Against All Odds: Shakib Al Hasan's stellar 2011 journey

 

In the unpredictable realm of cricket, where fortunes can shift with the gust of a breeze, few individuals possess the charisma and confidence to leave an indelible mark. Representing one of the weaker teams on the global stage, it takes an extraordinary individual to emerge as the world’s number one allrounder. In 2011, that remarkable individual was Shakib Al Hasan, a prodigious talent hailing from Magura, Bangladesh—a feat that still commands admiration.

The year commenced on a bitter note for Shakib. As captain, he grappled with the immense expectations of a nation—over 160 million dreams resting on his shoulders. The mounting pressures led to a tumultuous relationship with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, resulting in the loss of his captaincy and thrusting him into a maelstrom of chaos and controversy. Yet, within this turmoil, Shakib’s innate resilience began to surface.

What sets Shakib apart is not merely his skill but his champion’s mentality—the ability to shake off frustrations and rebound with even greater vigor. As 2011 progressed, he transformed adversity into opportunity, showcasing his brilliance with bat and ball. Throughout the year, Shakib amassed 564 runs at an average of 33.18, while excelling in the Test arena, where he scored 451 runs at an impressive average of 50.11. 

His prowess as a bowler was equally formidable; Shakib was not just a wicket-taker but a genuine threat to opposing batsmen. In the third ODI against the West Indies, his performance was instrumental in restricting them to a meager total. In the Test matches against both West Indies and Pakistan, he demonstrated surgical precision with the ball, effectively dismantling batting line-ups that often outclassed his teammates.

Throughout five Tests, Shakib captured 21 wickets at an average of 28.61, with a strike rate of 61.8 and an economy rate of 2.77. In the ODI format, his performance was equally commendable, with 25 wickets from 25 matches at an average of 28.08 and an economy rate of 4.33. His statistical feats reflect not only his capability but his unwavering commitment to the game.

Shakib's accomplishments also etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. His remarkable 144 against Pakistan, coupled with a six-wicket haul, marked only the ninth instance in Test cricket where an allrounder has achieved such a dual feat. This was the seventh occurrence in the history of Test cricket and the second in the subcontinent, following in the footsteps of the legendary Imran Khan, who first achieved this against India in Faisalabad during the 1982-83 season.

In a team often beset by struggles, Shakib’s brilliance shone through. Unlike his fellow batsmen, who frequently succumbed to mental clutter, he maintained a clarity of purpose, executing his skills against even the most formidable opponents. As the year unfolded, Shakib emerged as the sole beacon of hope for Bangladesh, a shining star amidst the shadows of a challenging cricketing landscape.

In essence, Shakib Al Hasan’s journey in 2011 was not merely about numbers and records; it was a testament to his indomitable spirit and extraordinary talent, a narrative of resilience that continues to inspire a generation of cricketers in Bangladesh and beyond.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Year of Redemption: Pakistan Cricket's renaissance under Misbah-ul-Haq

The year 2011 marked a pivotal chapter in Pakistan cricket—a phoenix-like resurgence from the ashes of controversy. After being engulfed by the spot-fixing scandal of 2010, many believed Pakistan would struggle to regain its composure. Yet, Pakistan did more than just survive—it thrived. The team registered 24 ODI victories against only seven losses and remained undefeated in the Test series throughout the year. A feat to savour and the credit for this transformation belongs largely to a man whose calm demeanour and stoic leadership redefined the spirit of Pakistani cricket—*Misbah-ul-Haq*.  

On the surface, Misbah’s presence seems unassuming. His measured gait and quiet personality mask a sharp cricketing mind, capable of orchestrating order within a notoriously mercurial side. It’s easy to forget that Misbah was an unlikely candidate for captaincy when appointed in 2010. With only Jeff Lawson—Pakistan’s former coach—backing him, few believed Misbah could command the respect of a side often riddled with factionalism. Yet, series after series, the unshakeable calm that he exuded began to permeate the dressing room, transforming individualistic performers into a synchronized unit.  

Misbah’s ascent began in New Zealand with a Test series victory, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable year. A drawn series in the Caribbean was followed by comprehensive triumphs over Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. With each success, Pakistan rediscovered not just their form but their soul. For the first time since 1996, they finished a calendar year unbeaten in the Test series—an achievement that held a deeper resonance. Unlike the star-studded team of 1996, brimming with legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, and Mushtaq Ahmed, this was a team built on grit rather than flair, resilience rather than reputation.  

