KARACHI:
Pakistan’s third consecutive series defeat in both the Test and ODI formats in Sri Lanka has saddened legendary batsman Javed Miandad.
Speaking exclusively to The Express Tribune a day after Pakistan’s abject surrender in the third and final ODI in Dambulla, the record run-getter for the national team in the Test format bemoaned the lack of quality in the batting line-up.
“The players have failed to establish themselves in the team despite being part of the set up for long time now; the great players of yester years were all consistent; we don’t have any batsman who can enter world class batting line-ups like Australia and India.”
Miandad added that sending a 10-member team management to Sri Lanka was a case of blindly following other international sides.
“We need to stop following other nations blindly. We need to have our own infrastructure and the team management needs to realise that the players cannot be taught on laptops.”
Miandad also added that the team management needs to identify the weaknesses of the players and work extensively on improving their technique.
The 124-Test veteran believes replacing Misbahul Haq as captain will not change the team’s fortunes. “Changing captains won’t make a difference since a new leader will have to deal with the same players.”
‘We don’t have a backup for Ajmal’
The 57-year-old stated that Pakistan would be dealt a body blow if off-spinner Saeed Ajmal fails to clear the test of his suspect bowling action.
“In the last five years, Ajmal alone has won 90% matches for Pakistan; if he is ruled out, the team will sag down. I fear that a ban on him is bound to hurt our World Cup preparations.”
Meanwhile, national selector Shoaib Muhammad was also disappointed with Pakistan’s performance on the Sri Lankan tour. The former Test opener felt the team had not recovered from the shock of losing the first Test in Galle.
“I really feel that the turning point in the series was losing the first Test after a dominant start,” said Shoaib.
However, the official has pinned hopes on the new team management for identifying and rectifying the issues before the gruelling series against Australia next month.
Raja criticises World Cup preparations
Ramiz Raja, who took the catch that won Pakistan the 1992 World Cup, criticised preparations for next year’s tournament.
“I don’t think team’s preparations for the World Cup are in the right direction,” said Ramiz. “We need to find new talent if we want to succeed.
“It seems our batsmen have forgotten how to stay at the wicket and no one has consistency in his performance.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2014.
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Maybe change of team work