PCB set to retain batting coach Grant Flower [Update Post #60]

[Abdullah719]

Karachi: Former Zimbabwe batsman Grant Flower is unlikely to get an extension of his contract as batting coach when the performance of the national team support staff is reviewed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later this month.

Flower, who has been with the Pakistan team for the last three-and-a-half years, is the only member of the support staff who is likely to be released by the PCB since it is believed he has not produced desired results.

"A review committee which includes former Test players Haroon Rasheed, Mudassar Nazar and the PCB's chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad will submit a report on the performances of the coaches. It will be discussed at the Governing board meeting on 29 July after which a decision will be made on retaining or releasing the support staff," a source said.

The source said the Pakistan team's coaches, including head coach Mickey Arthur will reach Lahore on 24 July as a boot camp of the national team players is scheduled from early August in Kakul.

"The review committee and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq will also meet with Arthur before submitting their recommendations to the Governing Board," he said.

Flower, since joining the team in late 2013, has worked with three separate coaches including Dav Whatmore, Waqar Younis and Arthur but the Pakistan's inconsistent batting has the Board worried.

The source said the rest of the coaches including fielding coach, Steve Rixon, bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood, trainer, Grant Ludon etc are all expected to get contract extensions until the World Cup 2019.

The source added that the list of players, to be given the new central contracts, will also be decided in the meeting.

A number of young and new players are in line to get the central contracts but others like Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Akmal are likely to be demoted.

Ironically, when the boot camp begins, some leading Pakistani players will not be available as the PCB has given NOC's to Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shadab Khan, Sohail Tanvir and Emad Wasim to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) from 4 August while bowlers Muhammad Aamir, Junaid Khan and Yasir Shah are playing county cricket in England.

http://www.firstpost.com/sports/pcb...-pakistan-batting-coach-for-long-3784009.html

 

[mak36]

Not sure how I feel about this. The players seem to like him, but there hasn't been any real progress on the batting front in either LOIs or tests in the last three and half years. I think a lot depends on who is brought in to replace him- hopefully they have someone else lined up before they let him go.

 

[sshakir411]

I think he's a good coach...but the issue is only few players have gotten something out of him while others who have spent the most time with him have failed (Akmal, Shehzad, etc...) Depends on what Mickey thinks about Grant...I think he could be kept for a little while longer or given a much broader role where he overseas the younger players at NCA or something of that sort.

 

[Slog]

Not sure how I feel about this. The players seem to like him, but there hasn't been any real progress on the batting front in either LOIs or tests in the last three and half years. I think a lot depends on who is brought in to replace him- hopefully they have someone else lined up before they let him go.

in Tests the batting has been generally solid. In England and Australia we put up big scores at times and that is sth we havent been able to do since ages.

For ODIs he isnt as good as he also seems out of tune with modern odi batting

i think Flower is a good coach for dashers and aggressive minded batsmen like Sharjeel, Fakhar, Sarfaraz who have a positive mindset but have technical issues. He seems to be able to iron them out well. Or he is good with batsmen willing to put the hard yards like Azhar, but even then he cant make them more dynamic it seems.

However if you are a somewhat solid batsman like Sami Aslam but lack gears and that dynamism is missing, then Flower is useless.

 

[mak36]

in Tests the batting has been generally solid. In England and Australia we put up big scores at times and that is sth we havent been able to do since ages.

For ODIs he isnt as good as he also seems out of tune with modern odi batting

i think Flower is a good coach for dashers and aggressive minded batsmen like Sharjeel, Fakhar, Sarfaraz who have a positive mindset but have technical issues. He seems to be able to iron them out well. Or he is good with batsmen willing to put the hard yards like Azhar, but even then he cant make them more dynamic it seems.

However if you are a somewhat solid batsman like Sami Aslam but lack gears and that dynamism is missing, then Flower is useless.

I see what you are saying about tests, and maybe he deserves more credit than I gave him for that format. That said, those big scores were usually as a result of the more senior players scoring runs- ie. players who were already developed/established as batsmen. I haven't really seen the younger batsmen in the team develop in the way I would expect/hope in either tests or ODIs.

Agree with the rest of your post.

