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"Wahab's improved a lot in the last three or four Tests, he's bowling less no-balls" : Azhar Mahmood
Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood has blasted his charges for their no-ball plague, saying it is unacceptable.
Paceman Wahab Riaz has been the prime offender in the Boxing Day Test, over-stepping the line 12 times already in the Australian first innings - including the crucial non-dismissal of opener David Warner.
Wahab bowled the Australian star when he was on 81, but the umpire's arm was outstretched, Warner going on to make 144.
"He's improved a lot in the last three or four Tests - he's bowling less no-balls," Mahmood said.
"But I've told him, it's not an excuse and it's not acceptable.
"I'm really up for it - this is a challenge for me as well as a bowling coach.
"We need to cut down these no-balls, it's not acceptable."
Mahmood said unlike in Australia, England and New Zealand, young Pakistan players often lacked access to good technical coaching.
That made it harder to correct no-ball problems at first-class level.
"Unfortunately from where we come from, you play cricket on the streets (growing up)," Mahmood said.
"There's not technical coaching staff available in first-class cricket back in Pakistan - that's where you struggle.
"People aren't taking this no-ball issue seriously and I think Wahab needs to take it seriously, because he's missed six or seven Test wickets."
Pakistan have also received plenty of criticism for their tactics in the Australian first innings.
After seizing control with 9 (dec)-443, the tourists lost the initiative with some questionable bowling and field settings.
Australia ended day four on 6-465 and captain Steve Smith, who is 100no, said it felt at times like Pakistan were not trying to dismiss him.
But Mahmood pointed out that Mohammad Amir and Sohail Khan in particular had bowled well at times for no reward.
Amir has been the pick of the Pakistan attack, but has 0-74 from 27 overs.
"We didn't execute our plans very well in this innings and if you (look), we were very unlucky," he said.
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Azhar to make final call after head knock
Pakistan's Azhar Ali will have the final say on whether he returns to the field in the Boxing Day Test, regardless of medical advice.
The circumstances surrounding his blow to the head on Thursday highlighted the lack of a concussion protocol for international cricket.
Azhar was fielding at bat pad on Thursday when Matthew Wade middled a pull shot.
He ducked his head and Wade's well-hit shot struck him on the top of the helmet.
Azhar was able to walk from the field after several minutes.
Pakistan are not touring with a doctor, so Australia's Peter Brukner gave Azhar two concussion assessments.
Azhar was passed fit to play for Friday's final day, but he will be offered another test in the morning.
"He's fit and he's alright - he's being monitored by the medical staff and he should be alright," said Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood.
"He was fine - whenever you get hit on the head, you get slight dizziness.
"They have to monitor him throughout the night.
"He's not serious, he's fine and he's walking around, he should be okay for tomorrow."
But the current situation in Test cricket dictates that even if Brukner had decided Azhar should not return to the field, it would be up to the player.
Brukner is a veteran Australian sports doctor and has a strict approach to player concussion issues.
Concussion has become a major issue in world sport, particularly among the major football codes.
The Phil Hughes tragedy two years ago has also focussed cricket's attention on the subject.
Azhar top-scored with 205no in Pakistan's first innings.
The opener crumpled to the ground after Thursday's incident and was examined by trainers, with Wade also rushing over to check on him.
But he was soon back to his feet and able to walk from the ground.
It was the first time Azhar has been absent from the field given his unbeaten six-hour innings.
The ball was caught by Babar Azam after ricocheting off Azhar's helmet.
Under the rules, it is considered a dead ball once it hits a fielder's helmet, however the MCC Cricket Committee is reportedly considering changing this to allow such catches.
Link
Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood has blasted his charges for their no-ball plague, saying it is unacceptable.
Paceman Wahab Riaz has been the prime offender in the Boxing Day Test, over-stepping the line 12 times already in the Australian first innings - including the crucial non-dismissal of opener David Warner.
Wahab bowled the Australian star when he was on 81, but the umpire's arm was outstretched, Warner going on to make 144.
"He's improved a lot in the last three or four Tests - he's bowling less no-balls," Mahmood said.
"But I've told him, it's not an excuse and it's not acceptable.
"I'm really up for it - this is a challenge for me as well as a bowling coach.
"We need to cut down these no-balls, it's not acceptable."
Mahmood said unlike in Australia, England and New Zealand, young Pakistan players often lacked access to good technical coaching.
That made it harder to correct no-ball problems at first-class level.
"Unfortunately from where we come from, you play cricket on the streets (growing up)," Mahmood said.
"There's not technical coaching staff available in first-class cricket back in Pakistan - that's where you struggle.
"People aren't taking this no-ball issue seriously and I think Wahab needs to take it seriously, because he's missed six or seven Test wickets."
Pakistan have also received plenty of criticism for their tactics in the Australian first innings.
After seizing control with 9 (dec)-443, the tourists lost the initiative with some questionable bowling and field settings.
Australia ended day four on 6-465 and captain Steve Smith, who is 100no, said it felt at times like Pakistan were not trying to dismiss him.
But Mahmood pointed out that Mohammad Amir and Sohail Khan in particular had bowled well at times for no reward.
Amir has been the pick of the Pakistan attack, but has 0-74 from 27 overs.
"We didn't execute our plans very well in this innings and if you (look), we were very unlucky," he said.
Link
Azhar to make final call after head knock
Pakistan's Azhar Ali will have the final say on whether he returns to the field in the Boxing Day Test, regardless of medical advice.
The circumstances surrounding his blow to the head on Thursday highlighted the lack of a concussion protocol for international cricket.
Azhar was fielding at bat pad on Thursday when Matthew Wade middled a pull shot.
He ducked his head and Wade's well-hit shot struck him on the top of the helmet.
Azhar was able to walk from the field after several minutes.
Pakistan are not touring with a doctor, so Australia's Peter Brukner gave Azhar two concussion assessments.
Azhar was passed fit to play for Friday's final day, but he will be offered another test in the morning.
"He's fit and he's alright - he's being monitored by the medical staff and he should be alright," said Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood.
"He was fine - whenever you get hit on the head, you get slight dizziness.
"They have to monitor him throughout the night.
"He's not serious, he's fine and he's walking around, he should be okay for tomorrow."
But the current situation in Test cricket dictates that even if Brukner had decided Azhar should not return to the field, it would be up to the player.
Brukner is a veteran Australian sports doctor and has a strict approach to player concussion issues.
Concussion has become a major issue in world sport, particularly among the major football codes.
The Phil Hughes tragedy two years ago has also focussed cricket's attention on the subject.
Azhar top-scored with 205no in Pakistan's first innings.
The opener crumpled to the ground after Thursday's incident and was examined by trainers, with Wade also rushing over to check on him.
But he was soon back to his feet and able to walk from the ground.
It was the first time Azhar has been absent from the field given his unbeaten six-hour innings.
The ball was caught by Babar Azam after ricocheting off Azhar's helmet.
Under the rules, it is considered a dead ball once it hits a fielder's helmet, however the MCC Cricket Committee is reportedly considering changing this to allow such catches.
Link
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