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I don’t disagree about doing better preparation but the problem for the players is that is actually somewhat out of their hands. They play what the administrators dish up to them – and administrators have one eye on costs and profits so they not going to let them spend 3 weeks in Dubai playing meaningless matches against composite sites that draw no crowds and no tv viewers.
The off season didnt go so well for those involved in the one day games so confidence would have been dented (AB, FAF) and Smith’s injury stopped his proposed time in the UK. So only two batters (Amla and Petersen) who played in UK have had any real match practice in 8 months. Its a long time.
Also – Pakistan can never be judged by their last game – they always have huge amounts of talent but consistency has always been an issue for them. Irfan is going to be lethal if he stays fit, ajmal on form is the best spinner in the world (right now he is probably only at 80% of his best) and Younis Khan and Misbah are top quality batters. If you are undercooked and they pitch up for the game in a good frame of mind you going to get beaten – thats whats happened.
The really difficult part is that Pakistan can now really just prepare a “road” in Dubai and make it close to impossible to bowl a side out twice. A 1-0 win for them would be massive. Thats why 2 test series suck!
I don’t think there should be panic in the ranks yet though.
The off season didnt go so well for those involved in the one day games so confidence would have been dented (AB, FAF) and Smith’s injury stopped his proposed time in the UK. So only two batters (Amla and Petersen) who played in UK have had any real match practice in 8 months. Its a long time.
Also – Pakistan can never be judged by their last game – they always have huge amounts of talent but consistency has always been an issue for them. Irfan is going to be lethal if he stays fit, ajmal on form is the best spinner in the world (right now he is probably only at 80% of his best) and Younis Khan and Misbah are top quality batters. If you are undercooked and they pitch up for the game in a good frame of mind you going to get beaten – thats whats happened.
The really difficult part is that Pakistan can now really just prepare a “road” in Dubai and make it close to impossible to bowl a side out twice. A 1-0 win for them would be massive. Thats why 2 test series suck!
I don’t think there should be panic in the ranks yet though.
