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Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Inzamam's Five of the best
Inzamam's greatest innings
Five of the best
Faras Ghani
Since making his entrance with a bang, hitting two centuries and two fifties in his first six innings, Inzamam ul Haq has been Pakistan's middle-order backbone, combining some of the most elegant cricket seen in recent times with the steel necessary to bail his side out. Here, in no particular order, are five of Inzi's best one-day innings.
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60 vs New Zealand, World Cup semi-final 1992
Coming into bat with 123 runs required and the tail to follow (due apologies to Akram and Moin), Inzamam chose the occasion to announce his entry. New Zealand, who had been beaten only once in their previous eight matches in the tournament, were faced with a whirlwind. Inzamam's 60 came off only 37 deliveries and included seven fours and a massive straight six. Inzi finally departed - run out, of course - with 36 still needed but his reputation firmly established
116 v Sri Lanka, Kimberley, 1997-98
For a veteran of 378 one-day internationals, Inzamam-ul-Haq has hit precious few centuries. This, his fifth, was one of the best, coming overseas while chasing a huge total and remaining unbeaten. Pakistan were chasing 296 against the Sri Lankans, reigning world champions and still a strong outfit. Inzamam began his innings in the tenth over with Pakistan on 46 for 2. Though he lost partners steadily, he proved impossible to dislodge and moved Pakistan steadily towards their target. He finished unbeaten on 116 off 110 balls, an innings that included only four fours and as many sixes. So perfect was Inzamam's pacing of the chase that Pakistan cantered home with two overs and four wickets to spare
122 vs India, Karachi, 2003-04
The first match of the historic series saw India bludgeoning the Pakistani bowling attack (including Shoaib, Sami and Razzaq) for 349. Pakistan's openers were dismissed within the first half hour; then, enter Inzamam who, pacing his innings superbly, formed valuable partnerships with Mohammed Yousuf (then Yousuf Youhanna) and Younis Khan. His running between the wickets was equally impressive as he allowed Yousuf and Younis to attack before cutting loose himself. In all, he smashed twelve fours and two sixes, scored his 122 of only 102 deliveries and was adamant he would take Pakistan home before succumbing to the left-arm spin of Kartik with a further 72 required off eight overs. In the end, Moin was unable to do a Miandad (6 required off the final ball) but the Karachi crowd went home stunned by a superb innings.
In a match reduced to 48 overs, India put up 315, inspired by a Tendulkar 123. For a change, Pakistan's reply saw contributions from the entire top order (Salman Butt, Afridi, Razzaq and Shoaib Malik) but each fell victim to rash stroke-play when patience was required. It was left to Inzamam to keep one end up and the runs flowing and, with three needed off the last over, he shepherded his team to Pakistan's highest successful run-chase. That last over was tense - he blocked the first five deliveries before driving the last one for a four. His response when asked why he left it till the last delivery: "I wasn't thinking anything on the last ball. I was just praying to God to help me."
This was a must-win game to ensure Pakistan won both the Test and ODI winter series. Yet things looked gloomy when Pakistan, batting first, lost the first four wickets for only 58. Inzamam, though, was around, and held one end, nudging around for quick singles and twos, while Afridi and Rana Naved hit a few around towards the end. Inzamam's patient and responsible 81* off 113 deliveries included seven fours and a six (he was left stranded as the last three wickets went down for only two runs) and took Pakistan to a mildly respectable 210 that proved to be enough. Just.
Faras Ghani is a writer based in Karachi
Ten most feared people in sports
Survey by FOXSports.com in 2005.
10. Phil Ivey
Sport: Poker
Career Highlights: As a 23-year-old kid, Ivey won his first World Series of Poker Bracelet, defeating legends Phil Hellmuth and Amarillo Slim in a Pot-Limit Omaha tournament in 2000. In 2002, he won three WSOP bracelets in a year, tying a record held by only Hellmuth and poker great Ted Forrest. Ivey, reluctantly known as the "Tiger Woods of Poker", has also won several tournaments on the World Poker Tour circuit.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Ivey is young, hip and unflappable. He has the idolization of those younger than him and the respect of his elders. Michael Craig describes Ivey in his sensational new book The Professor, The Banker and the Suicide King as a competitor with, "aggressive style, outer cool and habit of dominating tournaments with multiple wins." No silly sunglasses, no gimmicks — Ivey is just all business, all the time. In a heads-up game of poker, Phil Ivey is likely the last person you'd want to see staring at you from across the felt table.
