How do you describe Pakistan’s batting? 105 to 348, was it bad day to good day, or inconsistency?
It’s my fifth year. I would say it’s a bit of a both. We didn’t adapt well to the conditions against West Indies. Technically, we were a bit poor on the day. There were a lot of nerves being the first World Cup match definitely. Then the guys got over that against England and they showed their proper skills and it was a true test of character. And I think they came through with flying colours in the second game.
A question about this young batting line-up that has scored 350 plus all through England. How do you keep them interested in what they are doing because they are not getting the results that they want?
If their job is to score runs, and to get those scores of 350, they are doing their job. So, you just got to ask them to keep repeating it and keep doing the hard training and putting in the hours in the nets and executing the skills under pressure. And then, hopefully, the bowlers and the fielders will get it right to back that up. But unfortunately, that didn’t happen in quite a few of the games against England, in the bilateral series.
You have played a few World Cups yourself. Are you a fan of this format?
It’s a bit unlucky on the associate teams, but obviously, you know, each game is so important, so there are no free games, or easy games, so it is exciting to watch. And just speaking to the public, I think they do enjoy this, but I think it is quite tough on the associate teams, but unfortunately I suppose that is one of those things.
What sort of challenge are you expecting from Sri Lanka?
You have always got to be respectful and they have got good bowlers. I have just come out of a batting meeting to see their skills. And it should be a good game. And hopefully the weather stays away, it is a bit poor, the forecast. But I don't think we'd be targeting any one individual, though they have got some good seamers and some spinners with very good skills. The guys are focussed and they know what to expect.
What is the mood after the big win?
I sense quite a bit of confidence. Since we have won, it took off a lot of the pressure, having gone through those string of defeats. Psychologically, that lifts a huge weight from their shoulders.
Are you happy with the balance of the side having left out Imad last time and gone with Hafeez and Shoaib to bowl those overs?
For the time being. I don’t have a say in selection. We wanted to take some pace off the ball against England and Hafeez and Malik did that really well. We have played a few games here already so the guys know what to expect and can adapt to different conditions.
— Courtesy © ICC Business Corporation