Keeping a close eye on the opponents

Pakistan team sits through video analysis of England’s players in action.

KARACHI: As the touring England team took part in a three-day warm-up match prior to the opening Test, Pakistan players and the team management kept a close eye on the top-ranked Test side in a bid to topple them in familiar territory.

The ‘hosts’ opted for a light practice match of their own but emphasis remained on getting accustomed to the opponents.

“We had a close look at the match,” team coach Mohsin Khan told The Express Tribune. “We’re also doing video analysis of their players in order to determine their strength and weaknesses.”

In addition to the practice match, the Pakistan coach confirmed that extra time was being spent improving the team’s fielding which has often let them down.

“We have intensified our training because the series is close and we felt the need of a practice match. A lot of emphasis is being given to the fielding drills because that is a department which can create a lot of difference.”

With the first Test starting from Tuesday, Mohsin said that the team management was cautious and the training has been planned in a way to avoid injuries to players.

“It is an extensive but balanced training which has not put extra workload on the players.”

Coach keeps leg-spinner option open

With Pakistan lacking the services of leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for the series, the coach refused to rule out Yasir Shah’s role in the UAE after he grabbed eight wickets in the warm-up match.

“Yasir was pretty impressive. We might include him in the squad after consultation with the selection committee if his need is felt at any point.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2012.