So the PCB are getting their knickers in a twist over the omission of Saeed Ajmal from the shortlist for ICC Cricketer of the Year? The world should not be surprised because, quite frankly, that is the sort of attitude that has held Pakistan back in the past decade. It may even have played a part, however indirect, in the flawed decision-making by Amir, Asif, Butt et al two years ago which left Pakistan shorn of their two best bowlers and captain-batsman.
Ironically it may have paved the way for spinner Saeed Ajmal to cement a permanent place in the side and go on to enjoy such a spectacular 2011 in all forms of international cricket. So should Ajmal be in the final four? If it was for the 2011 calendar year, absolutely no question; he would even be my favourite for the main prize. For the August-August period used by the ICC he still has a major claim to be considered at the final hurdle. But when you consider the four who DID make the respected selectors' shortlist, it becomes a harder job.
Hashim Amla has been in great form in ODIs especially but the record-breaking 'triple' against England a few months ago is indicative of the South African's ability in first-class cricket, too. Australia and Sri Lanka, like India, have played many more matches than South Africa. Michael Clarke and Kumar Sangakkara have been consistent performers in the Test and ODI arena, and the former has also borne the considerable burden of captaining a team desperate to rediscover former glories and the adoration of demanding fans. That's three batsmen, so surely Ajmal would be the first-choice bowler for his 70-odd wickets? Well, measure him up against Vernon Philander.
While no spring chicken, Philander broke on to the Test scene last November with 3-63 and 5-15 in that crazy Cape Town encounter against Australia. Actually Michael Clarke's 151 in the first innings showed why he is possibly a favourite for the ICC crown, despite falling LBW to Philander second time around. The seamer continued to grab wickets against the Aussies, then took 16 at only 13 against Sri Lanka and 21 at 15 in New Zealand. His best performance against England this summer came too late for consideration but 56 wickets at an average of only 16-odd in your first nine Tests is some achievement which probably just eclipses the stats of the Pakistani spinner.
I can't really argue against the chosen four as Test and overall cricketers of the year. It's just one of many yardsticks of success, along with player stats and the official rankings, which are based on performances over a longer period. In this particular 'vote', Ajmal may be unfortunate but he should still be recognised as the best spinner in the world. Perhaps Philander will come a cropper when he bowls on Asian pitches, maybe not. For now, he probably merits the chance to run for the main prize although I reckon Clarke or Amla are probably ahead of him and Sanga.
It will be interesting to see who wins the People's Choice, the shotrlist for which also includes Sanga and Philander. Indian supporters will surely vote for Sachin Tendulkar, whose year contained little of merit apart form that long-awaited 100th hundred. England fans may give the nod to James Anderson, who has made a case for the title of best swing bowler in the world, although Dale Steyn may contest that! Maybe the rest of the planet will prefer Jacques Kallis, the veteran all-rounder who remains the ultimate professional and supreme all-rounder in all cricketing formats. A fantastic player who would be this person's choice!
