Pakistani players' body language is appalling...

[Sherlock]

The captain hasn't helped the matters either with a similar demeanour.

The whole side looks like mentally-scarred teenagers that don't know what to do, or how to correct their errors.

Think Micky's lost the dressing room, if I'm being honest and kind.

I've always said a Pakistani side is dangerous when they attack, and the batsmen on this tour have been anything but. In fact I've found more bravery and backbone from toddlers getting vaccinated.

The way Azhar got out showed he's not learnt from anything. He didn't even have to play at the delivery but chose to leave his hands dangled outside off-stump. Babar getting out similarly but trying to avoid the ball, which did seam in drastically.

The less said about Shafiq/Imam and the hideous lower-order. What has happened to Shah's supposed ability with the bat

 

[Varun]

Think Micky's lost the dressing room, if I'm being honest and kind.

The last time I heard this was in 2017 when Bangladesh toured South Africa and Hathurusingha left the team in unclear circumstances.

Pakistan can't afford to lose Mickey Arthur at this stage.

 

[Sherlock]

The last time I heard this was in 2017 when Bangladesh toured South Africa and Hathurusingha left the team in unclear circumstances.

Pakistan can't afford to lose Mickey Arthur at this stage.

Not if he's had enough of the players and the surroundings. Some players don't want to improve and are comfortable where they currently are.

 

[Sin Nombre]

Agree about the body language.

Going through the motions already in anticipation of an innings defeat.

 

[Savak]

Mickey Arthur should just be given a pure young rookie squad. Pakistan need to terminate Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Sarfaraz Ahmed for sure after this series

 

[BreadPakoda]

That's what usually happens when teams lose a lot of games in a short span. Shoulders drop.

 

[Savak]

Not if he's had enough of the players and the surroundings. Some players don't want to improve and are comfortable where they currently are.

Apparently this is what Mickey Arthur complained about in his meeting with Ehsan Mani in South Africa

 

[Sherlock]

Apparently this is what Mickey Arthur complained about in his meeting with Ehsan Mani in South Africa

Yet they continue to be picked. It's either Micky's fault in picking them or he's been told to continue picking the failures. If the latter then he should resign and walk away.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

The captain hasn't helped the matters either with a similar demeanour.

The whole side looks like mentally-scarred teenagers that don't know what to do, or how to correct their errors.

Think Micky's lost the dressing room, if I'm being honest and kind.

I've always said a Pakistani side is dangerous when they attack, and the batsmen on this tour have been anything but. In fact I've found more bravery and backbone from toddlers getting vaccinated.

The way Azhar got out showed he's not learnt from anything. He didn't even have to play at the delivery but chose to leave his hands dangled outside off-stump. Babar getting out similarly but trying to avoid the ball, which did seam in drastically.

The less said about Shafiq/Imam and the hideous lower-order. What has happened to Shah's supposed ability with the bat

To be honest, everyone knew it as a 0-3 phainta.

Not surprising.

 

[MenInG]

Seems to be a wait for a declaration now - this is what the body language seems to be showing.

 

[Zakaz]

This is why we desperately need psychatrist in team management who can work on mental toughness with our national players. International cricket is all about mental toughness and ability to absorb pressure.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Mickey Arthur should just be given a pure young rookie squad. Pakistan need to terminate Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Sarfaraz Ahmed for sure after this series

Wont happen as next test series is 9 months away and all will be forgotten with these TTFs. Yes we would all love a rookie team to be given ago instead of current garbage.

 

[Sherlock]

Think having a young team won't happen for the exact reason when we did introduce them when we got battered by Australia a few years ago with the likes of Hasan Raza etc. Feels like the PCB and the men in blazers are too scared of what will happen, not realising that's how we need to blood these youngsters in.

 

[Khwaja78]

When all your seniors are failing and playing below par than the body language automatically goes down. Pakistani bowlers despite Pakistani batsman failing consistently have still bowled well in last series against New Zealand and the first test innings.