 

[mak36]

I think he's a good coach...but the issue is only few players have gotten something out of him while others who have spent the most time with him have failed (Akmal, Shehzad, etc...) Depends on what Mickey thinks about Grant...I think he could be kept for a little while longer or given a much broader role where he overseas the younger players at NCA or something of that sort.

The younger players in the team haven't developed under him, so why would you then give him a role at the NCA to develop younger players?

 

[Deewana Mastana]

About time if so.

 

[Savak]

3.5 years is long enough. Time to try someone new.

 

[fawad_wellwisher]

3.5 years is long enough. Time to try someone new.

Cannot think of a single local coach who is bright enough to develop batsmen across all three formats.

 

[Markhor]

Arthur should have the final say on his backroom staff not some random committee.

Not sure how wise it is to change a team management that's overseen our rise to #1 in Test rankings and CT win.

 

[Billy1999]

You don't need a great batsman to replace him as it's not about how they used to bat in their day,it's about how efeective they help and TBH grant has done a good job.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

He has been decent for most of our test batsmen.In LOI's not so much for the most part.

And 3.5 consecutive years is a long time for any coach in Pakistan.

 

[ExplicitAI]

I think from here on we need to look for a better batting coach, not saying Flower was terrible but if we want an upwards curve then we're going to have to be ruthless in our search for a better one. Better to professionalise ourselves and look to improve in every aspect of the game.

 

[Slog]

I think he's a good coach...but the issue is only few players have gotten something out of him while others who have spent the most time with him have failed (Akmal, Shehzad, etc...) Depends on what Mickey thinks about Grant...I think he could be kept for a little while longer or given a much broader role where he overseas the younger players at NCA or something of that sort.

Grant Flower may or may not be a good coach

But Akmal and Shehzad have been failures because of their attitude. No coach can change someone's terrible personality and Zero work ethic

 

[Sherlock]

I've come to the realisation no matter which batting coach we do get if the players aren't bothered to improve on their game, no coach is good enough.

Maqsood, Akmal and Shehzad come to mind.

 

[Bewal Express]

A batting coach at the higher level makes no difference. At that stage players techniques are ingrained and hence are difficult to change. Good Players improve through experience and opportunity.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Would be a bad move. How do you expect him to improve garbage like shehzad? Look at what he did with quality batsmen like Sharjeel, Fakhar, Babar in ODIs and Azhar in Tests. He's been good. Just need to play the right batsmen in both formats

 

[Hamza_]

It would be a very bad move to let flower go.

I think he has done terrific work with guys like Sharjeel, Babar, Azhar and Sarfraz.

 

[Savak]

Inzi should step aside as Chief Selector and take over as batting coach

 

[mak36]

Would be a bad move. How do you expect him to improve garbage like shehzad? Look at what he did with quality batsmen like Sharjeel, Fakhar, Babar in ODIs and Azhar in Tests. He's been good. Just need to play the right batsmen in both formats

How are you accrediting Flower for Fakhar's performances?

 

[sshakir411]

The younger players in the team haven't developed under him, so why would you then give him a role at the NCA to develop younger players?

I'm not sure which younger players you're referring to. I've seen a few batsmen improve drastically in the 3.5 years we've had Flower...to name a few..Azhar, Asad, Sharjeel, Babar, Sarfraz, and some of the tailenders like Amir, and Yasir. My comment on giving him a broader role was to perhaps use his expertise and time with players that need actual batting coaching/adjustments because we've all heard repeatedly how "players at the top level don't need any coaching"...and thus fail to learn anything new and keep regressing. I think the players and coaching staff can give a better insight on how valuable or invaluable Flower has been.

 

[Kroll]

Seems like the batting coaches need coaching as well.

 

[Usman]

Younus Khan, Pakistan's most successful test batsman ever, has had nothing but praise for Grant Flower. After beating the Aussies 2-0 for example, Younus said:

''I am not comfortable that no one has mentioned the contribution of Grant Flower in our success,'' Younis told the Geo Super TV channel.

''It would be unfair not to mention his role.

''He worked very hard with all the batsmen in the series. I think Grant was the key to our improved batting performances - he has played a role in changing our attitude towards batting.''

http://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/10697700/Younis-Khan-praises-batting-coach-Grant-Flower

This is just one of many comments Younus has made about Grant. I remember a recent series where Younus performed superbly and Younus said it was down to Grant working with him constantly before the series to get him into rhythm.

