Over the past three months a lot of things have changed in Pakistan cricket, mostly for the better. The only constant has been the captain himself, but it is time now for him not only to deliver as a batsman, but also get his team to perform on the pitch.
The induction of Maurice Stevenson is a huge step forward for the Pakistan team. Maurice is a cricket-specific trainer and knows our needs. He has made training sessions so very enjoyable that just about everyone looks forward to them. Earlier, it used to be jogging session, stretching and gym work, but now everything is linked to cricket. Ask any of the 36 players who attended the camp and they will bear me out on this. I am certain, with the kind of physical training we have been doing, niggles, muscle pulls, back pain etc will no longer bother us.
The other big factor has been the appointment of Bob Woolmer as the coach. He has a huge reputation and is known for his meticulous planning. Soon after joining, he had a one-on-one with all players where he made them talk freely. He thus got a fair idea as to whose mind works how. He has also filmed all the bowlers as well as the batsmen to explore their strengths and weaknesses. All this has gone into his laptop. He can analyse the available data and discuss with me when the time is right. When a captain gets such quality inputs from the back-up team, it takes a lot of load off his shoulders.
Cricket is an art, but no one can deny that it is also science. The more scientific your approach, the higher are your chances of success. Pakistan always had the talent. Woolmer and Stevenson's scientific approach should help the players to raise their game a notch or two higher. For me, the Asia Cup begins in the second round. Unless there are a couple of huge upsets — I don't see it happening — India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will go through. So, the first phase is like a practice session for the Big Three. And it is here that Pakistan have a problem.
{{/usCountry}}Cricket is an art, but no one can deny that it is also science. The more scientific your approach, the higher are your chances of success. Pakistan always had the talent. Woolmer and Stevenson's scientific approach should help the players to raise their game a notch or two higher. For me, the Asia Cup begins in the second round. Unless there are a couple of huge upsets — I don't see it happening — India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will go through. So, the first phase is like a practice session for the Big Three. And it is here that Pakistan have a problem.
{{/usCountry}}While India and Sri Lanka will play against each other and learn a fair bit about each other's game, Pakistan will enjoy no such benefit. After all, testing yourself against Bangladesh and Hong Kong is not the same thing as playing against India or Sri Lanka.
For Pakistan, it will be an emotional encounter against Hong Kong as nine of their players are Pakistanis who have settled there.
In fact, their leading spinner Najib is from Multan, my home town. All said and done, it will be a "different" Pakistan team that will take the field on Saturday. The boys are all fresh, injury-free and ready to give their best to keep the Asia Cup in Pakistan. (Café Cricket)