The Misbahh Effect: The New Begining 

In the absence of marquee players, the side flourished under Misbah’s steady hand. His players—some young, others seasoned—responded not just to the game but to their captain. Misbah instilled in them a belief that transcended personal ambitions. They played not as a group of soloists vying for the spotlight but as an orchestra harmonizing under his baton. When the team needed him the most, Misbah became the torchbearer, guiding Pakistan out of the darkness left by scandal and distrust.  

Amid internal discord—most notably the clash between Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis—Misbah remained steadfast. While the two giants were embroiled in public skirmishes, Misbah focused relentlessly on the task at hand, his leadership unaffected by external chaos. His personal form flourished under the weight of responsibility: in Test cricket, he amassed 765 runs at an impressive average of 69.54. His cool head at the crease embodied the stability he brought to Pakistan cricket both on and off the field.  

Afridi’s rift with the Pakistan Cricket Board saw him relinquish the ODI captaincy, thrusting Misbah into the limited-overs role. Many doubted his suitability for the shorter format, yet Misbah silenced sceptics with his results. He captained Pakistan to 13 victories in 14 ODIs, cementing his credentials as a leader for all formats. Afridi dazzled with his mercurial brilliance, Hafeez found form with both bat and ball and Saeed Ajmal delivered mesmerizing spells throughout the year—but none bore the burden of leadership like Misbah. In a team known for its volatility, Misbah brought tranquillity.  

Under his stewardship, the dressing room was swept clean of the toxic politics that had plagued it for years. Young players now had a leader they could trust, someone who offered them not just a place in the squad but a sense of belonging. The air in the Pakistan camp felt fresher, freer—like a breeze from the snow-clad mountains that frame the nation. Where there had once been discord, there was now unity. Misbah’s most profound achievement lay not just in victories but in restoring the ethos of teamwork, a rare treasure in the world of Pakistan cricket.  

As Pakistan looked toward 2012, the optimism was palpable. Misbah had not only led them to victory but to a deeper understanding of what it meant to play as one. His leadership embodied the art of patience, responsibility, and quiet action. In a game where flair often overshadows substance, Misbah proved that sometimes, the loudest triumphs are those earned in silence.  

For Pakistan cricket, 2011 was not just a successful year—it was a year of redemption. And at the heart of this revival stood Misbah-ul-Haq, the unassuming yet indomitable leader. In every respect, he was the player of the year for Pakistan, not because he dazzled with sixes or fiery spells, but because he gave the team something it desperately needed—a guiding light in its darkest hour.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Young Brigade Roars: Australia’s Boxing Day Revival at the MCG

The script had an old ring to it: hostile fast bowling, batting collapse, and a familiar Indian surrender abroad. But this was no mere throwback to the past. At the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, before a record crowd of 189,347 across four days, a young and revitalized Australian side rewrote the opening chapter of the Border-Gavaskar series with a 122-run win that was less about dominance and more about emergence — of spirit, of identity, and of a new era in Baggy Green cricket.

The victory wasn’t sculpted solely from technical superiority. It was forged from hunger — the kind that oozes from the pores of cricketers yet to be burdened by legacy. James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, and Ben Hilfenhaus bowled not just with skill but with a venom that recalled the golden age of Australian quicks. Their relentless assault shredded India’s batting on the fourth day, reducing the final innings to a mere procession.

Pattinson, in particular, embodied the modern archetype of the Australian fast bowler — fiery but focused, aggressive yet controlled. That he contributed with the bat as well, scoring a career-best 37 not out to extend Australia’s second innings total to 240, only added layers to a performance that brimmed with promise. His dismissal of Rahul Dravid, with a delivery that jagged through the gate to uproot middle stump, was no less than a rite of passage. Dravid, bowled in both innings — a rarity — had no answer.

From his first over on home soil, Pattinson had the MCG faithful behind him. In that gladiatorial theatre, it wasn't difficult to imagine echoes of Merv Hughes in the air. When he bounced VVS Laxman out with an angling lifter and later trapped MS Dhoni, the generational shift was all but confirmed. Here was no longer the Australia that clung to fading legends, but one that found new heroes in youth.

