Stick to your guns, it was Sarfaraz Ahmed's first Test as captain

[maxamax]

Never saw the game but I was expecting him to loose this one when he went in with pacers. He is learning, what matters is how he come up in the next one. Don't blast him for this lost.

 

[SM1989]

He should be blasted for selecting batsmen who are unable to chase 136 and for not promoting himself up the order to score runs quickly.

 

[maxamax]

He should be blasted for selecting batsmen who are unable to chase 136 and for not promoting himself up the order to score runs quickly.

Learning, that's the correct word.

 

[Syed1]

Sarfaraz share of the blame is only about 25%. The overwhelming majority of the blame lies with Mr. Mickey Arthur.

 

[LastManstanding]

Sarfaraz share of the blame is only about 25%. The overwhelming majority of the blame lies with Mr. Mickey Arthur.

Captain does have a say in selection. It would be unfair to put all the blame on Arthur.

 

[maxamax]

Sarfaraz share of the blame is only about 25%. The overwhelming majority of the blame lies with Mr. Mickey Arthur.

25% in his first game?

 

[Syed1]

25% in his first game?

First game or last game.. he was the captain of the PAKISTAN CRICKET TEAM and not some gully mohallah team. Most of the decisions were taken by dictator Mickey but Sarfaraz also has to share the blame since he let Mickey do as he pleases.

 

[rashmin]

First of all congrats to SL and consolation to Pak.

The blame should equally be distributed to fans who have been overhyping Pak players and minimizing other nations' players since CT 2017 (agreed that it is a different format). No shame on losing to a superior team even if it is at home. I would urge all Pak fans to be in reality regarding real potential about their players.

 

[Rana]

Look its easy to say Pakistan did not select the right combination for this test, but the question arises, who else were Pakistan supposed to call upon? Its a transitional period and its bound to happen. I can expect Pakistan losing 70% of their games for the next 18 months or so and I would think that we must show patience. Some positives I will take with me, I like Haris Sohail as one of the replacements that we needed. Ideally, this Salahuddin Kid needs to be given a chance now at the expense of a guy that has not been living up to the expectation for a long time now. Either Sami, Babar or Asad need to be dropped to give this guy a chance.

 

[princeuk]

Shameful pakistan batting, we just didnt have the resources in this match.

Feel sorry for Yasir Shah who bowled his heart out.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Look its easy to say Pakistan did not select the right combination for this test, but the question arises, who else were Pakistan supposed to call upon? Its a transitional period and its bound to happen. I can expect Pakistan losing 70% of their games for the next 18 months or so and I would think that we must show patience. Some positives I will take with me, I like Haris Sohail as one of the replacements that we needed. Ideally, this Salahuddin Kid needs to be given a chance now at the expense of a guy that has not been living up to the expectation for a long time now. Either Sami, Babar or Asad need to be dropped to give this guy a chance.

I agree he merits a chance but Usman is more timid than Asad in domestic games, I fear many expect too much of him

 

[Zaz]

Sarfraz needs to have s good hard look at his batting and start to take some responsibility

Its great so called being busy at the crease but over the last year or so his batting has been haphazard, frenetic and his returns have dwindled

20s and 30s arent good enough, the sri lanka game in champions trophy ws an example where he just doesnt seem assured at the crease anymore playing too high risk cricket considering the circumstances

Its high time he took a good hard look and paid more attention and thought into his batting

 

[Abdullah719]

I agree he merits a chance but Usman is more timid than Asad in domestic games, I fear many expect too much of him

There is a difference between having a low strike-rate and having a timid presence at the crease.

Hopefully Usman is more like Azhar than Asad... but yes we need more dynamism also.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Sarfaraz share of the blame is only about 25%. The overwhelming majority of the blame lies with Mr. Mickey Arthur.

When they win, it's all down to Sarfraz, when they lose it's all down to Mickey.... make your mind up mr flip flop. I have always contended that it's all down to Mickey and you have been quick to throw the regional card....

Sarfraz is a waste of space increasingly..... my prediction of Sarfraz will be gone within year of ICC trophy is increasingly looking likely.

 

[Rayyman]

His captaincy in the first innings was abysmal. To go from 60/3 to 415/10 is unacceptable.

Needs to improve or else get sacked.

Azhar can be tried in Tests.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Like we've never collapsed chasing a small total before. Sarfaraz as a batsman can be blamed, partly for selection but not on-field captaincy. We bowled them out for a chase-able target and had more than enough time to win.

 

[Abdullah719]

His captaincy in the first innings was abysmal. To go from 60/3 to 415/10 is unacceptable.

Needs to improve or else get sacked.

Azhar can be tried in Tests.

Azhar doesn't even rate himself as captain.

