Grant Flower downplays Shahzad’s recent failures

Batting coach says batsman not hindered by skull fractured suffered three years ago

KARACHI: Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower is confident Ahmad Shahzad’s recent failures are not a result of any psychological block resulting from the head blow he suffered three years ago as attention turns to the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka that begins on Thursday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The tour has so far been a topsy-turvy one, with Sri Lanka whitewashing the hosts 2-0 in the Tests before being defeated 5-0 in the ODI series.

Shahzad wasn’t included in the Test squad but Pakistan’s upturn in fortunes had little to do with the opener, who struggled for form and scored just eight runs off 29 balls in two matches before being replaced by Imamul Haq.

“The skull fracture Shahzad suffered did have an impact on his performances once he came back but it has now been three years and I don’t think he still has that in his mind,” Flower told The Express Tribune. “He played brilliantly against the World XI and he has generally been in good form in the shortest format of the game. As long as he keeps it simple on and off the field, he has the talent to come out of this poor patch.”

The other opener in the side, left-handed Fakhar Zaman, has also seen a dip in form since his spectacular introduction to international cricket in the Champions Trophy and Flower believes the weight of unrealistic expectations is getting to him.

“Fakhar is a brilliant batsman,” said Flower. “But he still has a long way to go. Expectations sky-rocketed after the Champions Trophy and he is having trouble handling it. However, he has the ability, the skills and the mental toughness to get through this. He can develop into an even better player.”

The undisputed star of Pakistan’s batting line-up is surely young Babar Azam and Flower was quick to hail the batting prodigy. “Babar is a classs act and is doing really well in the limited-overs formats. He is improving every day and will soon become a top-class batsman.”

Pakistan favourites to win T20Is, says Imran Nazir

Opening batsman Imran Nazir backed Pakistan to claim the T20I series as well.

“T20I cricket is different from ODIs; you need hard-hitting batsmen in this format and you can’t afford to play many dot balls,” said the 35-year-old. “Pakistan have more of a chance of winning this series too but they will have to keep the same energy and hunger, especially for the one being held in Lahore.”