The Anatomy of a Collapse: India’s Cracked Core

India’s batting implosion may have shocked casual observers, but it followed a familiar arc. Since the summer humiliation in England, this was a team nursing fragile confidence. The big names — Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman — had all the appearance of champions, but increasingly the feel of ghosts chasing past glories.

Dravid’s dismissal — beaten through the gate — was symbolic. Laxman’s soft flick to square leg evoked disbelief. And Tendulkar, dazzling in brief cameos, was softened up by Pattinson before succumbing to a full delivery from Siddle — a square drive too airy, hands too early. With six wickets down for 81, the end was not in question but only in timing.

Even the lower order, typically a source of resistance for India, folded quickly. Ashwin provided fleeting resistance, scoring 30, but Zaheer Khan’s brief cameo — including a six — only delayed the inevitable. The fact that India had to rely on the likes of Ashwin and Zaheer for spine underscored how deep the rot ran in the top order.

A Team in Transition, A Spectacle in Renewal

The 2011-12 Australian team is not, by historical standards, great. But it is intoxicating to watch. It is raw, honest, and — crucially — relatable. The attack is composed of a bricklayer (Hilfenhaus), a groundsman (Lyon), a woodchopper (Siddle), and a roof-tiler-in-waiting (Pattinson). They are craftsmen in spikes, delivering the sort of evocative performances that stir the heart as much as the scoreboard.

At the centre of it all is Michael Clarke, a captain still molding his own legacy. Clarke’s leadership was inventive, if occasionally unorthodox. At one point, he turned to Mike Hussey’s gentle mediums to unsettle Sachin Tendulkar. It didn’t yield a wicket, but it yielded belief — that anything could happen. Clarke’s willingness to gamble with tactics lends his side an edge that is, at the very least, never boring.

In the slips, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey — two aging giants — fought back against the inevitable with a partnership that was less about statistics and more about narrative redemption. Every run they eked out in the second innings felt like a statement: that experience, too, has a place in youth’s world.

Cowan, Warner, and the Spirit of Renewal

If Pattinson provided the fire, Ed Cowan provided the flint. On debut, at 29, he played like a man who understood scarcity — of opportunity, of time. His composed 68 in the first innings showed the virtues of first-class grind. He left the ball with elegance, ran his singles like they mattered, and stood as a model for what Australia's top order sorely lacked in the years post-Hayden and Langer.

And then there is David Warner, who entered Test cricket with the label of a T20 bludgeoner but is slowly chiseling himself into a Test cricketer. His AFL-style leap on the boundary to catch Umesh Yadav sealed the match and the moment — a symbol of athleticism married to theatre, of new Australia embracing its future with both hands.

A Battle for Identity

This win was more than a 1-0 series lead. It was a proclamation — of a team reasserting itself, not just in results but in personality. In the crowd, Bay 13 roared not just for the wickets, but for the fight. There was the feeling that something was being built — not merely victories, but a new identity, one forged in sweat and sledges, in bruised ribs and thundering applause.

The challenge now for Australia is consistency. Since the South Africa tour, they have been a study in contrasts: shambolic in Cape Town, resilient in Johannesburg, dominant at the Gabba, agonized in Hobart, and now triumphant in Melbourne. To become great, they must learn to be boring — to win routinely, not just poetically.

But until then, this team is worth watching — not for perfection, but for the pursuit of it.

As the teams head to Sydney, the ghosts of past failures will follow India, while Australia will carry the memory of this performance like a badge. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is still up for contest. But on this evidence, it is the hosts who seem hungrier for it — and far more likely to seize it.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Shakib Al Hasan: A Maverick Who Thrives in Chaos

The story of Shakib Al Hasan is one of flair, controversy, and relentless resilience - a narrative where brilliance on the field coexists with turbulence off it. Before the series against the West Indies, Shakib was at the centre of several controversies, his public persona oscillating between arrogance and defiance. His relationship with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) grew strained, leading to his removal from the captaincy, a decision seen as both punishment and damage control. Critics speculated that these distractions might affect his form, predicting a downward spiral. But champions like Shakib rarely crumble under pressure—they evolve, using adversity as fuel to reignite their brilliance.  