Again the same issue there is no other problem. The freebie to seniors geting selected by the corrupt selection committee whereas performing bowlers getting dropped is a major reason.

 

[Green Patriot]

They give up very easily.
Its very frustrating for the fans too.
Sarfaraz does not help either by releasing pressure through his decisions and field placements.

There is no backing each other up or any faith in their abilities.Even now they clearly are just waiting for SA to declare themselves.
Losing is not an issue.losing without a struggle is.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

The partnership broke their back. Body language, team spirit is appalling

 

[aukhan]

Pathetic attitude from the whole team. That's what happens when your captain is a poor cricketer.

 

[reversehook]

deep down, they are all wondering where to go eat at the end of the day, and which airport exit to take upon returning back to Pakistan...

all else, just the same...

 

[Madplayer]

Apart from Babar's counter attack in 1st test, there has been nothing to write home about. A shame that they arent attacking even when the only moment of glory which they saw was when they attacked.

 

[Sherlock]

We, as fans, always state the exact same thing. When the players are so defensive, and are liable to be dismissed playing that way then why don't the coaching staff change the players mindset?

It's become repetitive and rather insane to be chatting of the same rubbish tour after tour.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Wont happen as next test series is 9 months away and all will be forgotten with these TTFs. Yes we would all love a rookie team to be given ago instead of current garbage.

He may not even be the coach by then. His contract is until end of WC. If pak does poorly in WC there is a good chance he will lose his job

 

[Saj]

Look like a squad accepting a 3-0 loss and a group of players not playing for the captain.

 

[Plumb]

Look like a squad accepting a 3-0 loss and a group of players not playing for the captain.

Thanks for confirming I said this in some other thread after the 1st test that grouping is already started..Sarfaraz may not captain the third test I believe...

 

[MMHS]

Look like a squad accepting a 3-0 loss and a group of players not playing for the captain.

0-3 was predicted by many posters here and don’t think it's a surprise, players are just going through the motion and it’s the 2 new comers Shan & Shaheen seems to be willing to give a fight. Nothing unexpected from the players.

What is a mighty concern is the 2nd part - yes, I see ManU syndrome. After Mou was booted, it looks like a new team and severs players looking energetic; even Lukaku scored a goal!!! Can it be the case that some of the seniors deliberately trying to make sure that Sarfraz is booted before WC? However, the biggest 3 let downs are Azhar, Asad & Yasir - none are in WC plan.

 

[Savak]

Look like a squad accepting a 3-0 loss and a group of players not playing for the captain.

To be honest, the captain isn't commanding the respect of his team mates on any front i.e. performance, fitness, personality. This was bound to happen with an inconsistent and non performing captain.

 

[RickyG]

I think Sarfraz has to go as test captain. I am not sure if he retains ODI captaincy until the world cup or not but this should be his last tour as test captain.

He's clearly burdened by responsibility in all formats at this point. I think if Sarfraz wants to continue playing cricket he must relinquish the captaincy or he faces being axed.

He's still a decent wicket keeping batsman and that is all he should focus on now.

 

[RickyG]

Look like a squad accepting a 3-0 loss and a group of players not playing for the captain.

You think he has lost the dressing room?

Have you heard whispers or just an observation?

If he has lost the dressing room then his position as captain in any format becomes untenable.

 

[The Viper]

I am sure Mickey is tired of picking some of these players. I cannot believe that he would willingly select some of these players.

 

[Abdullah]

It's hard when the game is that he but I have to show professionalism.
We needed at least 3 tour games.
Unbelievable we still have not picked the right combo.
We need to show some fight with the bat and go into the next game like a fresh game

 

[Hasan123]

Never seen a Pakistan team so dejected not including the fixing controversy, but when your captain doesn’t make the team on merit and is shouting at players who do what do you expect? I was told your performance doesn’t matter as long as you are a tactical genius. Let’s be honest if the captain was in the team on merit and performing, would the team go down this pathetically?