I'm not saying Grant is definitely an amazing coach - I don't know because I haven't been coached by him. What I'm saying is don't look at Umer Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad and assume their failures are down to Grant. It might just be that they aren't psychologically suited to international cricket about which Grant can't do much.

 

[shaz619]

Would be god awful to replace him, he isn't perfect but has made considerable improvements especially compared to the rubbish so called batting coach's in the past. Never forget how you got to the top @ PCB it's a huge challenge in itself rectifying Pakistani batting, arguably one of the toughest jobs in cricket; Grant has something to show on his CV with regards to his stint with Pakistan and we need not look beyond that.

 

[MMHS]

Of all the coaching spots, I thought this one needs to be changed & PCB looks like doing that. Grant is a decent coach, but it's time to move one step forward with so many young batsmen waiting to make a break. May be, now it's time to appoint some Aussie as batting coach to install some mental toughness. I still believe Jaime Siddons is the best batting coach around (other 2 are bow Zimbabwean Andy & Fletcher), but he might not be available - last I know is that he was Coach of South Australia.

 

[Abdullah]

Arthur should have the final say on his backroom staff not some random committee.

Not sure how wise it is to change a team management that's overseen our rise to #1 in Test rankings and CT win.

This. We put up decent totals in Australia and England in tests
But ultimately it should be down to Arthur to decide. It's not like he is Arthur's mate

 

[ammar_merry]

"A review committee which includes former Test players Haroon Rasheed, Mudassar Nazar and the PCB's chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad will submit a report on the performances of the coaches"
who will review their performances!!

 

[shaz619]

Of all the coaching spots, I thought this one needs to be changed & PCB looks like doing that. Grant is a decent coach, but it's time to move one step forward with so many young batsmen waiting to make a break. May be, now it's time to appoint some Aussie as batting coach to install some mental toughness. I still believe Jaime Siddons is the best batting coach around (other 2 are bow Zimbabwean Andy & Fletcher), but he might not be available - last I know is that he was Coach of South Australia.

I don't trust the PCB to appoint a better coach which would leave us in a terrible position

 

[Asim_khan]

Would be a poor decision, he's done wonders with the test side. ODI/T20 limitations are more to do with mental deficiencies courtesy of the brand of cricket we play than coaching issues

 

[MMHS]

I don't trust the PCB to appoint a better coach which would leave us in a terrible position

As long as it's not MoYo (or any Deshi), it should be fine. International teams don't (shouldn't) need batting coach to teach high elbow, steady head, toe in line, top hand pointing to the direction ....... National batting coach should work on batting intelligence, planning, counter measures against any attack/condition & mental toughness/focus/concentration - above all, he must be top class communicator & a open (to ideas & criticism) guy - EXACTLY what you don't get from MoYo (& he was a bolter - this PAK side anything but a soft heart). Arthur & Rixon are fine, if they don't want to hire a foreigner, rather than indulging any Deshi great with the mix with lots of ego & attitude.

 

[mak36]

I'm not sure which younger players you're referring to. I've seen a few batsmen improve drastically in the 3.5 years we've had Flower...to name a few..Azhar, Asad, Sharjeel, Babar, Sarfraz, and some of the tailenders like Amir, and Yasir. My comment on giving him a broader role was to perhaps use his expertise and time with players that need actual batting coaching/adjustments because we've all heard repeatedly how "players at the top level don't need any coaching"...and thus fail to learn anything new and keep regressing. I think the players and coaching staff can give a better insight on how valuable or invaluable Flower has been.

I mentioned in my first post how the players seem to like him. However, that isn't a particularly useful measure of success when the batting (by Flower's own admission) has worsened in LOIs during his tenure. The rankings reflect these struggles. Even after the CT win, it is clear the batting still needs a lot of work.

Don't take my word for it. Here's an extract from his Cricinfo interview:

What are the negatives?
Our performance with the bat. The averages and strike rates of quite a few players have actually gone down since I've been with the team, so I have to ask myself some questions. But I don't have all the answers.
​

Yes the batting has been good in tests (which is what YK was referring to) but he has struggled when it comes to LOIs. PCT needs a batting coach who can cover all three formats.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Appoint Viv Richards.

