Lance Gibbs: Yeah, yeah.

Pratham: I know that first game might have been a bit of a baptism by fire. Because the MCC, they scored 600 in the first innings of that match…

Lance Gibbs: I remember my first wicket was DCS Compton. Bowled Gibbs 18. And he was one of the premier men in the English side.

Pratham: He was a fascinating character, I’ve heard, as well. A great batsman.

Lance Gibbs: Compton? Yes, he certainly was.

Pratham: How did you feel you bowled in that first match?

Lance Gibbs: I bowled particularly well. I got 2 wickets. I got Compton and another one of their main batsman.

Pratham: I did look at the side they put out for that tour game. They had some very fine batsman in there – Hutton, Compton, May, and Tom Graveney.

Lance Gibbs: Graveney got a 100.

Pratham: He tended to like play against West Indian sides – he scored a lot of 100s against them.

Lance Gibbs: Yeah, he was a great player.

Pratham: Another thing about that English side you were facing up in your first match. When Guyana came out to bat, Johnny Wardle seemed to run through your batting lineup. In this game, do you recall him as bowling mainly chinamen deliveries? My understanding was that he’d bowl often left arm orthodox at home but would switch overseas on tours to place like the Caribbean to bowling chinaman deliveries. Or was there a mix of both?

Lance Gibbs: Well he was a senior cricketer at that time and he tried different things. Sometimes he succeeded, sometimes he did not.

Pratham: Did you find that your batsman were especially unfamiliar with the style he bowled in (was he hard to pick)?

Lance Gibbs: Well our team was a young team. It was a Guyana side that were really not at the level we would probably wanted to think about. They came on to the scene late. Glendon Gibbs whose a cousin of mine was the exception. He batted and bowled particularly well. I think he got 6 wickets. He got more wickets then I did – and he was not a specialist bowler.

Pratham: So he was a batting all-rounder, then?

Lance Gibbs: Yes.

Pratham: There was another man that was playing in that side. He also ended up representing the West Indies – Robert Christiani.

Lance Gibbs: He was the captain!

Pratham: How was he as a teammate, as a personality?

Lance Gibbs: Very nice individual. He lived not very far from where I live. And I used to hero-worship him.

Pratham: Did he give you any advice before you made your debut?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah, yeah. They all do. At the same time, if you listen to so much, you’re in trouble of knowing what to do and what not to do.

Pratham: You have to filter things out.

Lance Gibbs: Exactly!

Pratham: Some of the other bowlers playing in that game were Trueman and Lock. Now both didn’t have statistically great tours but they were great bowlers probably closer to their prime in this series. What did you make of their skillsets as bowlers?

Lance Gibbs: Trueman…he was a great bowler. You sort of hero-worship some fellows, you know…

Pratham: He was one of them?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah.

Pratham: I know that in 1959-60, the tour after this one, he was called Mr. Bumper Man by some of the West Indian crowds because he’d bowl a lot of bouncers. In this game, did he bowl a lot of bouncers?

Lance Gibbs: I was hoping he didn’t bowl bumpers at me! (laughing)

Pratham: I heard in those days you could also bowl beamers and it was up to the umpire to decide to put a stop to it. Did you see him bowling bumpers in this game?

Lance Gibbs: No, no. But he was a rough campaigner, to be honest with you.

Pratham: I’ve heard a lot of sledges associated with him. Did he say anything to you?

Lance: No. When I went in to bat, he wasn’t bowling.

Pratham: Was Lock there when you went in to bat?

Lance Gibbs: Lock was quite a nice man.

Pratham: Very quick through the air, was he not?

Lance Gibbs: Right – and he would help you if you asked a question about bowling – he’d give you an answer, you know?

Pratham: Oh, okay! And like you, he used to field close to the bat, right?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah.

Pratham: And they also had Moss who was their first change bowler.

Lance Gibbs: He was the quickest of the lot.

Pratham: It’s interesting you mentioned Moss was the fastest of the lot. Now he’s not generally who you would expect in that. You would expect Trueman or Statham to be considered quicker. If there was a speed gun in those days, what would you estimate their pace to be in terms of miles per hour or kilometers per hour?

Lance Gibbs: That I don’t know – but I think Moss was particularly quick.

Pratham: I know that the English captain Hutton did this the year after in Australia – he was often criticized for slowing down the game because he would use his fast bowlers in short bursts and he would get overs in a lot less faster. In this game, did you see any example of that in that Trueman and co weren’t getting their overs in as quickly?

