Quest for ‘persuasive’ coach begins

Miandad, Wasim to hunt head coach, batting and fielding mentors .

KARACHI:

Dav Whatmore will be enjoying his last ten days as Pakistan head coach, courtesy of the historic win in Sharjah. Thus, it is safe to say all is well that ends well.

While the Australian packs up for his January 31 farewell, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be receiving applications from candidates for the  available coaching slots.

On Wednesday, the PCB embarked on the mission to find a head coach as well as fielding and batting coaches, by placing an advertisement on its official website.

In doing so, the board confirmed the departure of fielding coach Julien Fountain. However, with no advertisement given for the bowling coach, Mohammad Akram is tipped to retain his position.

Stalwarts in coach-hunt panel

The PCB formed a committee for the task comprising legendary Javed Miandad (PCB’s director general) and Wasim Akram, along with Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed and director Intikhab Alam, who headed the previous committee that picked Whatmore.

Unlike the last time, the requirement of a level-three certified coach has been removed.



The advertisement stressed on ‘persuasion skills combined with integrity, prudence and professionalism’ besides a minimum five years of relevant working experience. The deadline to submit the application is February 6.

Meanwhile, Wasim expressed his resolve for finding the best coaches for the national team.

“I feel the national coaches can  serve better compared to foreign ones in the context of forming a better association with players,” the former captain told reporters in Karachi.

“The certification is not important if you get candidates with vast experience.”

It has been learnt that Wasim was offered the coaching job, but he refused a full-time commitment due to health issues.

Team returns to heroes’ welcome

The Pakistan team that returned in two groups to Lahore and Karachi received a warm welcome upon their return from the UAE.

Misbah was elated with the memorable victory in Sharjah in the final Test.

“This win will go a long way in boosting the team’s confidence,” said the captain. “The win was a result of team effort.”



Azhar Ali, who hit a match-winning century, said he was delighted to live up to the expectations of the team management.

“We were told to go for a win by the team management despite getting a steep target of 302 in the second innings,” said the batsman.

“I am thankful to God for helping me in playing a vital role.”

On the other hand, manager Moin Khan stated that the only target had been to win the match.

“All the batsmen responded very well and played positive cricket,” said the former captain.

The departing head coach Dav Whatmore was also happy with the win. “(I am) absolutely delighted, it’s a satisfying win and a perfect gift the boys have given me on my departure,”

“I am leaving on a very happy note,” he added.

Misbah attains career best sixth in ICC rankings

Pakistan players improved their International Cricket Council rankings in Tests following their victory in Sharjah.

Misbah moved up to a career-best sixth position, while the only other Pakistan bastman in the top 10, Younus Khan, moved up to tenth.

Azhar Ali also leapfrogged three places to 22 while Ahmed Shahzad and Khurram Manzoor jumped to 66 and 57 positions respectively.

Spinner Abdur Rehman reached a career-best 13 while Junaid Khan moved three places to 18, making the top 20 for the first-time.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2014.

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