Sink or Swim

Pakistan's ODI squad has not done much better than the test one; their ranking is the same in either format though the gap between number seven and number four in ODIs is minuscule. The question is whether the rot that is well set in the test side will make its way to LO cricket squads or not. Anything less than at least a win while the ODI series is alive or a Twenty20 win would confirm the rot.

Will the return of Afridi and Younis and the change of format make a difference? Younis has not done much since his break but Afridi has been in good touch and in touch with Australian cricket. The strange thing is that as uncontrolled as Afridi's head has been during his career he may be the pillar to rally around. But these are strange days and must account for strange saviors. At this stage the team needs to get rid of the timorous soul that possesses it and for that Afridi may be the exorciser.

Pakistani players can come out with an attitude of a point to prove after their exclusion from IPL or they could let it get to them. It will be a test of their character. They could concentrate their minds on the only job they have at hand or lose all perspective. They should be clear in their minds what they have. They are cornered as never before.