 

[Hawkeye]

He's been getting all these $$s for almost 4 years.

And we're in ruins, almost.

Don't need one, OR, get someone more competent (better yet in line with the modern era of batting).

 

[QalandarFan]

Time to get an overseas coach

Here are my candidates for the position - In order from want them to be the coach the most to the least

1. Ricky Ponting
2. Kumar Sangakara
3. Matthew Hayden
4. Viv Richards
5. Micheal Bevan
6. Jacques Kallis
7. Kevin Pietersen
8. Michael Clarke

 

[zyrus]

Time to get an overseas coach

Here are my candidates for the position - In order from want them to be the coach the most to the least

1. Ricky Ponting
2. Kumar Sangakara
3. Matthew Hayden
4. Viv Richards
5. Micheal Bevan
6. Jacques Kallis
7. Kevin Pietersen
8. Michael Clarke

Can make oldies world XI Apart from Aussies, none of them got enough on CV for coaching job.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Grant can be replaced by his brother if he's available

 

[mak36]

Can make oldies world XI Apart from Aussies, none of them got enough on CV for coaching job.

Viv seems to have done well with Quetta?

 

[Chief Destroyer]

He's been getting all these $$s for almost 4 years.

And we're in ruins, almost.

Don't need one, OR, get someone more competent (better yet in line with the modern era of batting).

We just won the CT. Not exactly in ruins.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Grant has done a fine job with the mediocre players he's been given. This would be a mistake.

These ex-Pakistani players are always jealous of outside coaches and will look for any opportunity to get rid of them to get their friends in.

 

[hitthestump]

Azhar Ali has improved tremendously, but apart from that i'm not sure how much success Grant can point to with our current crop? Think it's a fair decision.

 

[Shaka81]

Would be interesting to see who they appoint as his replacement. I hope they go with someone with the right credentials and not just a big name ex-player.

 

[R1ddlR]

Viv would be my pick - he see's talent in youngsters as well..

 

[Titan24]

People saying youngsters have improved giving examples of Babar, Fakhar and Sharjeel. Babar and Fakhar both have a list a average of above 50 while Sharjeel's is around 40. So its not that he did something to them.

Grant has not a bad coach but the players who werent good enough limited over players he wasnt able to make them into one. So I guess its time to move on.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

At face value I'm not In favour of this

I hope it's Mickey's call/recommendation and if that's the case I'd trust his judgement

If this is pcb politics though then it will be an awful decision, especially if they replace him well

 

[Sultan Baba]

Expected Local Player For Batting Coach Post

 

[3rdWheel]

Pakistan is going to demolish one of the pillars behind their recent triumph themselves. Why am I not surprsied

 

[mak36]

At face value I'm not In favour of this

I hope it's Mickey's call/recommendation and if that's the case I'd trust his judgement

If this is pcb politics though then it will be an awful decision, especially if they replace him well

Yes exactly, whatever is decided has to be Mickey's call.

 

[kaifmazhar]

Try to rope in Justin Langer. That guy is an outstanding batting coach.

 

[Hasan123]

I don't mind him being replaced but a bit harsh after the CT. I wouldn't be suprised to see Jaywardne appointed. He seemed to get on well with Arthur in the PSL and is in tune with the modern game.

I wouldn't mind seeing Sangakara or an Australian batting coach.

 

[Shaik]

I don't mind him being replaced but a bit harsh after the CT. I wouldn't be suprised to see Jaywardne appointed. He seemed to get on well with Arthur in the PSL and is in tune with the modern game.

I wouldn't mind seeing Sangakara or an Australian batting coach.

I agree with you. It's not good to drop him. But if the replacements are better like Sanga or Jaya who know the modern game, then it's good. Or, even some Australian whom Mickey knows. But, if it's to bring in some corrupt face, it's a poor move.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Pakistan batting has been punching above it's collective weight, barring Australia trip, for quite a while.

Grant Flower should take credit. No point changing what's working.

 

[sali]

Coaches are not getting the due credit. How can Inzi as a selector get $100K bonus and another $150K salary? A lot of favoritism is kicking in the setup and soon they will self destruct....AGAIN.