Lance Gibbs: I never really looked at that – but I would say that if they had to bowl a certain amount of overs in a certain amount of time, they did so. You would have to bowl a certain amount of overs in a day. That’s where you would get fined if you not bowling at the right range, you know? And that was something that was done right through the Caribbean throughout my cricketing career. They expect you to bowl and finish an over in a certain amount of time so the others could get a chance to bowl. they had three or four exceptionally good fast bowlers and they used them accordingly.

Pratham: And then you know, you make your debut 5 years after this – so there’s a gap…

Lance Gibbs: Debut in Test cricket?

Pratham: Yes – cause this is 1953-54…

Lance Gibbs: Right?

Pratham: So what were some improvements you made in those 4-5 years as a spinner?

Lance Gibbs: I worked harder then ever. Practiced as much as possible.

Pratham: So what were some kind of drills that you would do to practice? Were there specific things you would concentrate on?

Lance Gibbs: Yeah…bowled at one stump for many hours for quite a while. I’d be the first individual at the nets. There was a school next door to the ground. And I get the boys to throw the ball back to me (to improve catching). So I worked hard at it.

Pratham: One of the things some of the biomechanists who study spin bowling say these days…they mention the pivoting of your hips as very important. The more you can get your hips to pivot or rotate in delivering the ball, the more turn you can get. Was there an effort on your end to try to make it so that your action was more…you were getting more into the ball by moving your body behind that way?

Lance Gibbs: Not really. It came naturally. I had one style and stuck through it in my career.

Pratham: Makes sense.

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The Resurgence of Pakistan Cricket: From Tragedy to Triumph

Cricket is more than just a sport for Pakistan – it’s an inseparable part of the nation’s identity, a symbol of unity in diversity, and a conduit of national pride. However, the trajectory of Pakistan’s cricketing saga has been far from smooth. This article delves into the tumultuous journey of Pakistan cricket, recounting its trials and triumphs over the past decade. From the traumatic aftermath of the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan team to the subsequent isolation from international cricket and from the hopeful revival ushered in by the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the team’s remarkable resurgence on the global stage – this narrative offers a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s cricketing landscape. Embark on this exploration of resilience, transformation, and Pakistan’s indomitable spirit of cricket.

The Trauma of 2009: Shattered Dreams

In the annals of Pakistan cricket history, the year 2009 is marked by a tragic event that left an indelible scar on the nation’s sports culture. The assault on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore not only jeopardized the lives of players but also isolated Pakistan from the international cricket community. The aftermath was immediate and severe: international teams refused to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns. A once vibrant cricket culture was suddenly silenced, and Pakistan’s passionate fans were deprived of witnessing the thrilling spectacle of international cricket in their homeland.

The Pakistan Super League: A Catalyst for Change

The Pakistan Super League revolutionized Pakistan cricket in many ways. The T20 tournament not only brought back international cricket to the country but also provided a platform for young Pakistani talent to shine. It gave emerging players a chance to play alongside international stars, enhancing their skills and boosting their confidence.

The PSL has been instrumental in discovering new talents like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Shadab Khan, and many others who have significantly contributed to the national team.

International Cricket’s Comeback: A New Dawn

The decade following the 2009 attack was marked by struggle and determination. The return of international cricket to Pakistan began tentatively, with Zimbabwe touring in 2015 for a short limited-overs series. The successful organization of these games ignited a spark of hope. The real turning point came with the initiation of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2016, a bold step that signaled Pakistan’s intent to regain its position in the global cricket fraternity.

The PSL played a monumental role in changing the perception of security in the country. With international players participating and matches being held without incidents, the PSL became a beacon for the return of international cricket. By 2020, all PSL matches were being held in Pakistan, and the sight of filled stadiums was a solid statement to the rest of the world that Pakistan was ready to host international cricket again.

Successful tours by major cricketing nations further bolstered this renewed confidence in Pakistan’s security. Over the last few years, Pakistan has hosted teams from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. These tours, marked by thrilling cricket and commendable sportsmanship, were a testament to Pakistan’s ability to host international matches safely and effectively. The presence of these teams on Pakistani soil brought great joy to the local fans and strengthened Pakistan’s position in the global cricket fraternity.

The Resurgence of the Pakistan Cricket Team

In recent years, the Pakistan cricket team has shown remarkable improvement. The team has demonstrated a great mix of experience and youth, which is indicative of a well-thought-out development strategy. The team’s performance in international cricket has been increasingly consistent, which can be attributed to the confidence and exposure gained from the PSL.