 

[Usman Chadda]

Never seen a Pakistan team so dejected not including the fixing controversy, but when your captain doesn’t make the team on merit and is shouting at players who do what do you expect? I was told your performance doesn’t matter as long as you are a tactical genius. Let’s be honest if the captain was in the team on merit and performing, would the team go down this pathetically?

Yes, as evident by the thrashings in South Africa 2013, Australia 2016 and New Zealand 2016. Misbah made the team on merit, yet we still were humiliated. We got bowled out below 50 FGS! Sarfraz is an ordinary captain, but we have far bigger issues at the moment in our cricket.

 

[PakLFC]

We know scoring runs is the key in RSA. Only those teams who can regularity score 400 runs have a chance of winning there. Our boys can't even get to 200 that shows in their attitude and body language.

 

[gazza619]

The team is waiting for the T20s i think. We should just stick to T20s..

 

[Sherlock]

0-3 was predicted by many posters here and don’t think it's a surprise, players are just going through the motion and it’s the 2 new comers Shan & Shaheen seems to be willing to give a fight. Nothing unexpected from the players.

What is a mighty concern is the 2nd part - yes, I see ManU syndrome. After Mou was booted, it looks like a new team and severs players looking energetic; even Lukaku scored a goal!!! Can it be the case that some of the seniors deliberately trying to make sure that Sarfraz is booted before WC? However, the biggest 3 let downs are Azhar, Asad & Yasir - none are in WC plan.

Not entirely the same. Mourinho is a defensive manager who had an attacking side. He also doesn't big up the players, but kicks them when they're down. Utd players didn't want to play like how he wanted them to play. Just look at how they played v City away. How they played v Newcastle at home this season. When they attacked they enjoyed every bit, as did the fans.

Regarding Micky, it could just be a case of players not caring as much as he does and others being too weak and mentally fragile to do anything about it. It also doesn't help Micky's cause when you have ex-players [no, not like Scholes/Rio etc ] making xenophobic comments about him and denigrating his achievements.

You also have to point fingers at Inzi. Who's been nothing short of a sock-puppet for the PCB.

 

[MMHS]

Not entirely the same. Mourinho is a defensive manager who had an attacking side. He also doesn't big up the players, but kicks them when they're down. Utd players didn't want to play like how he wanted them to play. Just look at how they played v City away. How they played v Newcastle at home this season. When they attacked they enjoyed every bit, as did the fans.

Regarding Micky, it could just be a case of players not caring as much as he does and others being too weak and mentally fragile to do anything about it. It also doesn't help Micky's cause when you have ex-players [no, not like Scholes/Rio etc ] making xenophobic comments about him and denigrating his achievements.

You also have to point fingers at Inzi. Who's been nothing short of a sock-puppet for the PCB.

My example was for Sarfraz - in soccer, Manager is king, in cricket Captain. If Sarfraz was strong personality, capable leader & performing player, Mickey will become Shastri.

 

[Titan24]

Their body language is just manifesting that its almost time for both Sarfaraz and Micky to go.

 

[Sherlock]

My example was for Sarfraz - in soccer, Manager is king, in cricket Captain. If Sarfraz was strong personality, capable leader & performing player, Mickey will become Shastri.

Except the manager isn't king anymore, the players are and that could well be the case in Pakistan cricket sphere too.

 

[MMHS]

Except the manager isn't king anymore, the players are and that could well be the case in Pakistan cricket sphere too.

Managers are still the king, but few selective ones. See how Poch, Klopp or Pep is managing teams; even Sarri is preparing life after Hazard.

For PAK team, the problem is Sarfraz himself. He isn't performing, neither helping cause with his tactics; on top of that guy is a filthy mouth - you hardly like a boss who doesn't work much, doesn't possess the capacity to add value with guidance, often steals ladder after putting you on the tree and only good at boss management (his boss) ... on top of that bad mouths at every opportunity. I am sure players like MoHa, Malik, Amir, Shan, FZ, Asad, Azhar ... are too intelligent & experienced not to see a "dead man walking" - just waiting for the inevitable; PCB can make it less painful for everyone.

