Bad day against New Zealand good for us: Aqib

Wayward bowlers needed a wake-up call, says assistant coach.

KANDY:

Pakistan’s mauling at the hands of Ross Taylor has been termed a blessing in disguise by Aqib Javed, part of the squad’s coaching staff, who has urged his bowlers to work on their death-bowling that let the team down miserably on Tuesday.

The former champions gave away 92 runs in the last four overs of the innings that allowed the Kiwis to post a 300-plus total, one that proved to be well out of reach of the faltering Pakistan batting line-up.

Wake-up call

However, despite the barrage of boundaries – 18 fours and 13 sixes – Aqib welcomed the experience of bowling first in the hot and humid conditions and defended the team selection that came under heavy criticism from all quarters.

“With the kind of attacking bowlers we have, a bad day like that is actually good for us,” said Aqib. “It’s at these times that you realise how you react under pressure and bring up things you need to work on.

“Our bowling wasn’t on target and our yorkers weren’t accurate but now we’re working on things that didn’t work out in the middle, especially how our bowlers need to maintain their energy levels and keep their minds fresh.”

Akhtar defended by Aqib

Aqib was particularly defensive of Shoaib Akhtar who was carted for 70 runs off his nine overs – including 28 off his last. A puffing Akhtar was attempting yorkers but his misdirected low full-tosses and over-pitched deliveries were driven past cover and flicked over midwicket as Taylor went on a rampage.

“Akhtar’s worked hard and has done very well with the new ball. His speed, line and length have improved considerably but bowling at the death is a problem. His energy level isn’t what it should be and we’re changing his training pattern to counter that. To replicate a match situation, we get him to bowl six overs in the nets, made him do running and training so that he comes back for the second spell mentally and physically tired. That’s how we’ll ensure he can bowl a decent spell towards the end.”

Pakistan have another three days to regroup before taking on Zimbabwe in their penultimate group match, where a win will confirm their progress to the quarter-finals.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2011.