KARACHI:
Mohsin Khan, Pakistan’s outgoing interim coach, was stunned by the remarkable turnaround in the team’s performance following the stunning Test-series whitewash — and was at a loss to explain what went wrong in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20s.
Pakistan whitewashed England 3-0 in the longest format of the game before succumbing 4-0 in the ODI series and 2-1 in the Twenty20 form that marked the tour’s end. The former opener, who served as coach for his third series in a row, found his team a different side altogether in the limited-overs format.
“I’m still stunned by our losses in the limited-overs series,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “It’s beyond my understanding as to what went wrong. The same players performed outstandingly in the Test series as well as the series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. In the end, it’s really disappointing to see the team end the tour so badly after a brilliant start.”
It was a ‘dream’ stint: Mohsin
However, Mohsin, whose tenure ended after the tour of the UAE, did show his satisfaction with his and the team’s show under him.
“I am not disappointed at all on being removed. In fact, I am completely satisfied with my performance as the coach. We defeated Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and that wasn’t easy. The historical whitewash against England was a dream come true and I feel lucky to be the part of team that inficted such heavy losses on the world’s best Test side.”
The former opener said he was ready to serve the country in any capacity but with ‘dignity and honour’.
‘The team can bounce back’
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq said his team has the ability to bounce back strongly from the defeats against England.
“It’s the same team which won all through last year,” Misbah told reporters in Lahore. “It was a bad series but I feel that we can regain the winning momentum by overcoming our weaknesses, especially in our batting.”
The captain reiterated that there was no need of making abrupt changes in the team.
“The debate surprises me. There are talks of changes in captaincy after just one bad series. There’s no need of an overhaul. I don’t think there are any issues with me captaining the side in all three formats.”
Separate teams to be formed with consensus: Ashraf
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Zaka Ashraf said the board was not in a hurry to make sweeping changes in the team.
“We will be discussing the agenda with the new coach and our former cricketers,” said Ashraf. “Any decision in this regard will be in the best interest of the team. Having separate teams for all formats is a good idea and we want it in the future like England and Australia.”
Whatmore expected today
Dav Whatmore, chosen by the board as the team’s new head coach, is expected to arrive in Lahore today.
According to a PCB official, the former Australian cricketer will sign a two-year contract with Asia Cup being his first assignment with the Pakistan team. Julien Fountain is also expected to join as the fielding coach before the tournament, replacing Ijaz Ahmed. The PCB has given the responsibility of mentoring the fast-bowlers to Sarfraz Nawaz ahead of the Asia Cup with Aqib Javed quitting as bowling coach.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2012.
COMMENTS (7)
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beta there is no what went wrong. Actually PCB has made Misbah "bakra". That is why Afridi rejected the offer for captaincy when some media man ask from him for captaincy offer (if from PCB) some times back.
another thing is that, there may be a board level agreement between both the board for negotiating the series. that is why no one talks about Spot fixing (especially ECB).
What is the matter, Game is game, England played well in ODI and won, Pakistan played in Test series well and won.
Pakistan needs to sort our batting woes , its as simple as that. May be with Watmore, we may have a better batting combination and order for all kinds of cricket but still we lack decent batsman. Our bowling is fine and doing good but they cant win you matches all the time.
Quite detest the fact that there was no enquiry done in the semi final we lost to india in the world cup. Misbah's batting style was questionnable. Once again the current ODIs and T20 have proven that our focus on the batting capability and technique lacks quality. We have been relying on the bowlers in every series, as if there is only one inning to play in a match. World class batsmen getting out consistently on wrong shots is actually third class, and no one seems to be bothered about that. Talking about weaknesses repeatedly sounds stupid now, and PCB should now conduct real business, than seem like a bunch of goons showing a dispaired sight every now and then.
Dear Mohsin Khan,
Nothing went wrong it was just to adjust Mr. Whatmore coz PCB wanted to fit him in the game by spoiling your reputation...... Nothing else. Don't take tension u did a fine job. After all Politics & Corruption cannot be stopped. Have a Pepsi & Chill !!!
I think the toll of repeating foreign tours of the green shirts has effected badly and made them home sick. It's indeed very hard for this team for playing constantly away and this might have been due to this factor that the team performed badly in last ODI and t20 series.
Players were again involved in spot fixing. Sad to say but the trio is back in the team.