 

[Hasan123]

I agree with you. It's not good to drop him. But if the replacements are better like Sanga or Jaya who know the modern game, then it's good. Or, even some Australian whom Mickey knows. But, if it's to bring in some corrupt face, it's a poor move.

I don't think there are any good batting coaches in Pakistan. Not sure on the coaching qualifications of Moyo. YK won't be interested yet.

 

[zyrus]

Viv seems to have done well with Quetta?

Because his job there was to motivate players, not to fine tune players.

 

[mak36]

Because his job there was to motivate players, not to fine tune players.

So according to you, Viv is being paid to be a glorified cheerleader. The QG players would disagree (read their interviews).

 

[Dr_Green]

Pakistan should get rid of Grant luden & Grant flower and Steve Dixon.

The Ideal guaranteed combination they should hire that will turn Pakistan into superfit batting superstars will be paddy Upton (specialist mental conditioning coach & physical health trainer with 2 masters degrees) & Gary Kirsten (batting & fielding specialist) both led India & S.A. to number 1 status & India to world cup champs, with wealth of experience with different teams all around the world.

They are both partners South African too and will have good rapport with Mickey

Even if we even get one it be worth it? They should be approached and given good offer 2 yr contract , they may be enticed by seeimg pak talent in winning trophy ...will turn Pakistan into a great team.across all formats!

If they refuse so be it , sack flower and hire the best one that applies

 

[Dr_Green]

Try to rope in Justin Langer. That guy is an outstanding batting coach.

Thats a good call

 

[kaifmazhar]

I don't think there are any good batting coaches in Pakistan. Not sure on the coaching qualifications of Moyo. YK won't be interested yet.

YK wants to coach U-15, U-17 and U-19 level because he thinks that's here the batsmen are built and this is quite a thoughtful noble gesture from him.

 

[Hasan123]

YK wants to coach U-15, U-17 and U-19 level because he thinks that's here the batsmen are built and this is quite a thoughtful noble gesture from him.

I wouldn't be against that. He would be more of use for youngsters then international established players.

 

[Abdullah719]

PCB set to retain batting coach Grant Flower

karachi, July 26 The pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to retain the services of their batting coach, Grant Flower, and will offer him an year's extension.

The PCB had a committee carry out an assessment of the coaching staff of the Pakistan team and initially they were indications that the former Zimbabwean batsman might not be given an extension.

But a reliable source in the board told PTI that it had now been decided to retain the entire coaching staff including Flower after the Champions Trophy victory.

"It is felt that while concerns remain over the inconsistent batting performances but with new players coming in it would be best to retain Flower for another year,” the source said.

The source said that the consensus was with new players coming into the team for all three formats, they would be in a better position to absorb and adjust to the knowledge passed on them by the coaching staff.

Flower, who has been working with the Pakistan team since the last three years, was under the scanner because of the batting collapses regularly witnessed in the Pakistan team.

"But the Champions Trophy performance has changed the situation and head coach, Mickey Arthur is also comfortable with his existing support staff," the source said.

The other members of the support staff include fielding coach, Steve Rixon (australia), bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood (Pakistant), Grant Ludon (Australia) and physio, Shane (Australia).

The PCB asked a committee including former Test players, Mudassar Nazar and Haroon Rasheed who are holding important positions in the board to carry out the assessments of all the support staff.

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/pcb-set-to-retain-batting-coach-grant-flower/1108880

 

[mmkextreme_1]

karachi, July 26 The pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to retain the services of their batting coach, Grant Flower, and will offer him an year's extension.

The PCB had a committee carry out an assessment of the coaching staff of the Pakistan team and initially they were indications that the former Zimbabwean batsman might not be given an extension.

But a reliable source in the board told PTI that it had now been decided to retain the entire coaching staff including Flower after the Champions Trophy victory.

"It is felt that while concerns remain over the inconsistent batting performances but with new players coming in it would be best to retain Flower for another year,” the source said.

The source said that the consensus was with new players coming into the team for all three formats, they would be in a better position to absorb and adjust to the knowledge passed on them by the coaching staff.

Flower, who has been working with the Pakistan team since the last three years, was under the scanner because of the batting collapses regularly witnessed in the Pakistan team.

