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Musthaq Ahmed: A tribute!

Sussex
by sussexpob (U7292075) 27 August 2008
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It was always inevitable that mushie would retire someday. Unfortunately everyone has to! With his recent injury record that day was always going to be soon!

However when Mushtaq Ahmed finally and officially ended his career yesterday it didnt stop me, and im guessing all connected with Sussex CCC, from feeling a massive lump build up in the throat.

Every cornerstone of Sussex's recent successes has been built around this guys massive talent. His 598 FC wickets for Sussex was simply outstanding. At his best, which was often, he was a joy to watch and his variation would cause the batsman many problems. His general upbeat attitude would rub off on players and he rarely bowled without a smile on his chubby face.

Mushie played 52 tests for Pakistan...his last in 01-02 when poor form and estranged selection policies led to him being dropped never to return. His record was strong...185 wickets at 32.97. Pakistans loss was Sussexs gain however.

In 2003 Mushie was the first bowler in 5 years to take 100 wickets in the county championship....firing Sussex to the county championship.... he would then dominate CC for the next few years helping Sussex to two more championships!

This year may have been a bridge too far...but any Sussex fan would never begrudge Mushie from pulling on the shirt.... injuries aside this guy always gave 100% and you make allowances! You cant replace guys like mushie.

I wish Mushtaq the best of luck in his future aspirations, hopefully somewhere in the Sussex set up, and would like to say thank you for the memories!

I dont think there is a better epitaph than Chris Adams' words..."“Mushtaq’s legacy at the club is that he leaves us statistically, romantically and emotionally the best player to ever pull on a Sussex shirt"....


I dont think i can add much to that really...Adams say it all

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comment by vinotackler (U6415807)

posted Aug 27, 2008

Team england snap this guy up and let him coach

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comment by claret-n-blueforever (U11178658)

posted Aug 28, 2008

There is really only one word that can describe Mushy.......LEGEND

When we are all long gone in this world the people of Sussex will still be talking about him

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comment by SussexJim (U13191799)

posted Aug 28, 2008

I just hope we can keep him in a coaching role.

He says Sussex is his family. If that is the case, what a great Dad to lead it!

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comment by danunderpurdy (U7111607)

posted Aug 28, 2008

Thanks Mushy, skill and joy, a rare combination.

Only a shame you left Somerset but what you achieved for Sussex says everything. Good luck in whatever path you choose

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comment by haidermota (U11965674)

posted Aug 28, 2008

Mushtaq was great for Sussex but why could he not emulate his success in Tests?? I suspect once international teams learnt to pick him, he was not all that effective any longer.

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comment by curatesegg01 (U11804410)

posted Aug 28, 2008

What a wonderful player for his team; the results over the past few years for the longest-established county at top level indicative of the level of performance. The "Deadly Derek" (Underwood) of Sussex and ample proof, if proof be needed, of why teams, particularly in the Championship, need players who can regularly take five wickets in order to bowl the opposition out twice.

A real gentleman and a consummate ambassador and advertisement for cricket.

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comment by tina_4u (U12943458)

posted Aug 28, 2008

Mushie was the only bowler who could bowl googly in the modern day cricket with great result. There are not many bowlers who cluld bowl googly as good as Mushie.

Pakistan were infortunate to not have him for long time.

http://www.ekhichdi.com/players/symond-with-streaker

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comment by sussexpob (U7292075)

posted Aug 28, 2008

I dont think Mushtaq had a bad test record haidermota!

Its only really warne and murali who have pushed their averages below the 30 mark from the modern era of the game....over a career length period!

Pitches ten years ago werent as dusty and you certainly didnt get as many spinners pitches as you do now....

Pakistan dropped him due to poor form and at the time Saqlain was coming through and Danish Kaneira was the new kid on the block so he never got a chance in his glory years to represent Pakistan...

Shame as he got better with age... people say he didnt have the turn or drift of a warne but he would have a lovely flight, often moving into the right hander before turning away from him.

A great player!

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comment by slogalot (U7507313)

posted Aug 28, 2008

Somersets loss sussex gain.Brilliant ambassador for the game.will be missed by all who enjoy the game of cricket.Happy retirement Mushie.

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comment by Rob 'The Shrew' (U1373452)

posted Aug 29, 2008

I think the South Africans just wanna go home now!

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