Sports

Pakistan’s lack of patience worries Waqar

Pakistan’s cricket coach Waqar Younis remained worried over his batsmen’s lack of patience at the crease of late.

Faras Ghani July 24, 2010

LEEDS: Pakistan’s cricket coach Waqar Younis remained worried over his batsmen’s lack of patience at the crease of late that has resulted in the team handing the initiative back to the opposition. The same technique and approach, however, has pleased the Australian side that, according to their allrounder Shane Watson, has seen them gain an upper hand in both Tests.

Following Australia’s dismal first-innings total of 88 at Headingley, Pakistani batsmen, despite a good start, could only manage a 170-run lead in friendly conditions and a good batting track. While Watson, who picked up a career-best six for 33, bowled a tidy line, rash stroke-play and sheer aggression resulted in Pakistan’s batting line-up faltering yet again against innocuous bowling.

“We didn’t really get any partnerships going and we’ve been lacking that recently,” said Waqar. “It’s because we have a young unit, from number three to five, and they are new to this so we need to give them some time.

“Umar Akmal, though, has been around for a year but he’s still young and learning. He’s talented and got all the shots in the book but he’s a bit rash when it comes to Test cricket. Maybe because he’s played too many Twenty20s but it’s time he got to grips with the demands of Test cricket.”

Watson, too, was surprised the way Umar started the second day - with a boundary that was followed by the batsmen caught off a no-ball.

“It was quite interesting the way Umar started,” said Watson after his six-wicket haul that follows five wickets in an innings at Lord’s in the first Test. “We know how they want to bat. They have a few guys in the lineup who are very attacking in the technique they employ. As a bowling unit, we just need to stay very patient as we know there’ll be an opportunity.

“They can’t really live without scoring for too long and in the end, our plan worked well in the first innings.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2010.

COMMENTS (2)

ray | 14 years ago | Reply Congratulations to Butt and the team for finally falling over the winning line. Pakistanis have been used to crying every day at least they can have a moment of joy. Congratulations to coach Waqar Younus becayse he deserves most of the credit the way he has helped Amer and Asif. He believed in Asif and he delivered so did Amer. He has done a fantastic job with the bowlers. However, I wonder what is Umar Amin doing at number 3? he is good talent but he lacks technique and got out in both innings because he didn't know where to put his bat? Who taught Kamran, Malik and Umar? to bat. They were a disgrace they way they batted in both innings and made Pakistani cricket a joke, can't they stay at the crease for 5 minutes at least. I am thinking they are on the take and we should get three new players, I can't believe how Kamran and Malik batted as if this was their first test match. In general all the batsmen were ready to get out any moment because they kept chasing bad balls and we were lucky Farhat didn't get out but he gave them plenty of chances. why Ijaz Ahmed doing with the team? Isn't his job to improve batting skills. i don't know anyone has improved except salman in batting dept, infact old players has gone down hill like Akmal brothers.

Khadim Hussain Subhpoto | 14 years ago | Reply I totally agree with Waqar Younis. Our batsmen lack patience, commitment and temperament required to play long innings in the test matches. Our young but talented cricketers are still inexperienced, but it's high time for them to rise to the occasion to face the challenges to prove their mettle. The sooner they do so, the better it is for them and for their country. There is a cut-throat competion these days. So they can afford to rest. Therefore, they must try to be at their best in every match they happen to play to make their place permanent in the team. They are rich in talent but lack patience and commitment, I repeat. Once they play to their true potential, they are unbeatable.

Replying to X