Arthur confident Pakistan will turn things around in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Arthur said the likes of Abid Ali and Mohammad Hasnain are new to the system and Umar Akmal is making a comeback.

Pakistan are down two and another defeat will hand the five-match ODI series to Australia. It's a must-win match but Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is looking at the bigger picture - finding right mix of 15 boys who could help lift the World Cup in Lord's on July 14.
Arthur said the likes of Abid Ali and Mohammad Hasnain are new to the system and Umar Akmal is making a comeback.
"These players are getting up to the standards. We are trying a lot of players and increasing depth of Pakistan cricket. We get castigated for not trying new players and now when we give opportunity to new players, we get castigated again. We are very passionate cricket team.
"We represent 210 million people. We have a plan in place. I, Inzamam Ul Haq and the selection panel have a plan in place, i.e, have our core group of 15 players that will win the World Cup," the coach said making a plea on need for patience to reap long-term dividends. "We want to win every match we play but there is also a bigger picture - winning the World Cup."
The coach noted that even though Pakistan intended to test their bench strength in the series and try new players, they always aimed to win matches. "We hate to lose. We are testing our bench strength, which is important for us. But we will never sacrifice the intensity and the will to win."
However, if Pakistan are to win the third ODI in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday they need their bowlers to fire. Bowlers have snared just three Aussies in first two outings. Pakistan's spin ace Yasir Shah has taken just one wicket by conceding 116 runs in last 20 overs. But coach is confident that Zayed Cricket Stadium will turn things around for Yasir and Pakistan.
"I am not looking for excuses but Sharjah was incredibly flat. There wasn't much on offer for our seamers and spinners. I am hoping that it grips and turns a bit more then we can see Yasir coming into the game more. I hope he is able squeeze through the middle and show everybody his googly as well."
Mohammed Amir, Arthur's another trump card, has taken just five wickets in 14 ODIs.
"I think there is nobody more worried than Amir. I still think he is an incredibly skilled bowler and has all attributes to be successful. We will see how we use him going forward."
And Faheem Ashraf, one of the wicket takers, is being rested for the three remaining matches, which Arthur said is in line with World Cup plans.
"We wanted Faheem here for two games. We aren't worried about him with the ball as he is outstanding. We wanted to give him some opportunity with bat. We know he could become that finisher. We want him to get better and better," he said.
Meanwhile, Australia are now on a five-match winning streak and Marcus Stoinis said the team hope to keep the winning run going. "We are confident going into the third match," he added.
Teams clash at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (3pm).
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com