Follow Us on Google News
AUCKLAND: Pakistan head coach Misbahul Haq has clarified that he won’t blame the ‘difficult’ 14-day quarantine period in-case the results don’t go in favour of the Men in Green on the New Zealand tour.
“As professionals, we are not looking for excuses. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how many excuses you come up with, all that matters are results,” Misbah said, while talking to journalists via video link.
The head coach further said, “We can’t do anything about the uncontrollable. What we can control is to make up for the lost time and we are trying our best to achieve our best fitness and skill levels and get back in rhythm.”
“It is difficult to cover practice plans of three weeks in one week but not impossible. We want to be in our best shape before we move to Auckland for the T20I series,” he remarked.
Pakistan head coach is ready to face the tough challenge in the upcoming series, but has warned his players of New Zealand bowling attack. “New Zealand has a brilliant bowling attack and their batsmen know to play and utilise these conditions,” he added.
“However, we are confident considering the way we have played our last few series. We also have a quality bowling attack through which we can match up with New Zealand and produce good results here,” he asserted.
Referring to Babar Azam, he said, “Babar has responded well so far in terms of his captaincy and his own performance. He is taking responsibility as a captain and performing with the bat. With time and experience, his captaincy and leadership skills will get polished further.”
The tourists are due to play three Twenty20 internationals (T20Is) and two Tests from December 18, while a Pakistan ‘A’ tour will also be held concurrently.
The Pakistan squad had their exemption to train during managed isolation in Christchurch withdrawn due to several members of the squad testing positive for the novel coronavirus.