Pakistan lost to South Africa by 6 wickets in Centurion.
Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower admits that atmosphere in the national team is “not best at the moment.” He also said that some players are not fit to be in the squad, pointing fingers at team selection.
“The atmosphere isn’t the best at the moment. Not many losing teams’ atmosphere will be the best. No one likes to lose. You don’t want to become happy losers,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Flower, as saying.
“I’m not involved in selection, but there are quite a few guys with their places under threat. It’s not just one or two batsmen, you could point fingers at a few players,” he added.
Controversy arose when a leak reported that coach Mickey Arthur had a go at players after losing his temper. Talking about the same, Flower said that should never have happened adding that players need to “look at themselves in the mirror”.
“We don’t know who it is [the leaker]. But they’ve got to look at themselves in the mirror. It should never happen. On tour it’s all about teamwork, you’re supposed to be a family and trust each other. But I’ve been with the team over four years and there have been constant leaks all the time. It’s nothing new for me, so it doesn’t really come as a surprise,” Flower said.
“Mickey had some strong words with the players; there was quite a bit of honesty from him. I think the guys were a bit shell-shocked, but they’ve heard Mickey, everyone knows he can come down harshly on the boys at times. But sometimes that’s needed and the guys needed to be told a few home truths. Mickey won’t be the first or last coach to do that. If the guys do have strong character, they’ll bounce back from it and take that as a challenge,” he added.
Pakistan will take on South Africa in the second Test from January 3 to 7 at Cape Town.
(with ANI inputs)