DUBAI: Sri Lankan batting coach Marvan Atapattu on Sunday praised the Pakistan team as one of the best in the recent past and likened their captain Misbah-ul Haq to his country's former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga.
Atapattu's praise came after Sri Lanka were thrashed by eight wickets in the first one-day here on Friday to go 1-0 down in the five-match series, which followed Pakistan's 1-0 win in the three-Test series.
"They looked very fesh from the start and they are a very good side, having lots of allrounders and have options," said Atapattu. "This Pakistan side is one of the best I have seen in the recent past having played against their best teams in my days."
Atapattu, a former opener who played 90 Tests and 268 one-day internationals, was full of praise for current Pakistan captain Misbah.
"Misbah is a very cool and calm character and what I saw in the Tests was very impressive, he handles things well and is somewhat like Ranatunga and he has the patience to wait until he achieves what he wants to," said Atapattu of the 37-year-old.
Misbah appointed Test captain in October last year -- two months after the spot-fixing scandal in England -- has not lost a Test series since and is uniting a team known for its erratic ways.
Atapattu hopes his batsmen overcome the lack of confidence in the second one-day match here on Monday after being bundled out for a mere 131 runs in the first.
"I really think it is nothing to do with the technique and application but its about the confidence which they are lacking," said Atapattu of his batsmen's failure to deliver.
"We have played so much cricket and if it happens at a stretch then its important you get out of it, when you get out for low scores, when you are not doing well as a batting unit, then its a matter of confidence," said Atapattu.
Atapattu hoped his batsman forget the past.
"You cannot justify (failures) after looking at the personalities in the dressing room, its just that they come out thinking that its a brand new game and we are not continuing what we did on Friday or maybe two months ago," said the batting coach.
Atapattu apologised to the fans on behalf of his team.
"It's disappointing what happened on Friday and on behalf of the team I apologise to the public who came in numbers to watch us and hopefully its a one off thing and I am sure that we do it right come Monday," said Atapattu.
Atapattu disagreed the recent criticism of the team by chief selector Duleep Mendis had had an adverse effect on the team.
"We have always had issues starting from the cricket board and if you are going into detail I don't think its the best thing to do and never in the past has it affected players.
"I think our job is to play cricket, entertain the crowds and do well."
COMMENTS (7)
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I am a lot stunned by the detractors of Misbah. He should have been captaining the side long back,even before Younis. He is not temperemental, is very cool,speaks well, shows remarkable constraint. All attributes of an exceptional leader.Younis/Afridi cant even come close to that-regardless of them being very good players.
Misbah,as i see him bat in the second one dayer at Dubai has led this tainted side remarkably well - kept his jead high in the midst of some sordid stories that Pakistan crcket team has generated.Has been batting brilliantly , is fit than most players in his side and is a much better thinker.
Leave him alone - he is doing well and will even get better.
Misbah is nothing, 1 of the great captain is Younis Khan
just remember 1 thing for me my friend. All that happens comes like the wind. He's done everything in the past and he's the man. “We lost because of Misbah, as he did not score well when it was most required,” see his performance...
24th over - Misbah 0 25th over - Misbah 1 26th over - Misbah 2 27th over - Misbah 3 28th over - Misbah 6 29th over - Misbah 6 30th over - Misbah 7 31st over - Misbah 8 32nd over - Misbah 8 33rd over - Misbah 8 34th over - Misbah 9 35th over - Misbah 10 36th over - Misbah 11
@Blithe: Don't forgit,who took the team upto world cup semi final with single hand and also he played vital rule in winning the last match as he was MoM, the man was Afridi.
Misbah has 2-3 yrs cricket upmost while afridi can last till 4-5 more yrs at least so Misbah has nothing to lose and is in good terms with most of the players .....as his exit from cricket approaches....Afridi feels like the most senior player (and is with with so many ODI experience) needs attention although he is very much patriotic to the team cause as well just that he needs to act a bit mature more, I feel. For now, its perfect combination and really happy 2 c Razaq and Afridi back into the ODI side.
4-1 to Pakistan is my prediction !
Yes, he can be a bit negative at times. But he is a gentleman and has true leadership qualities.
Great spotsmsndhip. Little things like promoting the wicket keeper so the new comer could taste the win, maturity when he speaks. Does not criticize his team mates in public (so unlike Afridi who was born with a foot in the mouth)