9. Roger Federer
Sport: Men's Tennis
Career Highlights: Only 24, Federer has already notched six career Grand Slam victories, 33 singles tournament titles and seven doubles tournament wins. He's won at Wimbledon three years in a row. In the first 10 months of this year alone, he made $5,317,018 in prize money. Federer also holds a tournament-era record of 24 consecutive finals appearances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Federer is not only the best tennis player alive — but he's quite possibly the greatest ever. And, oh yeah, let us reiterate — he's only 24. His forehand is one of the best in the game; his backhand is widely regarded as unstoppable, and his serve is nearly flawless. Always stoic, Federer shows little emotion in dismantling his opponents weekend after weekend, tournament after tournament. Just ask Andy Roddick. The American has a career record of 1-9 versus the Swiss tennis star. To be certain, there's never been a question as to where Roger Federer's "mojo" is.
8. Reggie Bush
Sport: College Football
Career Highlights: The USC running back is one of the most dynamic players in college football. Over his three-year career, Bush has produced touchdowns via rushing, receiving, kickoff returning, punt returning and passing. A Heisman Trophy finalist in 2004, he's the odds-on-favorite to win the award this year. His 160 yards rushing, three touchdowns and controversial "push" of Matt Leinart in this season's epic USC-Notre Dame game only helped those chances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? You've got to feel terrible for any and all defensive backs on the other side of the field when USC's on offense. If Bush doesn't run past you, the 200-pound machine is going to run over you. Described as half Barry Sanders, half LaDainian Tomlinson (how's that for a compliment), he's rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this year. Trying to tackle Bush in the open field — that's one nightmarish task. Trying to catch up to him once he's blown by you, well, that's pretty much impossible.
7. Rafer Alston, aka Skip 2 My Lou
Sport: Basketball
Career Highlights: A 5-year NBA veteran out of Fresno State, Alston has hit clutch shots (ie. Miami vs. Dallas, 2004), served as a reliable guard off the bench and ranked as high as eighth in 3-point field goals made in a season (2003-04).
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Because Rafer Alston will make you look like a fool. One of the flashiest ball handlers to ever play the game, Alston is a veteran of the And 1 tour. Known for his signature moves and ability to make the ball look like it's attached by a string to his hand, Skip 2 My Lou is one of the most storied names in streetball lore. His moves have been made legendary through And 1's mix tapes and the ESPN 2 program "Streetball."
Alston's presence on the playground was described in the June 13th issue of Sports Illustrated. Alexander Wolff writes, "At one point, Skip uses an Isiah rollback dribble to shake loose for a three-pointer; elsewhere, at the end of a break, he unfurls a Gervinesque finger roll. Even his nickname has a nursery-rhyme innocence. (Rucker man-on-the-mike Duke Tango coined it, shouting out 'Skip, skip, skip to my Lou!' after Alston embarked on an exuberant, high-stepping gallivant in the open floor, an example of which is a high point of Volume One.) Berger and Gilbert love a Reebok commercial featuring a fictional Chicago playground legend named Lamar Mundane, and an And1 TV ad based on the Skip footage paid homage to that sensibility: A fence-side spectator describes Alston as being "soft as medicated cotton, tender as a mother's prayer and cold as a pimp's heart."
Now, imagine trying to cover the guy one-on-one.
6. Takeru Kobayashi
Sport: Competitive Eating
Career Highlights: The five-time winner of the Nathan's Famous frankfurter eating contest held each Fourth of July at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In 2004, he broke a contest record, eating 59 hot dogs in 12 minutes. In 2002, he won Fox's Glutton Bowl 1, and in 2003, he just barely lost to a Kodiak bear in a hot dog eating contest on Fox's Man vs. Beast program.
5. Jeanette Lee aka "The Black Widow"
Sport: Pool
Career Highlights: One of the world's top-ranked pool players, Jeanette Lee received the prestigious WPBA Sportsperson of the Year Award in 1998 and was nominated for the award in '95 and '97. She's won a Gold Medal for the USA at the 2001 Akita World Games in Japan, the '03 Ladies Tournament of Champions and the '04 Ladies Trick Shot Championship.
