Shoaib Akhtar Questions Pakistan Cricket Team's New Coaching Appointment

Strategic Insights -

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed concerns about the recent appointment of Mike Hesson as the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team following a disappointing performance in the third ODI against West Indies. Akhtar believes that Hesson, with experience primarily in T20 cricket, may not be the right fit for the team's One-Day International (ODI) format. He attributed the team's struggles on the field to poor policies and lack of quality players in key positions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Akhtar questioned the appointment of Mike Hesson as the new head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, citing his limited experience in ODIs.
  • He emphasized the importance of having established all-rounders, batters, bowlers, and spinners in the team to last the full 50 overs.
  • Akhtar criticized senior Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for not finishing the game themselves, instead relying on others to take them home.
  • He suggested that Babar Azam needs to accelerate and finish the match after scoring a fifty, as he has already spent an hour at the crease.
  • Akhtar also highlighted the team's vulnerability on seaming tracks, an issue exacerbated by the absence of experienced bowlers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
  • The former pacer attributed the team's struggles to bad policies, rather than the players' fault.
  • He underscored the importance of quality players in key positions, stating that the team's rebuilding process has simply been given a new name.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan was bowled out for 92 in the third ODI against West Indies.
  • The team beat West Indies in the first one-day international by five wickets.
  • West Indies leveled the series with a five-wicket victory in the second ODI.
  • Pakistan won the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1 in Florida.
  • The criticism from Akhtar directed at Babar Azam's batting style and his lack of finishing ability.
  • The team's average score in the three ODIs against West Indies was 105 runs.

Sources:

  • [1] Shoaib Akhtar on Game On Hai show, no date provided.
  • [2] "Pakistan beat West Indies in 1st ODI by 5 wickets", Times of India, no date provided.
  • [3] "West Indies level series with win", Times of India, no date provided.