 Turning Controversy into Triumph 

The ODI series against the West Indies was Shakib’s first stage to respond to his critics, and he did so in style. In three matches, he amassed 79 runs at a strike rate of 117.1 while maintaining a formidable batting average of 79.00. With the ball, he was even more menacing, taking 6 wickets at an average of 16.00, with an economy rate of 3.84. These numbers not only sealed Bangladesh's success but also propelled Shakib to reclaim the top spot in the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings, overtaking Australia’s Shane Watson. For a nation that often seeks moments of sporting pride amid political and social struggles, this achievement was monumental. Shakib’s redemption arc had begun.

In the Test series that followed, Shakib showcased his adaptability and poise. He claimed 10 wickets at an average of 22.0, with an impressive economy rate of 2.98, stifling the West Indian batsmen with accuracy. But it was with the bat that Shakib truly excelled, scoring 168 runs at an average of 56.00, maintaining a fluent strike rate of 74.00. His all-around performance earned him the *Man of the Series* award and elevated him to second place in the ICC Test all-rounder rankings—a testament to his unwavering spirit amid personal turmoil.

The Pakistan Series: A Symphony of Skill 

Against Pakistan, Shakib’s bowling was the key to disrupting momentum in the lone T20 match, where he dismissed key players at crucial moments. In the ensuing three-match ODI series, he maintained his reputation as a miserly bowler, claiming 4 wickets at an economy rate of 3.03. His knack for breaking partnerships once again proved vital, with a bowling average of 22.50. However, the two-match Test series against Pakistan revealed another dimension of his genius—one driven by sheer willpower and artistry with the bat. 

In the second Test at Mirpur, Shakib entered cricket's elite club by becoming one of the few players to score a century and take five wickets in the same match - a feat achieved by legends such as Jacques Kallis and Ravichandran Ashwin. His 144 in Dhaka was an innings of grit and class, lasting nearly six hours and spanning five sessions, with only one boundary on the second day—a striking example of his patience. This was the fifth-longest innings by a Bangladeshi batsman, underscoring not just endurance but maturity. Every stroke he played that day was a perfect amalgamation of artistry and power, his off-side drives leaving fielders paralyzed. It was a performance that reminded the world that Bangladesh could produce technically sound, long-format batsmen. 

 The Enigma of Shakib: Flawed but Brilliant 

Shakib Al Hasan is not just an all-rounder—he is an enigma. His personality is a paradox: an eccentric mix of brilliance and rebellion, with a tinge of arrogance that sometimes clashes with authority. His confrontations with the BCB have been well-documented, painting him as a figure who refuses to conform to conventional expectations. Yet, on the field, Shakib’s ego never overshadows his commitment. When Bangladesh needs him most, he rises—delivering when others falter. It is this dichotomy - his off-field turbulence versus on-field excellence—that makes him so compelling. 

Despite the controversies, Shakib remains Bangladesh’s talisman—the one player capable of swinging games single-handedly, be it with the bat or ball. His impact goes beyond numbers. His flashy batting, deceptive arm balls, and audacious cricketing instincts make him a treat to watch. Shakib operates on instinct, untainted by the cautious strategies that often define modern-day cricket management. This unpredictability—this refusal to play by the book - is what makes him a legend in the making. 

 A Hero in the Making, Not Without Flaws 

Shakib’s career is a lesson in navigating chaos, embracing flaws, and finding brilliance in the unlikeliest of circumstances. He embodies the spirit of Bangladesh cricket - a blend of raw talent, defiance, and relentless ambition. While his off-field antics have made him a polarizing figure, they have also added layers to his persona. He is both a hero and a flawed genius, a player whose performances command respect, even from his harshest critics. 

In a world obsessed with perfection, Shakib stands out as a reminder that greatness often comes with imperfections. His journey is far from over, and as he continues to break records and defy expectations, one thing is certain - Shakib Al Hasan will remain a force to be reckoned with, someone who thrives not despite the chaos, but because of it. 

Never take your eyes off this maverick, for his story is still unfolding—one boundary, one wicket, and one controversy at a time.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Test of Tumult and Triumph: New Zealand’s Historic Win in Hobart

The second Test between Australia and New Zealand in Hobart was a gripping, low-scoring battle of attrition, where the conditions dictated play and exposed vulnerabilities in both line-ups. The match, ultimately won by New Zealand by a mere seven runs, was a testament to the potency of disciplined seam bowling and the fragility of batting under pressure.

