Arthur still rates fast bowler Mohammad Amir highly.
Mickey Arthur, head coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team, was very disappointed with the whitewash in the ODI series at the hands of Australia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week.
However, the five-match ODI series outcome hurts the Men in Green, but Arthur chose to see at the two positives from the series - unearthing of a new batsman and fast bowler in Abid Ali and Mohammad Hasnain who succeeded in making their mark.
While Ali made a memorable debut at age 31 with a stunning 112 in the fourth ODI, 18-year-old fast bowler Hasnain constantly bowled at an exciting pace and Arthur looks at the duo for the future plans.
Arthur told the media, “Losing 5-0 to Australia is something that hurts us incredibly. Whether it’s your first team or your second team, they are out there representing the nation, representing 210 million people.”
On Ali and Hasnain, the coach noted, “His attitude, his work ethic, the extra little bit of work he did through the tour was incredible, he’s a hungry man who wants to play for Pakistan. We’ve found a young quick bowler that’s going to serve Pakistan well for the years to come.”
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir’s poor form remains a worry, having taken just five wickets in 14 ODIs since the Champions Trophy in 2017, but he is still getting the backing of Arthur.
The coach added on the pacer, “I rate Mohammad Amir highly and everybody knows that. He would be the first to admit that his form hasn’t been good. It’s not necessarily his form, it’s a fact that he hasn’t struck, he hasn’t taken wickets.”
On the other hand, Arthur has not given any assurance about Pakistan’s success in the 2019 World Cup, but said his troops are ready to give their very best shot in England.
Arthur signed off by saying, “I can’t promise we’re going to win (the World Cup), but we’re going to give it our very best shot. I’m very comfortable with these young boys and how they have gone about their work in the last couple of years. Their preparations and their passion about Pakistan is unquestionable.”
(With AP Inputs)