So, why are her opponents so scared of her? When you think of your average pool player, an overweight guy in overalls singing George Thorogood tunes at the local bar probably comes to mind. Jeanette Lee offers a somewhat different vision. Nevertheless, she's just as horrifying a sight for her competitors. "The Black Widow" is all business and widely considered the most famous pool player in the world. It's not just because of her stunning looks, though. As her website explains, "Jeanette's nickname is 'The Black Widow' because of her known ability to devour opponents, along with her custom of wearing only black during tournaments." Devour opponents? Yikes.
4. Ed Hochuli
Sport: Professional Football
Career Highlights: One of the most distinguished referees in the NFL, Hochuli has officiated in several big games: Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego, the 2003 AFC Championship Game and a Sunday Night football game this season in Mexico City, Mexico. He's also the head of the NFL Referees Association.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? No players mess with this guy. No "three blind mice" jokes, no complaints, nothing. They can't — the dude's bigger than half of them! Hochuli is likely the most jacked up ref/umpire in sports history. He's also one of the most respected. When he's not calling holding penalties and flashing his signature left-handed first-down signal, Hochuli is an active guy in the community and a grandfather of five. He also has a law degree from the University of Arizona. Insert your own clever "laying down the law" joke here .
3. Inzaman-ul-Haq
Sport: Cricket
Career Highlights: Pakistan's team captain is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the world. In 1992, he scored 60 in 37 balls against New Zealand in the semifinal of the World Cup to almost single-handedly win the match for his national squad. He also scored the 12th highest score by a batsman (329) against New Zealand in Lehore for a Test match in 2001-02.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Inzaman is an absolute giant in the cricket world. After a win over England in 2000, teammate Waqar Younis said of Inzaman-ul-Haq, "We worked really hard. Especially Inzy; he's probably the best player in the world at the moment." But, "Inzy's" style is quite unique. Not exactly the symbol for fitness in the sport, the hefty batsman is known for a surprisingly soft touch. Think David Ortiz as a slap singles hitter. Nearly impossible to get out, the thought of Inzaman-ul-Haq keeps opposing bowlers up late at night.
2. Johnathan Wendel, aka "Fatal1ty"
Sport: Video Games
Career Highlights: A member of the Cyberathlete Professional League (yes, this exists) since 1999, Wendel won two world Quake III championships in a month, earning him a total of $44,000. According to his website, "(Wendel) presently reigns as the only three-time CPL Champion of the Year, winning each, annual title in a different game, a feat never before accomplished." Cool.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Believe it or not, there are thousands of professional video game players around the globe. Known as "cyberathletes," these characters earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year doing what hungover college kids do on Sunday mornings for a living. Wendel, whose "handle" is "Fatal1ty," is the nastiest one of all. In an October 10th article in Business Week, we learn, "In this new world, Johnathan Wendel is the undisputed star. Over a period of five years, he has won more tournaments and pulled in more prize money than any other player, a total that has now topped $350,000. Girl gamers buzz about him at matches, like a group of Swedish players in Barcelona this summer. And boys idolize him. "He's so good," says Iisakki "Beam" Ahonen, an up-and-coming 17-year-old Finn player. 'I want to be like him — to travel and compete in tournaments and make a living at it.'" He's pretty much the Matt Leinart/Derek Jeter/Jason from "Laguna Beach" of the video-game world. Girls want him, and guys want to be him. And yet, no one wants to face him one-on-one.
1. Mike Tyson
Sport: Boxing
Career Highlights: A former WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson notched 44 knockouts over a 20-year career. At age 20, he knocked out Trevor Berbick to become the youngest WBC heavyweight titleholder of all time. In 2003, he was named by Ring Magazine at No. 16 among its 100 Greatest Punchers of All Time List.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Sure, Tyson retired on June 11 after an embarrassing loss to no-name Danny Williams. And yes, his best days are long behind him. But, regardless of that, he's still No. 1 on this list. Why? Because after he bit Evander Holyfield's ear off in the summer of 1997, Tyson ensured his permanent place in this spot for the next 200 years. Think about it. Is there any amount of money that would convince you to get in the ring with this guy?
