He had exploded on the cricket world as an overgrown 16-year-old, armed with a flashy smile and a fiery blade. He slammed international cricket�s fastest century � off 37 deliveries � and left you wondering if that was even possible.

He tore into attacks with some stunning strokeplay, terrorising bowling attacks with his murderous flick over mid-wicket � a shot that invariably finished with his tongue sticking out, planted firmly on his left leg and his right pointing towards the square-leg umpire.

Over the last few years though, that Afridi had disappeared, gone either into hiding or eaten up by his own brash flamboyance. There were times when he�d turn up and remind people of the past with quickfire 30s, but innings of sustained aggression were few and far between. Inzamam-ul Haq didn�t know what to do with him, occasionally shunting him up the order in hope, and quickly back down in frustration; you were more likely, increasingly, to get a first-ball duck than a match-winning 50.

His bowling, at the same time, had prospered as he added variations of pace and spin to the control he already had over his leg-breaks. But good as he got, Afridi would always be incomplete as long he batted like a headless chicken. In two matches here, over 74 deliveries, he�s announced his return as a batsman. Against South Africa in the semi-final, he got a 34-ball 51 � and was the only batsman who looked comfortable on a turning Trent Bridge pitch.

... contd.