The symptom started exactly a year back, in NZ when I wrote that once team starts to face tougher opponents, this harmony will escape through window - Hasan incidence is just a glimpse; Bhakts got upset with me. No player (no human being) will accept undue personal abuse, that too from one of the worst player of the team; and this guy Sarfraz has learned his cricket in that manner - can't help himself much.

 

[silent ischemia]

For this you have to improve your domestic set up. Mental toughness comes playing tough, rigorous cricket at a younger age. Your domestic system is not competitive at all

 

[Wristy_Shuffler]

Unable to watch much live coverage of the Tests so far as it's during working hours but things do seem to be falling apart a bit.

In fairness to Pakistan, I think they have been a little unlucky with the some of the close lbw's and the 2 slip catches over-ruled, so I can't really blame them. I don't think that we should doubt their work ethic either, for sure some work has been done on trying to stave off the obvious threats of Vern, Steyn and Rabada but like it happens so often, it's the unknown threat that has caught them off-guard again.

Wasn't happy with that dressing room leak r.e. Micky giving players an earful after first Test and not a fan of Sarfraz as the Test captain, I think with the team he has - inexperienced, fragile-ish bowling unit and a leg-spinner prone to being smashed (as most leggies are), a more subtle approach is needed with better man management skills maybe?

I just really, really hope that Pak get something from this Test series to take home. Or they don't crumble both on the pitch and off the pitch - just thinking about the dark days of 2009/10 onwards where we had the oath-taking brigade, with serious tension between key players, indefinite PCB bans etc.*shudders*....Anything is better than that.

 

[AAli98]

Its all good when pak win the one off useless T20i at the end of the tour, wel be told how safraz is the best thing since sliced bread & how his going to win the world cup.

 

[Suleiman]

When team is losing, body language, facial expressions, hairstyles, everything else comes under scrutiny as well. Never seen this issue raised when we are winning. Start winning again and all these side issues will disappear too. You can’t have slumped shoulders like body language if you are winning.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

It was painful to watch these players in the groud. Their body language was manifesting that they are already defeated by an inning..
I spoiled my all day watching these bunch of losers

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Mohsin Khan has destroyed the morale of the squad. This is what happens when you involve incompetents in the set up. Mickey has been undermined and players are once again scared for their spots and have become panic stricken.

 

[silent ischemia]

Unable to watch much live coverage of the Tests so far as it's during working hours but things do seem to be falling apart a bit.

In fairness to Pakistan, I think they have been a little unlucky with the some of the close lbw's and the 2 slip catches over-ruled, so I can't really blame them. I don't think that we should doubt their work ethic either, for sure some work has been done on trying to stave off the obvious threats of Vern, Steyn and Rabada but like it happens so often, it's the unknown threat that has caught them off-guard again.

Wasn't happy with that dressing room leak r.e. Micky giving players an earful after first Test and not a fan of Sarfraz as the Test captain, I think with the team he has - inexperienced, fragile-ish bowling unit and a leg-spinner prone to being smashed (as most leggies are), a more subtle approach is needed with better man management skills maybe?

I just really, really hope that Pak get something from this Test series to take home. Or they don't crumble both on the pitch and off the pitch - just thinking about the dark days of 2009/10 onwards where we had the oath-taking brigade, with serious tension between key players, indefinite PCB bans etc.*shudders*....Anything is better than that.

I agree but I feel they are a mentally disintegrated unit. They won't be winning anything on this tour. I fear

 

[Hasan123]

Yes, as evident by the thrashings in South Africa 2013, Australia 2016 and New Zealand 2016. Misbah made the team on merit, yet we still were humiliated. We got bowled out below 50 FGS! Sarfraz is an ordinary captain, but we have far bigger issues at the moment in our cricket.