 

[Slog]

Mickey Arthur is to blame for the pathetic team selection

Everyone and his dog knows that

 

[Slog]

The fortunes of the test team have been taking a nosedive since start of the West Indies series in UAE last year

Ever since Mickey Arthur started experimenting

Clueless coach. No wonder he's been sacked twice

In ODIs as well his plans were all over the place for the most part but let's give him credit for that. How long will his fanbous milk that though? For past 15 months every problem was down to Waqar and now whenever his pathetic tactics are pointed out CT win will be referred to? Absolute dodger

 

[Sadevdesai]

It may have been his First Test Match as a Captain ...... but it wasn’t his First time at batting in a Test Match !!!!
The way he got Out was most mind blowing .... to charge 2 meters out of the crease and get Stumped !!!

 

[Saj]

For such an experienced cricketer and captain to play such a shot today was disgusting.

If Afridi had played that shot everyone would be cursing him.

 

[waleed88]

Lets be honest no one would've expected this to happen when SL were bowled out for 138, till that point Sarf did well as captain. Maybe he needs to come up a bit in the order in such a situation and maybe take the game to opposition. If he comes in at no.7 the opposition knows that if they can get Sarfi out the tail is in. He needs to take note from how it all started for him when he played 'that knock' against SL in the Maghrib chase. Those 40 runs changed the way he played as a batsman and as a cricketer

 

[Hasan123]

Can't write him off after 1 game. Yes he deserves critiscm but people shouldn't go OTT with there critiscm.

 

[KingKhanWC]

For such an experienced cricketer and captain to play such a shot today was disgusting.

If Afridi had played that shot everyone would be cursing him.

He's never been a great test batsmen who can adapt to a situation. Let's be honest , the pressure got to him today and he bottled it.

 

[adil_909]

Chill out everyone. You guys were worshiping Arthur and Sarfraz just a few short months ago. Now both deserve to be crucified? Our fans are the most bipolar on earth. It was one loss. We'll learn from this and bounce back in the next game. It's not easy replacing the likes of Younis and Misbah and we're seeing why

 

[Cric1234]

Chill out everyone. You guys were worshiping Arthur and Sarfraz just a few short months ago. Now both deserve to be crucified? Our fans are the most bipolar on earth. It was one loss. We'll learn from this and bounce back in the next game. It's not easy replacing the likes of Younis and Misbah and we're seeing why

It was a flash in the pan normal service has resumed losing to Sri Lanka at home and going 7th in the rankings is a cause for concern.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Captaincy and even team selection is irrelevant here. There's no excuse for not chasing 136.

Sarfraz has to first stop batting like a tailender. His batting has regressed big time in last 12 months.

 

[silent ischemia]

It was a flash in the pan normal service has resumed losing to Sri Lanka at home and going 7th in the rankings is a cause for concern.

Winning the CT was a FLUKE in every sense of the word. We are back to the normal ways now. If we talk about the game it was poor selection to start with. Going with three fast bowlers; I don't remember the last time we went with three quickies in UAE. Why was Masood selected? The game itself; very disappointed with Shafiq. When a debutant can show so much maturity why he crumbles under pressure when he has played so many Tests. I was never in favour of Sarfraz being made the Test captain. When someone who is a mediocre keeper and batsman and when you make him captain after a FLUKE CT performance then you are going to get such results.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Winning the CT was a FLUKE in every sense of the word. We are back to the normal ways now. If we talk about the game it was poor selection to start with. Going with three fast bowlers; I don't remember the last time we went with three quickies in UAE. Why was Masood selected? The game itself; very disappointed with Shafiq. When a debutant can show so much maturity why he crumbles under pressure when he has played so many Tests. I was never in favour of Sarfraz being made the Test captain. When someone who is a mediocre keeper and batsman and when you make him captain after a FLUKE CT performance then you are going to get such results.

Sarfraz is not a good enough player to merit a place long term and making him captain was just plain silly.

My prediction is that he will be gone within a year.

 

[khurram39]

but the result remain the same.

 

[wrongun]

Why are Pakistan obsessed with the captain promoting himself up the order to solve all the worlds problems? Because Imran could?

No other test captain shuffles the batting order around to suit himself. They pick a team, trust the players to do their job and maybe, maybe, once in a year if ever, move themselves to suit a purpose.

It is not the captain's job to do everyone else job. His job- as his stats suggest, is to keep wicket efficiently (SO under-rated in the modern game) and score the odd handy contribution.

Yes, ideally he does better in this match but promoting yourself up the order, above debutants selected for exactly the purpose of batting actually sends a worse message than giving them the chance to succeed or fail at the job they were selected for. Can you see that?

