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We will not sit on ‘Dubai win’
Pakistan's victory over the world's top-ranking Test side England has left many cricket pundits scratching their heads.
- PUBLISHED: Sun 22 Jan 2012, 11:03 AM UPDATED: Wed 14 Jun 2023, 2:15 PM
The team under Misbah's captaincy has been doing well for the last two years but the series against England is a real test for Pakistan.
They have won the first Test by a huge margin and if they are able to snatch the series it will be a great turnaround for the team which has gone through a number of trials since 2010.
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They have lost two of their best bowlers in the form of Mohammad Asif and Mohaamad Aamir for their involvement in the spot fixing scandal but have recovered well come back to winning ways.
Mohsin Khan was made chief selector after Saeed Anwer turned down the offer to take the job. His efforts as chief selector helped Pakistan resurrect the team and later he was appointed coach when Waqar Younis quit the job ahead after the Zimbabwe series in 2011.
Nobody would have thought that Pakistan would achieve such results under Mohsin's coaching. But sometimes it happens when you promote a person who knows the ins and outs of the team, and it pays dividends. He knows the psyche of the players and is well versed with the cricketing culture of the country.
Spain's top football club Barcelona were struggling under Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard and they were looking for a big name but they went for their academy coach Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona are doing wonders under Guardiola now and are termed as all time best club side in the world.
Mohsin has done the same thing with Pakistan and the team often called as 'most unpredictable' is turning out to be a predictable in recent times.
While talking to Khaleej Times exclusively Mohsin said: “I am satisfied with the team's performance but we should not sit on the victory in Dubai.
“We need to show consistency because England are sitting on top of the Test rankings. They have performed brilliantly before this series and they have the firepower and experience to make a comeback.
“They have got some top ranking batsmen in the world and proven bowlers and keeping them under pressure will be a tough job.
“It is just the beginning and we have to carry on the good work to prove that victory in the first Test was not a fluke.
“Pakistan can capitalise on their first-Test victory and win the series but there is still a long way to go.”
Mohsin, the former opening batsman who was one the most handsome players in action once and graceful in batting, added: “As a chief selector I have tried my best to provide the team with a back-up and I am successful to some extant.
“It has created a healthy competition and players don't take anything for granted.
“Now we have got batsmen and bowlers who can make it to the team any time. It is paying and the boys are shouldering their responsibilities.
“I will give credit to the captain Misbah-ul-Haq and the whole team for this wonderful victory. We as a management devise plans but those are the guys who execute them in the middle.
“Every individual is doing his job and the results are quite obvious.”
Pakistan wrapped up the first Test in three days time which is rare on the batting pitches in the UAE.
But Misbah's defensive approach may harm the Pakistan chances against England.
The openers provided an ideal start but the middle order played very slowly and a player like Umar Akmal is needed in Pakistan Test side.
“We are satisfied with our batting performance but those 50s could have been converted into big 100s.
“We will select the team for Abu Dhabi after inspecting the pitch and won't go for names but performances will be the deciding factor.
“Pakistan are happy with the pitches in the UAE. Me and Misbah always urge curators to provide us with sporting pitches
“And it is the need of the hour if we want to uplift Test cricket.
“I salute Tony Hemming for preparing a pitch which has something for everybody in Dubai Test. Fast bowlers and spinners got wickets and batsmen who applied themselves scored runs,” Mohsin said.
Every game needs supporters and cricket has got many in Pakistan.
“Cricket is not just a game in Pakistan, it's a way of life, it's a passion and people adore cricket like anything.
“We have got very good support here and I hope cricket makes a comeback in Pakistan and the fans will be able to watch their heroes perform in front of them.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board is trying its best to improve the image of the game in Pakistan,” Mohsin added.
The second Test starts in Abu Dhabi on January 25. Dubai will stage the third Test from February 3-7 followed by four one-day and three Twenty20 matches.
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com