Inzamam came close to being recruited as the permanent batting coach after impressive performance by Pakistan batsman on the tour of India. PHOTO: AFP
Captain Misbahul Haq blamed his side’s inept batting performance as Pakistan lost the Test series 3-0 before going down in the One-Day International (ODI) series as well 3-2.
Several former cricketers have called for a batting consultant to be hired to travel with the team on tours given that a bowling coach, head coach and fielding coach already do.
Former coach Waqar Younis stressed that the team should have a batting coach before the Champions Trophy in England from June 6.
The former pacer felt that it was not just ‘inconsistency’ that was a concern but the batsmen’s slow pace of scoring runs that needed to be addressed.
‘Search not on war-footing basis’
However, a member of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) coach-hunt committee said there was no urgency in hiring a batting coach.
“Currently, it’s not a priority,” the official told The Express Tribune. “Yes, it’s in the pipeline but we haven’t received any word from the PCB to find a batting coach on an urgent basis.
“Maybe the team management will seek the appointment but they are yet to give their version.”
Inzamamul Haq came close to taking over the job prior to the South Africa tour after the players showed improved performance against India following his advice.
However, a change in the PCB’s mood kept the former captain away from the tour of South Africa fueling speculation that head coach Dav Whatmore opposed the legendary batsman’s appointment.
Meanwhile, the official said there was also a possibility that the board may opt for a batting consultant instead of hiring a full-time batting coach.
“It’s also an option to appoint a batting consultant who will just work with players during the training camp for the ICC Champions Trophy and not travel with the team. The players have also benefitted from such guidelines in the past.”
Zaka to consult with experts
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, who is a big supporter of hiring professional and specialised coaches for the national team, said he will seek the opinion of experts in the matter.
“We shall have to consult experts for consideration,” the PCB chief told The Express Tribune.
Apart from Inzamam, legendary batsman Zaheer Abbas and former captain Salim Malik have shown interest and applied for the post.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2013.
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