Bigger issues in our cricket won’t be solved over night. Can you just stop making excuses for Sarfraz? I know changing him will not make a difference, I have been watching cricket for 15 years. I am not stupid. But you don’t keep a captain who is rubbish tactically and doesn’t make the team on merit.

 

[Savak]

Mohsin Khan has destroyed the morale of the squad. This is what happens when you involve incompetents in the set up. Mickey has been undermined and players are once again scared for their spots and have become panic stricken.

To be honest, Sarfaraz has only proven Mohsin Khan to be correct and has done nothing to prove him wrong

 

[Savak]

If anything, this tour only underlies the drastic need to take our Cricket away from the UAE now and to urgently work on fixing our domestic cricket on a war footing

 

[Usman Chadda]

Bigger issues in our cricket won’t be solved over night. Can you just stop making excuses for Sarfraz? I know changing him will not make a difference, I have been watching cricket for 15 years. I am not stupid. But you don’t keep a captain who is rubbish tactically and doesn’t make the team on merit.

If you are not stupid, then why do you keep making such statements as your post above? You are the other end of the spectrum, who does not understand even an iota of what's wrong with Pakistan cricket and just wants to see Sarfraz kicked out because you stole your paratha (and probably ate it too looking at his tummy) when you were young or something.

Think we all agree Sarfraz should let go of Test captaincy atleast right now, but the alternatives are on the cusp of getting dropped too. Unless you are in the 'make Shan Masood captain' club, in which case you'll probably be back here whining again in a year or so's time.

 

[Hasan123]

If you are not stupid, then why do you keep making such statements as your post above? You are the other end of the spectrum, who does not understand even an iota of what's wrong with Pakistan cricket and just wants to see Sarfraz kicked out because you stole your paratha (and probably ate it too looking at his tummy) when you were young or something.

Think we all agree Sarfraz should let go of Test captaincy atleast right now, but the alternatives are on the cusp of getting dropped too. Unless you are in the 'make Shan Masood captain' club, in which case you'll probably be back here whining again in a year or so's time.

I want Sarfraz out because I want a captain who makes the team on merit and can actually lead from the front. Watching this team is depressing. There is no enjoyment. Once he is gone I will won't be on the captain's case as much.

Okay we have bigger issues , but how many years will they take to solve ? You have just said Sarfraz needs replacing and your questioning me ?

I have already said Shan needs to earn his place in the team before being made captain . But you know what if he is made captain I will be fully behind him.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I want Sarfraz out because I want a captain who makes the team on merit and can actually lead from the front. Watching this team is depressing. There is no enjoyment. Once he is gone I will won't be on the captain's case as much.

Okay we have bigger issues , but how many years will they take to solve ? You have just said Sarfraz needs replacing and your questioning me ?

I have already said Shan needs to earn his place in the team before being made captain . But you know what if he is made captain I will be fully behind him.

What I said "Think we all agree Sarfraz should let go of Test captaincy atleast right now, but the alternatives are on the cusp of getting dropped".

Now read that slowly.

And try to understand what I have said.

Changing the captain to your local jamaadaar or your chai wala won't lead to a change in fortunes. It might satisfy your ego though, until you return to bash the next poor soul you yourself back as captain

 

[Hasan123]

What I said "Think we all agree Sarfraz should let go of Test captaincy atleast right now, but the alternatives are on the cusp of getting dropped".

Now read that slowly.

And try to understand what I have said.

Changing the captain to your local jamaadaar or your chai wala won't lead to a change in fortunes. It might satisfy your ego though, until you return to bash the next poor soul you yourself back as captain

No I will give the next captain time as long as they make the team on merit.

It's hard to support an average player as captain who shouts at other when he doesn't set any example.

I don't get what you find funny or have an issue with someone wanting Sarfraz to be replaced lol. If the replacement isn't good enough, he will be replaced. No player will play forever . All players will be replaced eventually .

 

[Sidilicious]

First select the XI and then choose the captain.

Choosing the captain and then team is not going to work.