'Inconsistency Around Selection': Former Pakistan Coach Points Out What Is Affecting Cricketers' Morale
Photo : AP
Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has said that while the players are quite skilled and the right choices for the team, inconsistency in selection and the team environment is affecting their morale and in turn their performance. He hit out at the local media for hyping the players, which he thinks affects the players' mentality in a negative manner.
The reaction from Arthur came as Pakistan became the first side to lose a Test after posting over 500 runs in the first innings. He has said that the inconsistency around selection is one among many factors that is affecting the team's morale.
The Shan Masood-led team lost their first Test to England by an innings and 47 runs on Friday and have now lost a hattrick of Tests at home, two of those coming against Bangladesh last month.
Pakistan haven't been able to win a Test in their last 11 matches, including seven defeats and four draws. Masood has lost all his six Tests as skipper, including series defeats to Bangladesh and Australia earlier this year.
"Just a few thoughts as a follower of Pakistan cricket! 1. The players are very very skilled and are the right ones. 2. The inconsistency around selection, environment and administration plays a role in team morale, gives the players structure and they will perform," Arthur tweeted on Saturday, October 12.
"3. The vile rhetoric from media and media-driven agendas do not help! 4. The promotion of players by player agents or media makes the player sometimes think he is way more important than he is in reality creating a false view," Arthur said.
Pakistan were bowled out for 220 inside the first session as Salman Ali Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal (55 not out) delayed the inevitable with their fighting fifties. Ill No. 11 Abrar Ahmed, who has been in hospital for the last two days because of a fever, could not bat as Pakistan suffered the embarrassment of becoming the first Test-playing nation to lose a game by an innings after scoring over 500 runs in the first innings.
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