Day One: A Verdant Pitch and Seam Bowling Mastery

A rain-affected first day saw Australia’s fast bowlers exploit a lively surface to dismantle New Zealand for a modest 150. Peter Siddle and James Pattinson shared eight wickets between them, their relentless accuracy and movement extracting both edges and indecision from the Kiwi batsmen. Only Dean Brownlie, with a composed 56, and Brendon McCullum, fighting through treacherous conditions, provided any resistance.

In response, Australia’s start mirrored New Zealand’s struggles. Phillip Hughes’ miserable series continued as he once again fell identically—caught by Martin Guptill off Chris Martin. Usman Khawaja survived a couple of close calls, and David Warner battled the probing Trent Boult before rain curtailed play at 1 for 12.

Day Two: A Swinging Pendulum

As the second day unfolded, New Zealand flipped the script, bowling Australia out for a meagre 136, taking an unexpected but vital 14-run first-innings lead. Chris Martin led the way with unwavering discipline, while the Australians faced the ignominy of nearly being dismissed for under 100 for the third time in a year. Siddle and Pattinson provided some lower-order defiance, but the Kiwi bowlers ensured a slim but crucial advantage.

New Zealand’s second innings began with intent. Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson counterattacked, with Taylor surviving an early chance when Hughes dropped him in the gully. Jesse Ryder fell to a brilliant leg-side stumping by Brad Haddin off Michael Hussey’s gentle mediums, but by stumps, New Zealand had reached 3 for 139, holding a lead of 153. It was the first sign that an upset could be brewing.

Day Three: Building the Target, Setting the Trap

New Zealand resumed in a position of relative strength but soon found themselves in familiar territory, as their innings crumbled from 3 for 139 to 9 for 203. Once again, Brownlie and Taylor played pivotal roles, Taylor’s 56 proving to be the highest score of the match. Yet, it was the unexpected tail-end defiance from debutant Boult that pushed New Zealand’s lead to 240, a total that, given the pitch’s fickle nature, was anything but trivial.

Australia’s chase began with nervous energy. Hughes, desperate for runs, enjoyed a stroke of fortune when a faint glove down the leg side went unnoticed by the Kiwis. Warner, showing more authority, guided the hosts to 0 for 72 when rain intervened, setting the stage for a climactic final day.

Day Four: Bracewell’s Spell and Warner’s Solitude

If ever a Test match encapsulated the fragility of modern Australian batting, it was the fourth day in Hobart. Resuming at 0 for 72, Australia had seemingly positioned themselves for a straightforward chase. Yet, Phillip Hughes, enduring a torrid series, succumbed yet again to Martin-Guptill, his place in the team now untenable.

The chase progressed with intermittent stability, Warner anchoring the innings while Khawaja provided support. But then came the game-defining intervention: Doug Bracewell, charging in with purpose, tore through Australia’s middle order in a single spell of devastating accuracy. Within the space of three balls, he dismissed Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, and Michael Hussey—each victim falling in a manner indicative of their struggles against lateral movement.

At lunch, Australia sat precariously at 5 for 173, the match in the balance. Warner soldiered on, reaching a defiant century, but the rest of the batting order capitulated under pressure. Tim Southee and Bracewell continued to bend the ball menacingly, tightening the noose. Haddin and Siddle perished chasing wide deliveries before Guptill snapped up Pattinson in the cordon.

With only Nathan Lyon left to support Warner, an unlikely partnership formed, bringing Australia within 25 runs of victory. Then, in a moment of high drama, Lyon survived an lbw decision via DRS, the ball seemed to have pitched millimetres outside leg stump. The tension was palpable, but it was merely a stay of execution. Bracewell, with one final burst of energy, breached Lyon’s defences, and with that, secured New Zealand’s first Test victory on Australian soil since 1985.

The Aftermath: A Triumph for New Zealand, A Reckoning for Australia

For New Zealand, this was a victory of historic proportions, led by an inspired bowling unit and the brilliance of Doug Bracewell, whose match-winning spell will be etched in Kiwi cricket folklore. For Australia, however, the defeat laid bare significant concerns—Hughes’ technical flaws, the lack of middle-order resilience, and a persistent vulnerability to swing and seam movement.

While Warner’s hundred stood as an innings of defiance, it was ultimately in vain. The Trans-Tasman Trophy remained in Australian hands, but the moral victory belonged squarely to New Zealand. The cricketing world had witnessed a thrilling, topsy-turvy contest—one where determination and grit triumphed over pedigree and expectation.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar