Published: Apr 22, 2016, 04:59 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 22, 2016, 05:01 PM (IST)
Batting coach Grant Flower has claimed that Pakistan batsmen are not as hard working as far as fitness is concerned, and remain in the elusion that whatever they have been doing in order to keep themselves fit is enough for them to excel in the international circuit. The former Zimbabwean cricketer, whose contract as the batting coach of Pakistan is coming to an end after 2 months, has made some serious claims about where exactly their problems lie, and what can be the possible solutions. Pakistan batsmen came under heavy criticism recently with their poor show during the Asia Cup 2016, and in the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, wherein they were eliminated in the first round itself. ALSO READ: Inzamam-ul-Haq appointed PCB chief selector on 3-year term
Flower told ESPNCricinfo in an interview that while he is aware of the possibility that his contract as Pakistan’s batting coach may not be renewed after 2 months, he did not shy away from touching upon some very serious issues which have been concerning as far as Pakistan cricket is concerned. ALSO READ: Misbah-ul-Haq eyes participation in Pakistan’s tour of Australia 2016-17
He said, “At the international level most of the guys’ techniques are fairly sound. With Pakistan, it’s more trying to get the routine right, but it’s also about the preparation off the field regarding fitness. You not only need that in fielding and bowling but equally in batting. If you are physically fit it, will definitely lead to a good lifestyle and better judgement at the crease. In practice, if you are using the same routine, that surely will lead to consistency.”
Flower continued, “Our players are very inconsistent with the way they practise. Of course, there are a few exceptions, and it’s not surprising that [those players] have better records and have been more successful over a long period of time.”
“I think they do work on their weak areas, but they could do a lot more. When you are an international player, you should be waking up and asking yourself: what do I have to do more to improve myself? If you are not answering that question then I don’t think you should be there,” he added.
Flower said that the upcoming camp for the national team, ahead of their tour of England, will also have a session with a psychologist. He said, “It’s a huge privilege to be representing your country and I think psychology has a big part in it. I hope the upcoming camp will also cover the psychologist session and I hope the players take that in a positive manner.” ALSO READ: Inzamam-ul-Haq named Pakistan’s chief selector
When pressed upon the mental part of the game and the need to have the right attitude towards it, Flower said, “Attitude meaning your preparation as a professional sportsman. It requires a lot of sacrifice to play for the country. You can break it down – mental side, reading about the game, being a good student of the game, learn every day, lifestyle, gym work, and all those things required to be a better cricketer.”
He claimed, “It’s not like 20 minutes in the gym, 20 minutes in the nets. It’s about quality time, absorbing everything rather than just being seen doing the right stuff and walking away saying that I have done enough. A lot of guys kid themselves. They think they are doing enough to be playing for Pakistan and getting great results. I know a lot of time they are not doing enough. Sometimes I wish they could watch how world-class players prepare and what it takes. They watch a lot of cricket, but I don’t know if they really digest what they see to get to the top.”