It says, "I am captain, I am all, you will fail, I have no faith in you.". Sometimes you have to lose a test to win a war. Pakistan rarely stay a course that long. In fact, the last captain to be allowed so much leeway and to play a "long game" in terms of strategy was Misbah, who was hammered from pillar to post on here for his entire tenure but is now so much missed.

 

[shaz619]

Mickey Arthur is to blame for the pathetic team selection

Everyone and his dog knows that

The fortunes of the test team have been taking a nosedive since start of the West Indies series in UAE last year

Ever since Mickey Arthur started experimenting

Clueless coach. No wonder he's been sacked twice

In ODIs as well his plans were all over the place for the most part but let's give him credit for that. How long will his fanbous milk that though? For past 15 months every problem was down to Waqar and now whenever his pathetic tactics are pointed out CT win will be referred to? Absolute dodger

Basically #BringBackWaqarYounis [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

 

[IAJ]

Look its easy to say Pakistan did not select the right combination for this test, but the question arises, who else were Pakistan supposed to call upon? Its a transitional period and its bound to happen. I can expect Pakistan losing 70% of their games for the next 18 months or so and I would think that we must show patience. Some positives I will take with me, I like Haris Sohail as one of the replacements that we needed. Ideally, this Salahuddin Kid needs to be given a chance now at the expense of a guy that has not been living up to the expectation for a long time now. Either Sami, Babar or Asad need to be dropped to give this guy a chance.

Lol for a starter you go with 2 spinners here..not rocket science that.

 

[Slog]

Basically #BringBackWaqarYounis [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

learn to read. where have i remotely suggested that?

or is it still your excuse and a way of deflection?

i wish we could have Tom Moody

 

[IAJ]

Basically #BringBackWaqarYounis [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

Well he has a point bro. Mickey even defended the 3 pacer strategy. If Micky does a good job praise him, but if he make blunders he has to welcome the critisizm as well.

 

[shaz619]

learn to read. where have i remotely suggested that?

or is it still your excuse and a way of deflection?

i wish we could have Tom Moody

Well that's your narrow minded solution to every problem, what excuses have I made to be specific; I just want Pakistan to win not put certain individuals on a pedestal like these pretend Pakistan fans

 

[shaz619]

Well he has a point bro. Mickey even defended the 3 pacer strategy. If Micky does a good job praise him, but if he make blunders he has to welcome the critisizm as well.

His points are useless when everything ends and begins with wanting his bae Waqar Younis back whilst glorifying that WC choker as much as possible but I agree with you that they went into this Test with poor tactics

 

[Slog]

His points are useless when everything ends and begins with wanting his bae Waqar Younis back whilst glorifying that WC choker as much as possible but I agree with you that they went into this Test with poor tactics

where have i said that I want him back

actually the real question is why do mickey arthur fanbois such as you always try to make excuses for his failures by changing topics and shifting blame to waqar eventhough hes been gone almost 1.5 years now

 

[shaz619]

where have i said that I want him back

actually the real question is why do mickey arthur fanbois such as you always try to make excuses for his failures by changing topics and shifting blame to waqar eventhough hes been gone almost 1.5 years now

That's the first time someone has thrown such a label at me and it's coming from a notorious Waqar cheer leader just goes to show everyone who don't like your lack of objectivity is somehow putting Arther on a pedestal when in reality I've admitted that he has been terrible with the recent tactics.

Look man bringing in Waqar now won't dramatically change our fortunes, this is a new project and we've made an investment in Arther so hopefully he will come good eventually with time. He has already won us a Champions Trophy and also deserves 100% credit for helping our team draw level in England

What I like about Arther is his professionalism and superior intelligence overall, these base qualities are vital in the long run so lets get over Waqar! stop being a diva sloggy

 

[shariqnoor]

To discredit Waqar's work behind Pakistan's rise to number 1 in Tests is laughable. Waqar might not be the greatest coach in the world but he did some good things in his tenure.

Mickey has done some good things as well, most notably bringing the concept of fitness into the Pakistan setup and not compromising on it. Credit must be given there to him.

However, we must realize that with the current Pakistan cricket setup, you can bring the best coach and captain in the world to lead this team and we will still be inconsistent in our performances. I believe that Sarfraz needs to be backed and its actually more damaging to the Pakistani cricket team if we keep mentioning Misbah and Younis and how they stabilized us. They are gone so its better that we forget those two and back Sarfraz fully. It will take a few series before Sarfraz can create his own team. So let us give him that space where he can mold this team into his own.

 

[shariqnoor]

For such an experienced cricketer and captain to play such a shot today was disgusting.

If Afridi had played that shot everyone would be cursing him.

