“Give the players structure and they will perform!” – Mickey Arthur on how Pakistan can make a turnaround ahead of PAK vs ENG 2nd Test
Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has called for consistency in team selection and administration for the Men in Green in Test cricket. Arthur believes the players possess the skills to deliver but need a good team environment to excel. The 56-year-old further slammed the local media for hyping the players, which he thinks affects the players’ mentality negatively. He added that playing for Pakistan should be the best time for the players.
The reaction came as Pakistan became the first team to lose a Test match after posting 500-plus in the first innings. The Shan Masood-led side lost the game by an innings and 47 runs to go 0-1 behind in the three-match Test series.
Notably, Pakistan have failed to win a Test match in their last 11 games, including seven losses and four draws. Masood, in particular, has lost all his six matches as Test captain, including series losses to Bangladesh and Australia.
On Saturday, October 12, Mickey Arthur wrote on X:
“Just a few thoughts as a follower of Pakistan cricket! 1.The players are very very skilled and are the right one's. 2.The inconsistency around selection,environment and administration plays a role in team morale,give the players structure and they will perform!”
He added:
“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! 5.Playing for Pakistan should be the best time ever!”
“Can't win Test matches without picking up 20 wickets” – Shan Masood slams bowling unit after Pakistan lose to England in Multan
Shan Masood slammed the bowling department following Pakistan’s loss to England in Multan. The 34-year-old pointed out that the bowlers have to take 20 wickets to win a Test match.
The reaction came as England declared at 823/7 in the first innings, with Harry Brook (317) and Joe Root (262) sharing a massive 454-run partnership. The hosts were then bundled out for 220, losing the opening game.
Masood said in his post-match comments (via Cricbuzz):
“We can learn from England as well. They've found a way to get those 20 wickets. Can't win Test matches without picking up 20 wickets. As a team, yes we have that second innings of batting to improve, but we have to learn to pick up 20 wickets. That's the challenge as a side going forward.”
The two teams will lock horns in the second Test at the same venue in Multan from Tuesday, October 15, onwards.