Nobody’s safe, Pak coach warns his players

LONDON: Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur comes across as a soft-spoken man. But anybody who was at the wrong side of the South African during an intense team meeting here on Thursday might tell you otherwise.

A well-placed source told ‘The News’ that Arthur minced no words when he told several players including a few seniors that they will have to do better to deserve a place in the line-up.

Arthur was in a businesslike mood during the meeting that took place on Thursday morning at the team’s hotel in west London. He minced no words in telling the likes of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik to get their acts together.

Later, the coach delivered a similar message at a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s second One-day International against England to be played here at Lord’s on Saturday (today).

“I’ve told them to step up or we are going to find other players who can,” said Arthur, who was visibly irked by the tame manner in which Pakistan surrendered in their series-opening ODI at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday night.

His message to senior players was loud and clear.

“If you are over 30 then I’m afraid you should be coming to the table more often otherwise it will give us an opportunity to try out other players.”

When asked whether Mohammad Hafeez, whom Arthur dropped before the final Test at The Oval earlier this month, could also face an ODI axe after his below-par showing in Southampton, Arthur said: Nobody is safe in the side. They need to step up.”

Asked about Shoaib Malik role and whether he was happy with the senior all-rounder’s performance, Arthur commented: We needed somebody to finish. Number six is such an important role. Experience is so important. You need to finish. We gave him the role because of his experience. It worked against Ireland. It didn’t work the other night. That will happen as it’s a tough job.”

Azhar Ali drew some flak for his defensive tactics at the Ageas Bowl but Arthur said that critics should be more patient when it comes to the “young captain”.

“Yes we needed wickets and needed to attack a bit more,” said Arthur referring to Wednesday’s game. “As a youngish captain, Azhar will take some time. As he evolves with his team, he will get more and more and more confident. He can develop into a very good captain. The good thing about Azhar is that he listens.”