I disagree. It wasn't a wild mindless slog ala Afridi. He came down the pitch to work the ball away like he did 3-4 times previously in the same innings as well. Unfortunately he got too close to the pitch of the ball and yorked himself. He could've been more responsible because it was a premeditated walk down the track but his dismissal wasn't outlandish as is being made out to be.

 

[Slog]

That's the first time someone has thrown such a label at me and it's coming from a notorious Waqar cheer leader just goes to show everyone who don't like your lack of objectivity is somehow putting Arther on a pedestal when in reality I've admitted that he has been terrible with the recent tactics.

Look man bringing in Waqar now won't dramatically change our fortunes, this is a new project and we've made an investment in Arther so hopefully he will come good eventually with time. He has already won us a Champions Trophy and also deserves 100% credit for helping our team draw level in England

What I like about Arther is his professionalism and superior intelligence overall, these base qualities are vital in the long run so lets get over Waqar! stop being a diva sloggy

stop throwing toys out of pram

and according to Mickey himself the credit for 2-2 draw goes to Waqar.

 

[shaz619]

stop throwing toys out of pram

and according to Mickey himself the credit for 2-2 draw goes to Waqar.

Yeah that's what I thought And Mickey was being humble, he's not an egomaniac like Waqar who's not the sharpest fella around

 

[shaz619]

The amount of wrist slitting recently would have you believe the entire XI should be fired and especially the captain and coach Wow, imagine you guys were running a business. You'd file for bankruptcy after a month or two

 

[Rana]

Lol for a starter you go with 2 spinners here..not rocket science that.

As I said somewhere else, there is no way that a test side should be selecting two specialist spinners. I am all for the 5th bowling option, an all rounder who bowls good spin or medium fast. Until Pakistan do not make the bold step and actually selecting a specialist all-rounder in the number 6-7 position, until then they must select 3 specialist fast bowlers and one spinner

 

[Rana]

I can't even believe ther is a debate about who was the better coach out of Waqar and Micky

 

[Slog]

I can't even believe ther is a debate about who was the better coach out of Waqar and Micky

yes one of them holds the record for conceding the biggest ever total in history of ODI cricket and also holds the record of the longest losing streak in Pakistan cricket history #ThankYouMickeyArthur

 

[Rana]

yes one of them holds the record for conceding the biggest ever total in history of ODI cricket and also holds the record of the longest losing streak in Pakistan cricket history #ThankYouMickeyArthur

I'm not so sure how someone like Trevor Baylis, Gary Kirsten or Any other big name coach in the world could have helped avoid the poor streak that was bound to take place for Pakistan. They were just a sorry bunch of players that got what they deserved until they finally clicked together recently. The point is, Arthur has already over achieved in his tenure by making this Pakistan side that is rightfully ranked 6th in the world win the Champions Trophy. There have been much stronger teams at the disposal of Waqar Younis that have embarrassed the nation in ICC tournaments and other occasions. Yes at times they were wonderful too, but hands down Arthur any day of the week because of his strong principles and no nonsense attitude

 

[Slog]

I'm not so sure how someone like Trevor Baylis, Gary Kirsten or Any other big name coach in the world could have helped avoid the poor streak that was bound to take place for Pakistan. They were just a sorry bunch of players that got what they deserved until they finally clicked together recently. The point is, Arthur has already over achieved in his tenure by making this Pakistan side that is rightfully ranked 6th in the world win the Champions Trophy. There have been much stronger teams at the disposal of Waqar Younis that have embarrassed the nation in ICC tournaments and other occasions. Yes at times they were wonderful too, but hands down Arthur any day of the week because of his strong principles and no nonsense attitude

Waqar's record in ICC ODI tournaments - 1 SF, 1 QF - Lost to eventual winners on both occassion

WT20 - 1 SF (losing to freak Hussey over). The performance in 2016 was actually the only terrible ICC tournament for him and there its clear he had to take players he didnt want wit ha captain he didnt want

Yes Arthur's CT win should be commended

However in Tests there is no comparison. Waqar is MILES ahead of him

 

[Rana]

Waqar's record in ICC ODI tournaments - 1 SF, 1 QF - Lost to eventual winners on both occassion

WT20 - 1 SF (losing to freak Hussey over). The performance in 2016 was actually the only terrible ICC tournament for him and there its clear he had to take players he didnt want wit ha captain he didnt want

Yes Arthur's CT win should be commended

However in Tests there is no comparison. Waqar is MILES ahead of him

If Waqar is Miles ahead of him, why does he struggle to get a coaching job around the world? The only country that considers hiring him is Pakistan, that too after they have been refused by all of their other options. If he is so miles ahead of Arthur, why is he still unemployed as an expert coach whereas Arthur would probably have his next international stint already lined up if he were to be sacked

 

[deems]

Sarfaraz is a quick learner and will bounce back insha Allah.

