Pakistani Openers Need To Make Adjustments To Avoid More Struggle, Says Aamir Sohail

Dec 24, 2016 at 12:12 PM

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Pakistani Openers Need To Make Adjustments To Avoid More Struggle, Says Aamir Sohail

Long lived in the memories of cross-border fans for his on-field banter with India’s Venkatesh Prasad in the 1996 World Cup, former Pakistan batsman Aamir Sohail came out to show some concern for current team’s opening order woes.

The left-handed batsman, in a recent interview with PakPassion.net, said all Pakistani openers need is some time to make adjustments if they seek more success in Tests. Insisting on the plethora of talent the country possesses, Sohail said the openers are talented and that’s the very reason they are serving the country at national level but sounded afraid in admitting the lack of opportunities might just hamper their career.

Comparing their technique with that of Joe Root and Alastair Cook, Sohail said youngsters need to learn from them and should not repeat mistakes in order to avoid more struggle.

“Unless and until the Pakistani openers make the required adjustments, they will struggle in the Test matches. The major fault with the openers’ technique is that they over-commit themselves to the front foot. Once they do that, it’s very hard to play off the back foot. If you see Joe Root, he was playing 95% of the deliveries off the back-foot. Alastair Cook was similar, not committing himself too early. He tries to pick up the line, then move into the line. Until the Pakistani openers do this, they will struggle.”

Apart from scoring 71 in the second innings against Australia in Brisbane Test, Azhar Ali looked uncomfortable against the rising deliveries from Australian pacers.

Sohail then lashed out at the training structure in Pakistan, complaining their inability to nurture youngsters before picking them up for the national squad. He said during his days, there used be good coaches, good training, techniques used to be checked but now, nothing sought of that happens.

“When we talk of the past, we had a very strong FC system, a strong club and university cricket system. It’s no longer there. So if you see a talent, you have to nurture it, and we don’t have the human resource for that. Gone are the days when you could throw a youngster in and see great things happen. If you see a talent, you have to groom him and you have to teach them how to improve since there’s nominal club cricket in Pakistan.”

The former PCB selector later talked about the return of Mohammad Amir and how his confidence can do wonders for him in the longer run. Sohail further added Amir has been unlucky with many of his catches being dropped recently, but remained confident of his ability to extract wickets from any surface.

Mohammad Amir took five wickets in the first Test at Brisbane against Australia.

“I think Mohammad Amir should be OK with the expectations. If he does the basics right, he should get success. If he tries to swing and seam the ball, he’ll pick up wickets. He was unlucky to have two dropped catches already. He’s got the talent. Life gives you a second chance, so if he’s given one, you have to wish him well.”

Pakistan will now face Australia in the second Test at Melbourne, starting December 26.

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