Needed: Heavy dose of fitness

Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam has stresses on player fitness ahead of the New Zealand tour.

LAHORE: Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam has stressed on player fitness ahead of the New Zealand tour that starts later this month. The tour, to be considered a preparation for next year’s World Cup, will see Pakistan play three Twenty20s, two Tests and six One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

Alam stressed that fielding and fitness was the key behind any team’s success and this is why the training camp, which began yesterday, included physical exercises.

“We have two sessions in a day in the camp. While we stress on physical fitness and fielding drills in the morning, net practice takes place in the afternoon session,” Alam told reporters.

“The idea behind it is to give a heavy dose of fitness exercises. This is the main difference among our players and the other countries.”

Alam recently had to cope with fitness concerns plaguing the team during the UAE tour against South Africa. Former captain Mohammad Yousuf and fast-bowler Wahab Riaz were withdrawn from the series due to fitness issues while debutant seamer Tanvir Ahmed did not bowl in the second innings of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

“I believe that our team does not lack talent and is far better than the others but the players’ fitness is the only problem.

“Our batsmen tend to lose focus after they spend some time on the crease and the same case is with our bowlers who impress less in their second spells. They don’t bowl with the same force and consistency. Considering this, we have prioritised fitness.”

Pakistan fly to Auckland from Karachi on December 18.

“I’m not a selector but since we don’t have much time after our tour, selectors must be thinking of announcing a squad for the World Cup soon,” added Alam. The manager was also confident on Pakistan beating New Zealand. “Naturally their [New Zealand] morale isn’t high because they have lost to India. Our previous record in New Zealand is also good.”

Miandad advises batsmen

Former captain Javed Miandad was also present at the camp to advise the batsmen. “It’s wonderful to be back with the boys in the field,” said Miandad. “It’s an honor for me to help Pakistan cricket and I’ll make myself available whenever I’m needed.

“The players were all very energetic and enthusiastic. I’m confident that before they depart for New Zealand, I would have helped them a lot.”

Waziristan fast bowler present in camp

Abdul Haq, discovered in Abu Dhabi for his fast bowling ability, was also present at the camp as he bowled to batsmen again.

He was also promised a call to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after he impressed coach Waqar Younis and assistant coach Aaqib Javed during a practice session before the second Test against South Africa.

“He wasn’t invited by the NCA or the Pakistan Cricket Board. He’s here on a personal visit,” Alam told The Express Tribune. “He gave us a surprise call a day before the camp and asked for permission to appear in the camp.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2010.