Intikhab: Batting is a worry

Pakistan coach admits to batting concerns ahead of second Kiwi Test

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 30th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Intikhab: Batting is a worry

Intikhab: Admits batting concerns

We're not playing Test cricket regularly so you need to apply yourself according to the playing conditions and stay at the wicket and try to build your innings

Intikhab Alam
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Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has blamed too much one-day and Twenty-20 cricket for his young batsmen's disappointing form in the Test arena.

The team lost their Test series opener against New Zealand in Dunedin by 32 runs having played only five preceding Tests since January this year.

In the same period Pakistan have played 22 one-day internationals and 13 Twenty20 internationals, including their triumphant ICC World Twenty20 campaign, and Intikhab believes the lack of Test experience is hindering his side's performance against the Kiwis.

"The obvious reason is that we play too much one-day cricket and Twenty20

cricket," said Intikhab.

"We're not playing Test cricket regularly so you need to apply yourself according to the playing conditions and stay at the wicket and try to build your innings."

Struggle

In the New Zealand Test at the University Oval only Umar Akmal, who scored his maiden century on his Test debut, made an impression with the bat, while brother Kamran Akmal was the only other batsman to score over 50 in either innings.

The Kiwis' new ball attack of Shane Bond and Chris Martin proved too much for Pakistan's young top order batsmen, with opener Khurram Manzoor and Fawad Alam, making only his third Test appearance, struggling to make a mark.

Imran Farhat also appeared uncomfortable at the crease and managed just 22 and one as Pakistan collapsed to 85-5 in their first innings and 24-3 in the second before Umar stepped in.

"It's a mental game really for the openers. They've got to stay at the wicket," added Intikhab.

"We have a good pace attack that we can bowl New Zealand out twice but I'm concerned about our batting, especially the middle order and opening batsmen.

"They are youngsters and it will take time but we have to get things together."

New arrival

The coach is hoping Pakistan will be boosted by the arrival of Misbah-ul-Haq, who bats at five or six, as they begin preparations for the second Test at the Basin Reserve, which gets underway later this week.

It is thought the 35-year-old will be rushed straight back into the line-up to enhance batting and also provide a safe pair of hands in the slips cordon after a series of catching blunders in Dunedin, with four dropped by Farhat alone.

"Misbah's been playing domestic cricket in Pakistan so he should be all right. He is experienced and that will give us the strength in our batting order," said Intikhab.

"He is probably one of the best slip fielders too so he will be good for us standing at first slip.

"I'm a little bit worried about our slip catching. Misbah and Younis (Khan) used to be in the slips but now we've got two youngsters (Umar and Farhat).

"I'm not making any excuses because we have to take our catches. If we had taken those catches probably the result could have been different."