Pakistan batsmen need to change the mindset: Inzamam-ul-Haq

Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam Ul Haq recently had a word of advice to the Pakistani team. He quoted that there is a clear lack of positivity in the approach of the national side. Pakistan recently faced a 2-0 drubbing in the New Zealand series. Inzamam Ul Haq, the current chief selector of the national team, spoke at length about the various prospects of Pakistan cricket at the moment.

In a conversation with PTI, Inzy mentioned that the other teams have changed their mindset to an aggressive one. But the Pakistan team is still playing the conventional game. Pakistan managed to win the tour game. However, skipper Misbah Ul Haq took 29 balls before getting out on a duck. Azhar Ali faced over 200 deliveries for scoring his 80 odd runs. “Other teams have moved on and changed their mindset and way of playing cricket. We are still playing cricket of yesteryears and that is a concern for selectors,” remarked Inzamam Ul Haq.

He reflected back about the same and emphasised on the importance of having a good strike rate. “Times have changed and so has cricket nowadays scoring and strike rates are as important as anything else,” he added. Adding further to his point, the former skipper said that till the time player fears losing his wicket, he cannot score runs freely.

He quoted, “When you are worrying about losing your wicket all the time then obviously you cannot play freely and our players need to realize this. They must realize this and see how other teams are playing even Test cricket now.” Looking back at the New Zealand series, the chief selector believes that the team should have played for a draw in the second Test. Going for the win was an overly ambitious deal on the day.

“We should have just stuck to trying to draw the match on the final day instead of deciding to go for the 360 plus target after a good opening start. A draw would have been satisfactory result for us after losing first Test,” quoted the chief selector.

Lastly, he had a word for Muhammad Amir as well. The lanky pacer has not quite been the same since he returned back in international colours. He said that Amir needs to step up and perform. “It is difficult to settle down again and start performing like one did in the past after five years. Amir has not performed up to the expectations as yet but he has lot of talent and potential and we know he can deliver,” he said.

Pakistan will take on Australia in the first Test on December 15.