Published: Jul 11, 2016, 12:54 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 11, 2016, 12:54 PM (IST)
England may have dominated Sri Lanka in Tests, One-Day International (ODIs) and Twety20 International (T20I) match, the task against Pakistan is not so easy. Visitors’ have shown their prowess with practice matches against Sussex and Somerset. If Pakistan continue their form, it could be alarming for the hosts. Keeping in the mind the upcoming challenges, England coach Trevor Bayliss and his coaching staff will want to see significant improvements. The output of the order is sure to be chief among them. England’s batting coach Mark Ramprakash feels the top order have task on their hand against Pakistan sturdy bowlers. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs England 2016, 1st Test at Lord’s
Speaking to skysports.com, Ramprakash told, “With a top order player, playing in English conditions, you feel that they’ve got to play the ball late. They’ve got to play pretty straight and with a good temperament to handle the international environment. Those are the type of things we’re looking for.” Many questions were raised on Alex Hales ahead of first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley, whether he possessed the temperament to succeed in five-day match and Ramprakash answered them emphatically, “Since he first got selected he’s come so far. He’s matured a lot as a top order batsman. We know he can hit the ball into the crowd, he’s a great limited overs player and we saw him get those five consecutive scores over 50 in South Africa in the one-day format, and now he’s adapted and come good in the Test arena.”
Ramprakash further said, “He said to me that he felt he has adapted to English conditions really well, he has defended the top of off stump superbly and he has been patient. Of course, opening with Alastair Cook is really important, it’s really good to see him grow and establish himself.”
It was not just Hales, but Jonathan Bairstow who stood out in the Test series against Sri Lanka with two centuries and that has further secured his place in the side, feels Ramprakash, “It’s wonderful to see the success Jonny is having because he has been through some really tough times with England,” he added. “It’s always so satisfying to see someone who has had a very difficult time, being in and out of the side, feel really part of it. That can really affect your confidence and belief but he has come back so strongly, played brilliantly at Cape Town and he has just built on that this summer.” ALSO READ: Aamer all set to give head start to rejuvenated career
While Bairstow and Hales seem to be in form of their lives, England’s vice-captain Joe Root has managed to just get a fifty to his name in the Test series against Sri Lanka. Ramprakash does not consider that as a concern, “It’s wonderful to work with Root and I learn things from him, he’s so mature for his age. He’s got great balance. He is really focused, he challenges himself in practice, always trying to learn more about his game and develop his game, but he has also got a great sense of humor. He’s a real leader among the group and is very influential. It’s great and he is one of several world class players in the team.