10. Phil Ivey
Sport: Poker
Career Highlights: As a 23-year-old kid, Ivey won his first World Series of Poker Bracelet, defeating legends Phil Hellmuth and Amarillo Slim in a Pot-Limit Omaha tournament in 2000. In 2002, he won three WSOP bracelets in a year, tying a record held by only Hellmuth and poker great Ted Forrest. Ivey, reluctantly known as the "Tiger Woods of Poker", has also won several tournaments on the World Poker Tour circuit.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Ivey is young, hip and unflappable. He has the idolization of those younger than him and the respect of his elders. Michael Craig describes Ivey in his sensational new book The Professor, The Banker and the Suicide King as a competitor with, "aggressive style, outer cool and habit of dominating tournaments with multiple wins." No silly sunglasses, no gimmicks — Ivey is just all business, all the time. In a heads-up game of poker, Phil Ivey is likely the last person you'd want to see staring at you from across the felt table.
9. Roger Federer
Sport: Men's Tennis
Career Highlights: Only 24, Federer has already notched six career Grand Slam victories, 33 singles tournament titles and seven doubles tournament wins. He's won at Wimbledon three years in a row. In the first 10 months of this year alone, he made $5,317,018 in prize money. Federer also holds a tournament-era record of 24 consecutive finals appearances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Federer is not only the best tennis player alive — but he's quite possibly the greatest ever. And, oh yeah, let us reiterate — he's only 24. His forehand is one of the best in the game; his backhand is widely regarded as unstoppable, and his serve is nearly flawless. Always stoic, Federer shows little emotion in dismantling his opponents weekend after weekend, tournament after tournament. Just ask Andy Roddick. The American has a career record of 1-9 versus the Swiss tennis star. To be certain, there's never been a question as to where Roger Federer's "mojo" is.
8. Reggie Bush
Sport: College Football
Career Highlights: The USC running back is one of the most dynamic players in college football. Over his three-year career, Bush has produced touchdowns via rushing, receiving, kickoff returning, punt returning and passing. A Heisman Trophy finalist in 2004, he's the odds-on-favorite to win the award this year. His 160 yards rushing, three touchdowns and controversial "push" of Matt Leinart in this season's epic USC-Notre Dame game only helped those chances.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? You've got to feel terrible for any and all defensive backs on the other side of the field when USC's on offense. If Bush doesn't run past you, the 200-pound machine is going to run over you. Described as half Barry Sanders, half LaDainian Tomlinson (how's that for a compliment), he's rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this year. Trying to tackle Bush in the open field — that's one nightmarish task. Trying to catch up to him once he's blown by you, well, that's pretty much impossible.
7. Rafer Alston, aka Skip 2 My Lou
Sport: Basketball
Career Highlights: A 5-year NBA veteran out of Fresno State, Alston has hit clutch shots (ie. Miami vs. Dallas, 2004), served as a reliable guard off the bench and ranked as high as eighth in 3-point field goals made in a season (2003-04).
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Because Rafer Alston will make you look like a fool. One of the flashiest ball handlers to ever play the game, Alston is a veteran of the And 1 tour. Known for his signature moves and ability to make the ball look like it's attached by a string to his hand, Skip 2 My Lou is one of the most storied names in streetball lore. His moves have been made legendary through And 1's mix tapes and the ESPN 2 program "Streetball."
Alston's presence on the playground was described in the June 13th issue of Sports Illustrated. Alexander Wolff writes, "At one point, Skip uses an Isiah rollback dribble to shake loose for a three-pointer; elsewhere, at the end of a break, he unfurls a Gervinesque finger roll. Even his nickname has a nursery-rhyme innocence. (Rucker man-on-the-mike Duke Tango coined it, shouting out 'Skip, skip, skip to my Lou!' after Alston embarked on an exuberant, high-stepping gallivant in the open floor, an example of which is a high point of Volume One.) Berger and Gilbert love a Reebok commercial featuring a fictional Chicago playground legend named Lamar Mundane, and an And1 TV ad based on the Skip footage paid homage to that sensibility: A fence-side spectator describes Alston as being "soft as medicated cotton, tender as a mother's prayer and cold as a pimp's heart."
Now, imagine trying to cover the guy one-on-one.
6. Takeru Kobayashi
Sport: Competitive Eating
Career Highlights: The five-time winner of the Nathan's Famous frankfurter eating contest held each Fourth of July at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In 2004, he broke a contest record, eating 59 hot dogs in 12 minutes. In 2002, he won Fox's Glutton Bowl 1, and in 2003, he just barely lost to a Kodiak bear in a hot dog eating contest on Fox's Man vs. Beast program.