Pakistan’s cricket has been on an upward trajectory, with notable achievements, including winning the Champions Trophy in 2017 and reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2021, finals of the T20 World Cup, and Asia Cup in 2023. The team’s progress is a testament to the resilience of the players and the effective strategies implemented by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Grassroots Development: Nurturing the Future

The revival of cricket in Pakistan isn’t confined to the national team and high-profile PSL games. A significant amount of work has also been done at the grassroots level to ensure a steady stream of talent for the future. The PCB has launched numerous domestic tournaments to scout and nurture young talent. Schools and colleges have been encouraged to participate in cricket tournaments, and cricket academies are being established nationwide. These initiatives aim to instill the cricketing fundamentals in the younger generation and prepare them for the rigors of international cricket.

The Women’s Game: An Overlooked Frontier

While men’s cricket has made significant strides in the past decade, women’s cricket in Pakistan still faces numerous challenges. Lack of infrastructure, funding, and societal acceptance are some of the major hurdles. However, the PCB is committed to developing women’s cricket and has undertaken initiatives to promote the game among girls and women. The exhibition matches of the Women’s Team during the Pakistan Super League 2023 were a step in the right direction. Further efforts are required to ensure that women’s cricket receives the same level of attention and resources as the men’s game.

The Asia Cup 2023: An Emerging Challenge

Despite the positive strides made in the revival of international cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a significant challenge with hosting the Asia Cup 2023. The root of this issue lies in a brewing cold war between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the venue of the tournament.

The Asia Cup was originally slated to be held in Pakistan in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hosting rights were transferred to Sri Lanka, and Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the Asia Cup 2023. Despite successful tours by all top cricketing nations, the BCCI has reservations about touring Pakistan, citing security concerns.

In an attempt to find a middle ground, the PCB proposed a hybrid model where India would play their matches at a neutral venue while the rest of the teams would compete in Pakistan. However, rumors suggest that the BCCI is not in favor of this hybrid model and is advocating for the entire tournament to be hosted at a neutral venue while maintaining that the hosting rights will technically remain with Pakistan.

In response, the PCB has taken a strong stand, stating that if the Asia Cup is moved away from Pakistan, they will boycott not only the Asia Cup but also the World Cup scheduled to be held in India. This deadlock has created uncertainty over the Asia Cup 2023, with both boards steadfast in their positions.

Adding to this complex scenario, the recent arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket, and the ensuing political unrest in the country have cast further doubts on Pakistan’s chances of hosting the Asia Cup. As the cricketing world watches these developments unfold, the future of the Asia Cup 2023 hangs in the balance.

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From Cape Town to Nairobi, Cricket is Growing in African Countries

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a rich history that dates back several centuries. While it is widely considered a national sport in England and India, it is also played and enjoyed in many other countries around the world. The fan base of the sport is continuously growing in many African countries, with Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya leading the way.

Cricket in Zambia

While cricket is not as popular in Zambia as it is in some other African countries, the sport does have a small but growing following in the country, especially among expatriates and the local Indian community. The Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU) is the governing body for cricket in the country and has been working to promote the sport and develop its infrastructure. The ZCU organizes various domestic tournaments and leagues and also fields a national team that competes in regional and international tournaments. It also helps that local betting outlets, like Betway Zambia, offer extensive coverage of global and local events.

One of the major challenges facing cricket in Zambia is the lack of facilities and equipment, but this is slowly changing, too.

Cricket in South Africa

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in South Africa and is played and enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. The country has a rich cricketing history and has produced some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, including Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, and AB de Villiers. The sport is governed by Cricket South Africa, which organizes various domestic tournaments and leagues, as well as the national team that competes in international tournaments. South Africa has hosted several major international cricket events, including the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Cricket in Zimbabwe

Cricket is also popular in Zimbabwe, where the sport has a long and storied history. The country has produced several world-class players, including Andy Flower, Heath Streak, and Brendan Taylor. The sport is governed by the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, which organizes various domestic tournaments and leagues, as well as the national team that competes in regional and international tournaments. Zimbabwe has hosted several major international cricket events, including the 1992 and 2003 Cricket World Cups.

Cricket in Kenya

Cricket is a relatively minor sport in Kenya, but it has been growing in popularity in recent years. The country has a national team that competes in regional and international tournaments and has produced several notable players, including Steve Tikolo and Thomas Odoyo. The sport is governed by Cricket Kenya, which organizes various domestic tournaments and leagues.

While cricket may not be as popular in Africa as it is in some other parts of the world, the sport does have a significant following in several countries on the continent. Whether it’s the growing popularity of the sport in Zambia, the rich cricketing history of South Africa, the storied tradition of cricket in Zimbabwe, or the growing interest in the sport in Kenya, cricket continues to be a beloved pastime for millions of people in Africa and around the world.

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