"But the Champions Trophy performance has changed the situation and head coach, Mickey Arthur is also comfortable with his existing support staff," the source said.

The other members of the support staff include fielding coach, Steve Rixon (australia), bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood (Pakistant), Grant Ludon (Australia) and physio, Shane (Australia).

The PCB asked a committee including former Test players, Mudassar Nazar and Haroon Rasheed who are holding important positions in the board to carry out the assessments of all the support staff.

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/pcb-set-to-retain-batting-coach-grant-flower/1108880

I think this is not a bad idea. We just won a major tournament, doesn't look good/time to reshuffle your coaching staff. Contract should have been extended by 2 years. Don't like this 1 year stuff, makes a person
feel insecure. Flower can't make magic happen with players that don't want to learn. I feel we have seen improvement in players that do want to learn. Sherjeel Khan was improving before being banned.

 

[Sherlock]

The issue isn't the coaches the inherit issues persist because the players are mentally weak and fragile, and they didn't want to learn [Shehzad, Akmal, Maqsood etc]

Player	Status	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	S/R

 

[Markhor]

Sanity prevails. No need to axe your batting coach who's been with us in our rise to #1 in Test rankings and CT victory.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Okayish decision.I don't mind him being retained.Quite indifferent to it.

 

[shaz619]

Sanity prevails. No need to axe your batting coach who's been with us in our rise to #1 in Test rankings and CT victory.

It's a 1 year extension though, should have been 1.5-2 years at the very least.

 

[On_the_up]

Amazing how many issues a tournament win can fix.

Or is it simply papering over the cracks...

 

[MenInG]

Amazing how many issues a tournament win can fix.

Or is it simply papering over the cracks...

Think sanity has prevailed.

 

[Abdullah719]

Amazing how many issues a tournament win can fix.

Or is it simply papering over the cracks...

Grant Flower has been praised by players at different times. I would say our batsmen surpassed expectations quite often last year, though they did have a few late collapses in Test matches which appears to be a mental issue.

I reckon he deserves to continue regardless of how we did in the Champions Trophy.

 

[Agent 47]

Good decision by PCB. Grant has helped our batsmen a lot especially in overseas games

 

[Saj]

The players like Grant and respect him.

He's a good guy who works hard byt sadly some at the PCB don't like him as hejust gets on with his job and doesn't massage any egos at the Board.

 

[On_the_up]

It's good to have continuity at the moment, with the team showing some green shoots of recovery.

However I was thinking what the scenario would have been, had Pak failed to get out of the group stages in the CT.

Those wins vs the WI (Home and Away) would have been passed off as beating a really poor side with Pakistan's struggles vs Aust/Newz highlighted and Grant Flower would most likely be replaced.

 

[mak36]

The players like Grant and respect him.

He's a good guy who works hard byt sadly some at the PCB don't like him as hejust gets on with his job and doesn't massage any egos at the Board.

I understand he should get on with the players, but that isn't necessarily an indicator of how good a coach he is.

For the record, as long as it's Mickey's decision who is in his coaching staff I will defer to that- he's earned that much.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I think this is a really good decision. The blame should not go on Flower entirely for the failures of our batting, the blame should be greater on the players he was given to work with. Like Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Adnan Akmal and many more.

 

[Square Drive]

Good. Keep the same staff.

 

[todfod 11]

Good decision.. Flower has done a commendable job he should be treated well and also when he does part ways. PCB should arrange a farewell or some sort for him. It will be a good PR for the world coaches to see that how well foreign coaches are treated and Pakistan team can have a good number of applications for world renowned batting coaches.

 

[Markhor]

It's good to have continuity at the moment, with the team showing some green shoots of recovery.

However I was thinking what the scenario would have been, had Pak failed to get out of the group stages in the CT.

Those wins vs the WI (Home and Away) would have been passed off as beating a really poor side with Pakistan's struggles vs Aust/Newz highlighted and Grant Flower would most likely be replaced.

I thought we batted well in Australia - far better than we have done historically. We did have two notably poor innings - the 1st inns at Brisbane and the 2nd inns collapse in Melbourne. But you'd expect visiting teams to have a couple of those in them during a tour.

It was the bowling that got murdered and cost us the series.