So, why are his opponents scared of him? Have you seen this guy?! Only 131 pounds, Kobayashi is an eating machine. The legend of the sport (and yes, this is a sport!) uses the innovative "Solomon Method" technique when digesting his dogs. A master of the eating style, Koboyashi breaks each hot dog in two, then stuffs both halves in his mouth at once. NFL great William "Refrigerator" Perry tried taking a stab at Koboyashi in 2003 but failed miserably. The 1985 Super Bowl star ate four hot dogs in the competition; Kobayashi had 44 1/2
5. Jeanette Lee aka "The Black Widow"
Sport: Pool
Career Highlights: One of the world's top-ranked pool players, Jeanette Lee received the prestigious WPBA Sportsperson of the Year Award in 1998 and was nominated for the award in '95 and '97. She's won a Gold Medal for the USA at the 2001 Akita World Games in Japan, the '03 Ladies Tournament of Champions and the '04 Ladies Trick Shot Championship.
So, why are her opponents so scared of her? When you think of your average pool player, an overweight guy in overalls singing George Thorogood tunes at the local bar probably comes to mind. Jeanette Lee offers a somewhat different vision. Nevertheless, she's just as horrifying a sight for her competitors. "The Black Widow" is all business and widely considered the most famous pool player in the world. It's not just because of her stunning looks, though. As her website explains, "Jeanette's nickname is 'The Black Widow' because of her known ability to devour opponents, along with her custom of wearing only black during tournaments." Devour opponents? Yikes.
4. Ed Hochuli
Sport: Professional Football
Career Highlights: One of the most distinguished referees in the NFL, Hochuli has officiated in several big games: Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego, the 2003 AFC Championship Game and a Sunday Night football game this season in Mexico City, Mexico. He's also the head of the NFL Referees Association.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? No players mess with this guy. No "three blind mice" jokes, no complaints, nothing. They can't — the dude's bigger than half of them! Hochuli is likely the most jacked up ref/umpire in sports history. He's also one of the most respected. When he's not calling holding penalties and flashing his signature left-handed first-down signal, Hochuli is an active guy in the community and a grandfather of five. He also has a law degree from the University of Arizona. Insert your own clever "laying down the law" joke here .
3. Inzaman-ul-Haq
Sport: Cricket
Career Highlights: Pakistan's team captain is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the world. In 1992, he scored 60 in 37 balls against New Zealand in the semifinal of the World Cup to almost single-handedly win the match for his national squad. He also scored the 12th highest score by a batsman (329) against New Zealand in Lehore for a Test match in 2001-02.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Inzaman is an absolute giant in the cricket world. After a win over England in 2000, teammate Waqar Younis said of Inzaman-ul-Haq, "We worked really hard. Especially Inzy; he's probably the best player in the world at the moment." But, "Inzy's" style is quite unique. Not exactly the symbol for fitness in the sport, the hefty batsman is known for a surprisingly soft touch. Think David Ortiz as a slap singles hitter. Nearly impossible to get out, the thought of Inzaman-ul-Haq keeps opposing bowlers up late at night.
2. Johnathan Wendel, aka "Fatal1ty"
Sport: Video Games
Career Highlights: A member of the Cyberathlete Professional League (yes, this exists) since 1999, Wendel won two world Quake III championships in a month, earning him a total of $44,000. According to his website, "(Wendel) presently reigns as the only three-time CPL Champion of the Year, winning each, annual title in a different game, a feat never before accomplished." Cool.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Believe it or not, there are thousands of professional video game players around the globe. Known as "cyberathletes," these characters earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year doing what hungover college kids do on Sunday mornings for a living. Wendel, whose "handle" is "Fatal1ty," is the nastiest one of all. In an October 10th article in Business Week, we learn, "In this new world, Johnathan Wendel is the undisputed star. Over a period of five years, he has won more tournaments and pulled in more prize money than any other player, a total that has now topped $350,000. Girl gamers buzz about him at matches, like a group of Swedish players in Barcelona this summer. And boys idolize him. "He's so good," says Iisakki "Beam" Ahonen, an up-and-coming 17-year-old Finn player. 'I want to be like him — to travel and compete in tournaments and make a living at it.'" He's pretty much the Matt Leinart/Derek Jeter/Jason from "Laguna Beach" of the video-game world. Girls want him, and guys want to be him. And yet, no one wants to face him one-on-one.
