After poor showing: Arthur ready to swing axe

Pakistan coach says players either improve or get benched, stating no one’s spot is guaranteed

The 44-run defeat in the first ODI against England at Southampton has led to Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur sending a clear warning his players’ way heading into their second ODI at Lord’s.

“I told the players this morning that nobody is safe,” said Arthur, while addressing a press conference. “And if you are over 30, you have to come to the table more often than not. Otherwise, it gives us the opportunity to play some younger players. So, nobody is a hundred per cent safe, and the guys know that. They need to step up.”

A change in mindset

Pakistan batsmen were unable to up the scoring rate during the start and end of the innings and Arthur admitted the team needs to find players with an attacking mindset in order to keep up with modern cricket.



“I am going to work on [the lack of firepower] in the next couple of weeks; to try and give ourselves some sort of brand or some sort of style with which we can play,” he said. “I think we hit 24 fours, we didn’t hit a six and that is something we have to keep working on. I’ll see if we have a young guy who can hit big.”

Yasir’s prospects

Arthur believes the team needs someone to take wickets in the middle overs to restrict the hosts from scoring big; suggesting that that person could be leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

“Without a doubt yes; we have got to find a way to get Yasir in,” he said. “We need to be able to take wickets through the middle overs as they are going to be key. Particularly playing against a side like England, who bat deep, the only way we are going to be stop them from scoring is by taking wickets.”

Azhar’s defensive knock

Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali has come under scrutiny for being overly defensive and Arthur admitted the skipper needs to attack more than he did in the first ODI, as a captain and as a batsman.

“We certainly spoke about that,” said Arthur. “We needed wickets the other night. We probably needed to attack just a little bit more. I think Azhar is a fantastic captain and the good thing is that he listens. We’ve had some lengthy chats about how we are going to take wickets and how we probably need to attack a fraction more.”

Amir’s fitness

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir walked off the field in the first ODI holding his side but Arthur revealed he could be fit enough to play even though doubts still hang over his involvement.

“I am not entirely sure,” he clarified. “He is going to run in and bowl. It isn’t that serious. The physio thought it was just a cramp.”

Malik’s role

Veteran Shoaib Malik scored just 17 runs off 25 balls and Arthur revealed he is the team’s designated finisher.



“We need somebody to finish,” said Arthur. “The number six spot in the batting position is so important in one-day cricket. You need experience there. You need somebody who knows how to end the innings; whether that is in setting a target or chasing. So, we have given Malik that role specifically because of his experience.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2016.

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