The one thing I dislike about him is his impatience. He must learn to stay calm under pressure especially whilst fielding.
I wouldn't want him to change the way he bats but instead change the way the top 6 bat.

 

[Slog]

If Waqar is Miles ahead of him, why does he struggle to get a coaching job around the world? The only country that considers hiring him is Pakistan, that too after they have been refused by all of their other options. If he is so miles ahead of Arthur, why is he still unemployed as an expert coach whereas Arthur would probably have his next international stint already lined up if he were to be sacked

no Arthur would not have any stint lined up

He is already damaged goods and Pakistan got him because he was willing to come whereas other top ones neither would come nor were affordable

 

[Rana]

no Arthur would not have any stint lined up

He is already damaged goods and Pakistan got him because he was willing to come whereas other top ones neither would come nor were affordable

That still does not answer the question of Waqar being unemployed as a coach. Nor does it refute the fact that Arthur has a wealth of coaching experience already having worked with Australia and South Africa. Even if he gets sacked due to poor results, what makes you adamant in saying that the likes of Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan (worst case scenario) would not be happy to secure his services simply due to his array of experience at coaching teams of much higher magnitude before? The sad reality is, Waqar isnt even being considered to coach the weaker teams, let alone match Arthur as a coach of high class cricket boards.

 

[Savak]

If Waqar is Miles ahead of him, why does he struggle to get a coaching job around the world? The only country that considers hiring him is Pakistan, that too after they have been refused by all of their other options. If he is so miles ahead of Arthur, why is he still unemployed as an expert coach whereas Arthur would probably have his next international stint already lined up if he were to be sacked

Waqar could not even a bowling coach job in Australia, the country of his residence where he has been living for the last 10 plus years inspite of having sufficient coaching experience by now.

 

[Slog]

That still does not answer the question of Waqar being unemployed as a coach. Nor does it refute the fact that Arthur has a wealth of coaching experience already having worked with Australia and South Africa. Even if he gets sacked due to poor results, what makes you adamant in saying that the likes of Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan (worst case scenario) would not be happy to secure his services simply due to his array of experience at coaching teams of much higher magnitude before? The sad reality is, Waqar isnt even being considered to coach the weaker teams, let alone match Arthur as a coach of high class cricket boards.

Yes coz hinge Afghanistan would be natural progression in Arthur's career I guess

 

[ads101]

His on field captaincy was fine. His batting was atrocious. Team selection was bad but he was not solely to blame for that (wouldn't be surprised if Mickey made the decisions by himself).

 

[Rana]

Waqar could not even a bowling coach job in Australia, the country of his residence where he has been living for the last 10 plus years inspite of having sufficient coaching experience by now.

Exactly my point. He was lucky to be granted 10 years of work experience with Pakistan, but it has been of no avail to his career as a coach. It has come to a stand still and he pushed himself into the commentary box in whic listeners are forced to listen to his average critical analysis of players and the game on channels that are not extensively viewed across the world. He was supposed to coach Multan but that didnt go through. Nearly all of his serious recommendations where ignored by the PCB, yet Arthur fought his way through and had pretty much the same recommendations approved. There is a clear gulf when it comes to class in the coaching skills of Arthur and Waqar Younis. No doubt the latter was an amazing exponent of the reverse swinging yorker, but to say he is 'Miles Ahead' as a coach is something not worth commenting upon

 

[Slog]

Exactly my point. He was lucky to be granted 10 years of work experience with Pakistan, but it has been of no avail to his career as a coach. It has come to a stand still and he pushed himself into the commentary box in whic listeners are forced to listen to his average critical analysis of players and the game on channels that are not extensively viewed across the world. He was supposed to coach Multan but that didnt go through. Nearly all of his serious recommendations where ignored by the PCB, yet Arthur fought his way through and had pretty much the same recommendations approved. There is a clear gulf when it comes to class in the coaching skills of Arthur and Waqar Younis. No doubt the latter was an amazing exponent of the reverse swinging yorker, but to say he is 'Miles Ahead' as a coach is something not worth commenting upon

Again learn to read better.

I said his record as Pakistan coach in tests is MILES AHEAD of Arthur's

That is fact. It is not up for debate. You can do your own research

 

[Markhor]

Arthur definitely erred in his team selection and batting order in Abu Dhabi but its funny how some are comparing Arthur and Waqar's Test record whilst totally ignoring the completely different circumstances they were in.

Waqar had a stable Test team with two proven, experienced performers in Younis (a Pakistani ATG) and Misbah being the bedrock of that middle order. He was able to win series after another in Asia but never was truly tested in overseas conditions. In Waqar's two unsuccessful tenures, he only toured outside Asia three times (NZ, WI and ZIM in 2011).

