Possible thoughts in Afridi's head while scruffing up the pitch

- That wasp might sting someone, I should squash it
- Ugh! I hate chewing gum on my shoes. I'll scrape it off with dirt
- Man, I love dancing the twist
- The old man said the magic beans would make me invisible
- Let me practice my bowling action so it's absolutely perfect

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

Don't mind the title, I'm experimenting with sports journalism cliches. Such as 'Reports of Shoaib Akhtar's demise have been greatly exaggerated', though really, the sight of a guided missile ('inswinging yorkers' are of the measley 90mph variety) blowing away two stumps is a sight unmatched in cricket.
Akhtar was brilliant on the last day, and quite good on the preceding days as well. He even batted well and did not disappear for treatment after every two over spell. And he appears to have 'buried the hatchet' with Inzamam and Bob Woolmer, though the hatchet in Pakistan cricket has always been a confounding item (flashback to Rashid Latif and Wasim Akram hugging each other celebrating a wicket while Rashid Latif's personal website looms in the backdrop, outrightly accusing Wasim Akram of throwing matches).
Back to Akhtar, there are two matches left in the series, so Pakistan fans should keep their fingers crossed on his ability to last. But while he lasts, enjoy his brilliant bowling because, in Pakistan cricket, who needs effectiveness and professionalism when you got entertainment?