Poor game plan cost Pakistan the series: Mohsin Khan
Mohsin points at coach, captain after failure to overcome Australia.
KARACHI:
Former Test cricketer, chief selector and coach Mohsin Khan has questioned the team management and the captain’s competence to handle affairs after Pakistan fell from a strong position to defeat in the final game in Sharjah, ultimately costing them the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia.
“Pakistan were hot favourites for the series,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “Our team was better than Australia in the conditions. Barring fielding, we were stronger than them in all the other departments. We should’ve won the final ODI and losing under the circumstances is very concerning.
“What I feel is that there was lack of a proper game plan. We failed to capitalise on good starts and made illogical decisions in crucial stages. Removing Saeed Ajmal from the attack when he was on fire in the final ODI was a blunder. I won’t blame just the captain but the coach as well, who is also responsible. Misbahul Haq is a hardworking player but not a smart captain. He needs guidance which he is unfortunately not getting.
“Because of our mistakes, millions of fans who were praying for the win were left heartbroken.”
Mohsin also pointed out the batting failure and poor fielding in the series. “Barring a couple of batsmen, our middle-order did not play well. We missed catches and it’s the coach’s job to guide players who are repeating the mistakes.”
‘Misbah’s captaincy needs to improve’
Former captain Aamir Sohail was unimpressed by Misbah’s captaincy. “He should learn how to use his fast-bowlers like Australia did. He didn’t utilise Junaid Khan when the spinners were struggling with the wet ball.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2012.
Former Test cricketer, chief selector and coach Mohsin Khan has questioned the team management and the captain’s competence to handle affairs after Pakistan fell from a strong position to defeat in the final game in Sharjah, ultimately costing them the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia.
“Pakistan were hot favourites for the series,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “Our team was better than Australia in the conditions. Barring fielding, we were stronger than them in all the other departments. We should’ve won the final ODI and losing under the circumstances is very concerning.
“What I feel is that there was lack of a proper game plan. We failed to capitalise on good starts and made illogical decisions in crucial stages. Removing Saeed Ajmal from the attack when he was on fire in the final ODI was a blunder. I won’t blame just the captain but the coach as well, who is also responsible. Misbahul Haq is a hardworking player but not a smart captain. He needs guidance which he is unfortunately not getting.
“Because of our mistakes, millions of fans who were praying for the win were left heartbroken.”
Mohsin also pointed out the batting failure and poor fielding in the series. “Barring a couple of batsmen, our middle-order did not play well. We missed catches and it’s the coach’s job to guide players who are repeating the mistakes.”
‘Misbah’s captaincy needs to improve’
Former captain Aamir Sohail was unimpressed by Misbah’s captaincy. “He should learn how to use his fast-bowlers like Australia did. He didn’t utilise Junaid Khan when the spinners were struggling with the wet ball.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2012.