Younis opens up on lackluster performance by batsmen during practice matches

Pakistan’s batting coach for the tour of England, Younis Khan, while speaking to media personnel through a video conference, opened up about the lackluster performances displayed by the batsmen during their intra-squad practice matches.

All Pakistan batsmen departed for low scores during the matches, however Khan believed that it was because the bowlers knew the weaknesses of each batsman and exploited them.

“The batsmen received the opportunity to play the swinging ball. County bowlers are always different. Bowlers know their team’s weakness and I think that is why a lot of wickets fell during the training matches. I think that level of seriousness was not there either,” Khan said.

“I have tried to work with everyone in the side including Babar Azam. These players are our future. I have no doubts about the skills of Babar. I want him to keep performing better and better. He should strive for a 150 when he makes a 100 and then go on to even 200,” he added.

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The 42-year-old claimed that he had kept an eye on many factors of the side and was hopeful of good performances in the near future.

“I try to keep an eye on the issues being faced by Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq. I keep an eye on off the field events as well. Focusing is very important. I try to lead them wherever possible. In England, issues in batting become very clear for everyone to see. We cannot change anyone’s technique here. We can identify shot selection. Our batting line-up is capable of doing well. We want to play good cricket with a positive approach,” he said.

Younis also stressed on the importance of tailenders contributing with the bat, while laying special emphasis on Mohammad Abbas. 

“We are trying to make Mohammad Abbas the leader of the tailenders. You need to fight till the last wicket in a Test match,” he concluded.