Arthur's first four Test series included three of the hardest tours for an Asian team to England, New Zealand and Australia - with preparations for the latter two tours being almost non-existent. He also inherited an ageing Younis and Misbah and now has to oversee the transition to a younger team and new captain which was always going to be tough. Its not easy replacing over 15,000 Test runs, 44 hundreds, 15 century stands and an average partnership worth nearly 70.

Obviously his record is going to be inferior. However we've already seen his impact on the LOI teams, winning a 50 over ICC tournament for the first time since 1992 which already surpassed anything we achieved in Waqar's tenure (yes reaching the 2011 WC SFs in ASIAN CONDITIONS is not some extraordinary achievement).

Give them both time - Arthur and Sarfraz have proven in their careers to be a good enough coach and captain to learn from their mistakes. Hopefully the Abu Dhabi shock will be a wake up call and we'll see a second spinner from now on in UAE with Azhar back up to open.

 

[Bilal7]

Exactly. People need to calm themselves down and let the series play out. Herath is a champion and if he hadn't been at his very best, Pakistan would have won.

Our boys were in control of the game for the the first four days and even until the last two sessions, were favourites to win.

 

[Rana]

Again learn to read better.

I said his record as Pakistan coach in tests is MILES AHEAD of Arthur's

That is fact. It is not up for debate. You can do your own research

Read [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]'s post because he has elaborated the argument brilliantly and much better than I could have. Although I find it highly strange why you would first mention Waqar's record in ICC tournaments and then revert to the argument that he is Miles ahead in Tests. Besides, can we pick and choose who we want as our Test coach and who we want as the limited overs coach? Obviously we have to choose the best candidate to take us forward in all three. In that case, make a general consensus not just on this forum but generally by cricket followers around the world who will most probably say Arthur is the better option.

 

[Saj]

He's never been a great test batsmen who can adapt to a situation. Let's be honest , the pressure got to him today and he bottled it.

Wellif it continues to happen he will soon get found out and the opposition will continue to focus on this weakness.

 

[Hasan123]

Again learn to read better.

I said his record as Pakistan coach in tests is MILES AHEAD of Arthur's

That is fact. It is not up for debate. You can do your own research

Answer his question, who wants Waqar the tactical genius as a coach?

 

[Slog]

Answer his question, who wants Waqar the tactical genius as a coach?

I definitely dont. Ive never called Waqar a great coach even.

If you can show one post where I have said I want Waqar back as coach in the past six months then I'll stop posting if you agree that you'll stop posting if you fail to show such a post.

So Mickey Arthur fanbois should stop deflecting topics because the criticism is genuine. 8 of last 10 matches have been loss. Arthur holds record for the most consecutive lost matches in Pakistan history

 

[Savak]

As far as Mickey Arthur is concerned, previously it was Misbah in charge and mostly calling the shots in the test squad. Now it was Sarfaraz's first game as captain and also Mickey's first game without Misbah at the helm, it will be fair to give him a few more series before firing all the guns. Mickey has introduced a very ruthless, professional culture in the team where he will not tolerate crap from anyone and one thing i can tell about him, any player who follows his basic standards and does the basics right in terms of fitness training, practice and working hard behind the scenes, bad patch or not Mickey will back him in public to the tilt. It is up to the players to buy into the team culture and uplift themselves.

Sarfaraz will need some time to mold the test side and will adapt his game as captain accordingly.

 

[Hasan123]

I definitely dont. Ive never called Waqar a great coach even.

If you can show one post where I have said I want Waqar back as coach in the past six months then I'll stop posting if you agree that you'll stop posting if you fail to show such a post.

So Mickey Arthur fanbois should stop deflecting topics because the criticism is genuine. 8 of last 10 matches have been loss. Arthur holds record for the most consecutive lost matches in Pakistan history

Calm down. All I have asked you is who wants Waqar as a coach? I haven't said you want him back or that you think he is a great coach.

I just want to know who wants Waqar as a coach, if he's a good coach who's done a good job for Pakistan, surely someone so want him.

 

[Slog]

Calm down. All I have asked you is who wants Waqar as a coach? I haven't said you want him back or that you think he is a great coach.

I just want to know who wants Waqar as a coach, if he's a good coach who's done a good job for Pakistan, surely someone so want him.

