Pakistan are on the 'right track' despite heavy defeat to England at Headingley, says Mickey Arthur
"We have done a hell of a lot of things right but our expectations are still more. These guys will take it on the chin and learn. They are hungry, determined and want to do well for Pakistan."
Sunday 3 June 2018 18:35, UK
Mickey Arthur has backed his "gutted" Pakistan team to come back strong from their heavy loss to England at Headingley.
Pakistan thrashed England by nine wickets in the first Test at Lord's last week, but the hosts rebounded with an innings and 55-run win in Leeds to ensure the two-match series was drawn.
Speaking to Sky Sports' Ian Ward, head coach Arthur said he would "dish out a few hidings" after the tourists' defeat inside three days, but knows his inexperienced side are heading in the right direction.
"I'm incredibly disappointed with what we dished up," said Arthur, after Pakistan were bundled out for 174 and 134 in the second Test, lasting just 48.1 and 46 overs respectively.
"It was a poor display from us coming off such a high at Lord's as we are all about getting our consistency right and trying to play in the right style.
"We'll talk about it, we'll have a hard discussion - we need to dish out a couple of hidings! But they are gutted and if they learn from this, hopefully they can grow and grow quicker.
"The talent we have is phenomenal. It's a young dressing room, guys are feeling what it's like to play tough Test cricket over a long period. A lot of our guys haven't - only four have been to England.
"We have done a hell of a lot of things right but our expectations are still more. These guys will take it on the chin and learn.
"Inconsistency is one of the things that comes with a young team, however hard that is for us to take at the moment.
"I can't fault their effort - they are hungry, determined and want to do well for Pakistan. Most have advanced their cause.
"It confirms to us we are on the right track."
Pakistan racked up 363 in their first innings at Lord's but slumped after electing to bat at Headingley, tumbling to 79-7, before Shadab Khan (56) and the tail swelled their total.
Reflecting on the tourists' batting in both games, Arthur added: "At Lord's they were patient, committed to their defence, committed in attack and showed really good intent.
"We got the balance wrong here, we weren't as disciplined in our first innings after winning a fairly good toss.
"A number of our batsmen got starts but we didn't get a hundred. For us to grow as a team we need someone in our top six getting hundreds consistently."
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