As Pakistan lose their 3rd consecutive test series, and get drubbed by Sri Lankans in the latest series of 1-dayers, its not difficult to see why results have gone the way they have. On paper, Pakistan probably have the most exciting and explosive team in the world yet when on the field of play they are not dis-similar to 11 bulls, lacking intellect and all pulling in different directions. Everyone seems to play for individual objectives and targets.
A team’s fielding and body language says a lot about their confidence and self belief. Pakistani cricketers have consistently displayed their fielding skills to be very poor, and sadly still, have made no effort to get acquainted with the modern techniques and standards. So called youngsters in the side ought to be the quickest fielders but to them fielding appears to be a burden. Nobody drops a catch deliberately but its fielder’s duty to ensure that he is in the best possible position and mentally alert to attempt a catch. It was disgusting to see Shahid Afridi literally laughing after just dropping Steve Waugh in the 2nd 1-day match against Australia. Players like him, if they are genuine teenagers, should be like cheetas in the field. With the exception of Wasim Akram, none of them has made an effort to learn the sliding dive. Each fielder must make himself a specialist in a given position, be it in the slips, gully or the outfield.
In Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan probably have the fastest bowler in the world but sadly he does not appear to engage his brain when on the field of play. He seems obsessed with trying to bowl over 100 mph and does not play for team goals. He publically declared during a press conference in Australia that he plays for the crowd first, then his team and then the country. Quick rise to fame has got to him and he now appears more interested in night clubbing, drinking and womanising. All cricket experts will tell you that speed is useless if you don’t know how to use it. I believe Glenn McGrath bowled only one delivery over 140km/h in the winter and yet he was the most successful bowler. Shahid Nazir is currently the best fast bowler in Pakistan who bowls with pace and swings the ball both ways. He should be given a good run in the side and Shoaib left out to ponder over his game plan.
Any player not performing, no matter how experienced, must be dropped from the side. This not only offers opportunities for younger players but also makes dropped player more determined to improve his game and fight for his place again. Inzamam ul Haq had a poor 1-day series in Australia and he should have been dropped after the first 3 or 4 games. Over the years, he has no made no effort to improve his dozy image. He should not be allowed back into the 1-day side.
Since the departure of Javed Miandad, team appears to have no plan or strategy when in the field of play. This does not come naturally and has to be hammered in sometimes. Team manager can play a big role in this department if he has proven skills. You get what you pay for when acquiring a coach. If want a cheap option, you may go for people like Mudassar Nazar, Wasim Raja or Intikhab Alam. But an ambitious cricket board will go for people like Dave Whatmore (Sri Lankan Coach), Richard Bypus, Geoff Boycott or Bob Woolmer. There no point giving a coach 6 months or a series to prove his credentials, he needs 3 to 5 years to build a team right mentality. One may argue that foreign coaches’ pay demands cannot be met by a nation like Pakistan, but I am sure Pakistani businessmen in UK will be queuing up to sponsor someone like Geoff Boycott or Bob Woolmer. PCB just needs to be more imaginative and ambitious.
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