Ashley backs good Test cricket

Pakistan bowling coach says team will focus on disciplined batting and bowling in third Test

Pakistan bowling coach Ashley Noffke said on Monday that they will solely focus on playing good Test cricket in the third and final Test against England which will begin at Birmingham on Wednesday (tomorrow).

“The strategy is good Test cricket. We want to improve and focus on what we can control with the skills we have here. It’s just about focusing on good Test cricket. We will need to play with discipline, bowl in good areas, build long partnerships in batting and put the opposition under pressure over periods of time,”Noffke told a news conference at Birmingham.

 “We watched the pitch during the last couple of days and we are also watching above and see the weather. England can still be looking up, but it looks a good surface and the groundsmen have been working very hard,” he said

Noffke said Pakistan were also looking to maintain balance in their bowling attack by having players capable of performing different roles.

“It’s about providing some balance, and we have guys who can do different things, which is important. Ubaid Shah is a value addition, and we have a left-armer in Imran Junior. Razaullah is a right-armer with a slightly different action and good pace, which is about providing stability around those guys. Abbas has obviously bowled amazingly in this series, and we need to support him as best we can.”

Speaking about the young fast bowlers, Noffke said they were close to the 140kph mark but needed to gain experience in English conditions.

“I am not the selector, but they are certainly close to 140 kilometres per hour. They don’t have experience in English conditions, but they will learn and grow. As a cricket team, you need a forward-thinking approach about what we might need in future. It’s important to bring young guys in so they can become accustomed to the conditions. This is an opportunity for them to grow and learn,” he said.

Asked whether Pakistan would play four fast bowlers, Noffke said the decision would depend on the conditions and weather forecast.

“We will first look at the conditions and will not rush into that decision. We have good options to select four seamers and a spinner who can bat.”

Noffke also praised the calmness within the camp despite the uncertainty surrounding the team.

“I am very impressed with the level of calmness in the camp over the last couple of days. We have given them time to talk and have one-on-one conversations. We are very confident that the boys will show their skills.”