1. Mike Tyson
Sport: Boxing
Career Highlights: A former WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson notched 44 knockouts over a 20-year career. At age 20, he knocked out Trevor Berbick to become the youngest WBC heavyweight titleholder of all time. In 2003, he was named by Ring Magazine at No. 16 among its 100 Greatest Punchers of All Time List.
So, why are his opponents so scared of him? Sure, Tyson retired on June 11 after an embarrassing loss to no-name Danny Williams. And yes, his best days are long behind him. But, regardless of that, he's still No. 1 on this list. Why? Because after he bit Evander Holyfield's ear off in the summer of 1997, Tyson ensured his permanent place in this spot for the next 200 years. Think about it. Is there any amount of money that would convince you to get in the ring with this guy?
Inzamam Profile
Inzamam-ul-Haq is a symbiosis of strength and subtlety. Power is no surprise, but sublime touch is remarkable for a man of his bulk. He loathes exercise and often looks a passenger in the field, but with a willow between his palms he is suddenly galvanised. He plays shots all round the wicket, is especially strong off his legs, and unleashes ferocious pulls and lofted drives. Imran Khan rates him the best batsman in the world against pace. Early on he is vulnerable playing across his front pad or groping outside off stump. He uses his feet well to the spinners, although this aggression can be his undoing. Inzi keeps a cool head in a crisis and has succeeded Javed Miandad as Pakistan's premier batsman, but his hapless running between wickets is legendary and most dangerous for his partners. There were no such problems against New Zealand at a boiling Lahore in 2001-02, when Inzamam belted 329, the second-highest Test score by a Pakistani and the tenth-highest by anyone. However, he was then dogged by poor form, scoring just 16 runs in Pakistan's ill-fated World Cup campaign in 2003. He was dropped from the team briefly, but then roared back to form, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 138 and guiding Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket win against Bangladesh at Multan. He was rewarded with the captaincy of the team, and despite leading them to victory in the Test series in New Zealand, question-marks about his leadership qualities surfaced when Pakistan were beaten in both the Test series and the one-dayers against India. But the selectors persevered with him and this bore results when he took a team thin on bowling resources to India and drew the Test series with a rousing performance in the final Test, Inzamam's 100th. After scoring a magnificent 184, Inzamam led the team astutely on a tense final day and took Pakistan to victory. Since that day, Inzamam has gone from strength to strength as captain and premier batsman. By scoring a hundred against West Indies in June 2005, he kept up a remarkable record of matchwinning centuries, amongt the best of modern-day batsmen. A magnificent year ended with Inzamam leading his team to triumph over Ashes-winning England; personally the series was arguably his best ever. He never failed to make a fifty, scored twin centuries at Faisalabad for the first time, going past Miandad as Pakistan's leading century-maker and joining him as only the second Pakistani with 8000 Test runs. As captain, he never looked more a leader, uniting a young, inexperienced team and turning them, once again, into a force to matter globally. The turn of the year brought contemplation; he missed the Test victory over India at Karachi with a persistent back injury. The subsequent ODI thrashing also raised concerns about Inzamam as ODI captain, none of which were entirely wiped away during ODI and Test wins in Sri Lanka. Pakistan were then beaten comprehensively in the Test series in England though all was forgotten - including Inzamam's own poor form - by events at The Oval. There, Inzamam, astonishingly for a man perceived as so insouciant, became the most controversial figure in cricket for a week, leading his side off the field in protest at charges of ball tampering made by umpires Billy Doctrove and Darrell Hair. They refused to come out at first, then delayed the start before eventually forfeiting the Test, the first time in the history of the game. In Pakistan, he became a national hero, saviour of a country's pride and honour. He was banned for four ODIs and returned to lead the side to a series-win over West Indies followed by a disappointing Test series in South Africa, and then quit the one-day game after Pakistan were eliminated from the World Cup at the first hurdle, an event overshadowed by the death of Bob Woolmer. Even though he expressed his desire to be part of the Test team, Inzamam was not offered a central contract in July and, according to a few, might signal the end of his illustrious international career.
He, however, made that decision himself after signing up for the Indian Cricket League and faced a life-time ban from PCB. He later quit the ICL and made himself available for selection. The second Test against South Africa in Lahore was his farewell game. He fell just two short of Javed Miandad's record for the highest Test aggregate by a Pakistan batsman and 60 short of a career average of 50.
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