Clearly comprehension abilities are lacking in your case. Shaz guy said I want Waqar back as coach and then you started cheerleading Him

In any case that doesn't matter. What the discussion was is that as far as tests are concerned Arthur is certainly a downgrade. In UAE he has been a disaster as well. Record reads 2-2 after facing two of the worst test teams along with Bangladesh. And even one of the matches we won was by skin of our teeth. Ofcourse he also holds record for longest losing streak in Pakistan history

 

[msb314]

yes one of them holds the record for conceding the biggest ever total in history of ODI cricket and also holds the record of the longest losing streak in Pakistan cricket history #ThankYouMickeyArthur

Mickey has his faults but honestly any coach would have lost 5-0 in NZ/Aus given we had an aging YK/Misbah, out of form openers, out of form Shafiq and Yasir who got torn to pieces on unhelpful conditions.

Yes the 444 game was pretty bad but Wahab had a brain fade and been in the team up to that point based on past reputation. He was discarded during the CT due to injury and Amir, Junaid Hassan hit form and carried on from there. Wahab was not in the T20 squad against World XI so it looks like Mickey has learnt from his mistakes.

 

[Mueez]

If I remember correctly Misbah's first series as a captain was also 1 all.

 

[Sachin136]

Exactly. People need to calm themselves down and let the series play out. Herath is a champion and if he hadn't been at his very best, Pakistan would have won.

Our boys were in control of the game for the the first four days and even until the last two sessions, were favourites to win.

Getting a 3 run lead and letting SL score 419 does not indicate that they were in control.

But that has nothing to do with Sarfraz's captaincy.

 

[msb314]

If I remember correctly Misbah's first series as a captain was also 1 all.

It was a 0-0 draw vs. SAF in 2010

 

[Rana]

Clearly comprehension abilities are lacking in your case. Shaz guy said I want Waqar back as coach and then you started cheerleading Him

In any case that doesn't matter. What the discussion was is that as far as tests are concerned Arthur is certainly a downgrade. In UAE he has been a disaster as well. Record reads 2-2 after facing two of the worst test teams along with Bangladesh. And even one of the matches we won was by skin of our teeth. Ofcourse he also holds record for longest losing streak in Pakistan history

So what is your solution? We should sack him and bring in a coach that assures amazing results in the UAE? You have listed some 'strong' reasons that downgrade him as a worthy coach, at least in the UAE. So how do you suggest PCB makes amends? Would your solution be to present a model that centres itself around the work ethic of Waqar Younis who according to you was a beast of a coach in UAE conditions?

 

[Slog]

So what is your solution? We should sack him and bring in a coach that assures amazing results in the UAE? You have listed some 'strong' reasons that downgrade him as a worthy coach, at least in the UAE. So how do you suggest PCB makes amends? Would your solution be to present a model that centres itself around the work ethic of Waqar Younis who according to you was a beast of a coach in UAE conditions?

The first step would be for Mickey Arthur and his fanbois to accept that there is a problem

Till now they always come up with some excuse

 

[Slog]

Mickey has his faults but honestly any coach would have lost 5-0 in NZ/Aus given we had an aging YK/Misbah, out of form openers, out of form Shafiq and Yasir who got torn to pieces on unhelpful conditions.

Yes the 444 game was pretty bad but Wahab had a brain fade and been in the team up to that point based on past reputation. He was discarded during the CT due to injury and Amir, Junaid Hassan hit form and carried on from there. Wahab was not in the T20 squad against World XI so it looks like Mickey has learnt from his mistakes.

I genuinely think 5-0 results wasnt warranted

The NZ wasnt great and atleast we should have won the 2nd match. Almost everyone had us favorite going into the series. It was one of the more settled Pakistan sides touring down under in memory. And we hadnt lost a series to NZ for 30 years before this so getting whitewashed there was embarassing

The Australian side wasnt great either and had lost 5 consecutive matches before that. Obviosuly I am not saying we could have won the series or even drawn but to lose 3-0 was abject again. Arthur was unable to rally the boys. The Aussie side was a pale comparison to the ones which have been smacking us 3-0 for years.

Also when we lost to WI in UAE the story for the camp was that the boys are preparing for Down under and they will make up for this loss there.

 

[Markhor]

The first step would be for Mickey Arthur and his fanbois to accept that there is a problem

Till now they always come up with some excuse

When criticism was levelled at Waqar there were always "mitigating factors" like PCB not allowing him to work the way he wanted, selectors interfering, standard of domestic cricket being poor, Ajmal getting banned etc.

However when Arthur has arguably just as difficult a set of circumstances to face - having three of the hardest tours for an Asian team in his first four series to England, New Zealand and Australia with hardly any preparation for the latter two, losing two stalwarts in Younis and Misbah, losing Sharjeel and Latif to spot-fixing scandal and trying to create a new batting lineup - these are "excuses" to be dismissed.

Arthur, by showing enough signs of progress in his first year by drawing in England, winning the Champions Trophy, chasing 300+ for the first time outside Asia in Cardiff last summer, beating Australia away in an ODI for the first time since 2005 and beating an improving West Indies (who recently chased 320 in seaming conditions on 5th Day at Headingley) in all formats home and away, has earned enough goodwill that most are willing to give him time to learn from his mistakes.

