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In this exclusive PakPassion interview, legendary commentator and former England player David "Bumble" Lloyd offers his signature candid insights on a host of pressing cricket topics. Fresh from the Ashes in Australia, Bumble dissects England's heavy defeat, the future of 'Bazball', and the scrutiny on coach Brendon McCullum. He also looks ahead to the T20 World Cup, assessing the favourites and Pakistan's chances, before sharing his unforgettable memories of touring the country and giving a characteristically blunt take on the challenge of being the Pakistan head coach.
Key revelations include:
• Ashes Turning Point: "We should have actually been going to Sydney, two a piece." – Lloyd reflects on England's recent Ashes loss in Australia, noting that while the team became more competitive as the series progressed, poor preparation ultimately cost them. He specifically points to the first Test in Perth, where England was 100 for 1 in the third innings before collapsing. He believes they should have been level at 2-2 heading into the final Test in Sydney.
• On Constant Change: "The victims are actually the players… you don't get to know your coaches." – Despite calls for change, Lloyd argues against "chopping and changing" coaching staff, emphasizing that it hurts the players' stability. He notes that England simply met a superior Australian side warning for teams, including Pakistan, about instability.
• T20 World Cup Dark Horse: "It's not beyond the realms that… Afghanistan… will surprise somebody." – Playing in Asian conditions (Sri Lanka), Lloyd views India as strong contenders due to home advantage. He also highlights South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand as top threats, while suggesting Afghanistan and Bangladesh could cause major upsets on spinning tracks.
• The Pakistan Coaching Job: "I'll tell you what, I wouldn't wish that on anybody." – When asked if he would apply for the Pakistan red-ball head coach position, Lloyd humorously declines, describing the job as a "penance" due to the high turnover rate and instability of the role.
• Memories of Pakistan: "Pakistan is chaotic. It's colourful. It's interesting." – Lloyd speaks fondly of touring Pakistan, describing it as "chaotic, colorful, and interesting." He encourages visitors to explore local markets and landmarks like the Badshai Mosque rather than staying in hotels.
• Modern T20 Tactics: "The player will be absolutely distraught… You've got to come off." – Discussing Rizwan being "retired out" in the Big Bash League after a slow start, Lloyd supports the tactical move. He compares it to football substitutions, though he acknowledges cricketers find it "distraughting" because they aren't used to it yet.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
Key revelations include:
• Ashes Turning Point: "We should have actually been going to Sydney, two a piece." – Lloyd reflects on England's recent Ashes loss in Australia, noting that while the team became more competitive as the series progressed, poor preparation ultimately cost them. He specifically points to the first Test in Perth, where England was 100 for 1 in the third innings before collapsing. He believes they should have been level at 2-2 heading into the final Test in Sydney.
• On Constant Change: "The victims are actually the players… you don't get to know your coaches." – Despite calls for change, Lloyd argues against "chopping and changing" coaching staff, emphasizing that it hurts the players' stability. He notes that England simply met a superior Australian side warning for teams, including Pakistan, about instability.
• T20 World Cup Dark Horse: "It's not beyond the realms that… Afghanistan… will surprise somebody." – Playing in Asian conditions (Sri Lanka), Lloyd views India as strong contenders due to home advantage. He also highlights South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand as top threats, while suggesting Afghanistan and Bangladesh could cause major upsets on spinning tracks.
• The Pakistan Coaching Job: "I'll tell you what, I wouldn't wish that on anybody." – When asked if he would apply for the Pakistan red-ball head coach position, Lloyd humorously declines, describing the job as a "penance" due to the high turnover rate and instability of the role.
• Memories of Pakistan: "Pakistan is chaotic. It's colourful. It's interesting." – Lloyd speaks fondly of touring Pakistan, describing it as "chaotic, colorful, and interesting." He encourages visitors to explore local markets and landmarks like the Badshai Mosque rather than staying in hotels.
• Modern T20 Tactics: "The player will be absolutely distraught… You've got to come off." – Discussing Rizwan being "retired out" in the Big Bash League after a slow start, Lloyd supports the tactical move. He compares it to football substitutions, though he acknowledges cricketers find it "distraughting" because they aren't used to it yet.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