Most objective and unbiased observers will agree.

 

[Rana]

The first step would be for Mickey Arthur and his fanbois to accept that there is a problem

Till now they always come up with some excuse

yes there is a clear problem. Two of the most prolific run scorers of Pakistan's great Test team retired the last time Pakistan played a Test match. Its a huge problem, not sure if its not obvious but it takes an extremely hard effort to fill up a hole that is left. Not one player, but two of the most important retired. So if thats a problem that you want the 'fanbois' to acknowledge, well then Im pretty sure the top, neutral experts would also testify to this problem

 

[Slog]

When criticism was levelled at Waqar there were always "mitigating factors" like PCB not allowing him to work the way he wanted, selectors interfering, standard of domestic cricket being poor, Ajmal getting banned etc.

However when Arthur has arguably just as difficult a set of circumstances to face - having three of the hardest tours for an Asian team in his first four series to England, New Zealand and Australia with hardly any preparation for the latter two, losing two stalwarts in Younis and Misbah, losing Sharjeel and Latif to spot-fixing scandal and trying to create a new batting lineup - these are "excuses" to be dismissed.

Arthur, by showing enough signs of progress in his first year by drawing in England, winning the Champions Trophy, chasing 300+ for the first time outside Asia in Cardiff last summer, beating Australia away in an ODI for the first time since 2005 and beating an improving West Indies (who recently chased 320 in seaming conditions on 5th Day at Headingley) in all formats home and away, has earned enough goodwill that most are willing to give him time to learn from his mistakes.

Most objective and unbiased observers will agree.

This is absolute rubbish.

When Waqar's mitigating factors were brought up most PPers didnt care and called them 'excuses.'

You seem to be having a case of selective memory. It is exactly due to this why I find it hypocritical that Arthur fanbois give him so much leeway in these regards whereas not a inch was given to earlier coaches.

And lets be honest. Arthur has FULL power and say in selection. No way in the world some of our past coaches would be able to drop Shehzad or send Umar Akmal home in the middle of a tour

 

[Slog]

yes there is a clear problem. Two of the most prolific run scorers of Pakistan's great Test team retired the last time Pakistan played a Test match. Its a huge problem, not sure if its not obvious but it takes an extremely hard effort to fill up a hole that is left. Not one player, but two of the most important retired. So if thats a problem that you want the 'fanbois' to acknowledge, well then Im pretty sure the top, neutral experts would also testify to this problem

Even with those proligic run scorers we had lost 7 of our last 9 Test matches

So again you are putting your head in the sand. The problems are there regardless of them. This is just more excuses

 

[Rana]

Even with those proligic run scorers we had lost 7 of our last 9 Test matches

So again you are putting your head in the sand. The problems are there regardless of them. This is just more excuses

As I said, what is your solution then? Your solution is to find problems in Arthur and his supposedly failed strategies, but you fail to respond with an expert opinion that should solve the apparent problem of Pakistan losing more often than they should. Tell me, im not being sarcastic or anything, I honestly want to hear what you would do if you were appointed to make an administrative decision at this point as to how the PCB must direct its efforts to restore Pakistan are back on winning ways

 

[Markhor]

This is absolute rubbish

When Waqar's mitigating factors were brought up most PPers didnt care and called them 'excuses.'

You seem to be having a case of selective memory. It is exactly due to this why I find it hypocritical that Arthur fanbois give him so much leeway in these regards whereas not a inch was given to earlier coaches.

And lets be honest. Arthur has FULL power and say in selection. No way in the world some of our past coaches would be able to drop Shehzad or send Umar Akmal home in the middle of a tour

Waqar knew what he was getting himself into when he decided to take the job AGAIN in 2014 - why didn't he demand extra powers then ?

Which international coach in any sport takes up a job for a second time, despite having a bad experience the first instance, without asking for reassurances or guarantees to avoid a repeat of the past ?

Yes Arthur deserves the leeway as he's won a 50 over ICC tournament for the first time since 1992, has blooded a raft of youngsters into the team and has prioritised a culture of fitness and professionalism (which yes Waqar also tried to do).

He is an internationally proven coach having taken South Africa to #1 in the world - now you'll say oh but he had De Villiers, Steyn, Smith, Kallis etc - to which I reply go check South Africa's record under his disastrous predecessor Ray Jennings. He was deemed good enough to be Australia's first ever foreign coach and despite some poor results did develop talents like Warner and Starc. We don't need certificates of approval from fans of a coach who had two failed tenures and was even rejected as Australia's bowling coach.