Grant Flower likely to be retained as Pakistan batting coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to retain the services of their batting coach Grant Flower. The former Zimbabwean batsman has been associated with the Pakistani national side for a long time now. He has been instrumental in shaping the young Pakistani team that recently won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. The young batsmen have flourished under his watchful eyes.

As per the reports in OutlookIndia, some sources close to the PCB have confirmed this news of Grant Flower getting an extension in his contract. It is the recent Champions Trophy win that has strengthened the propositions of retaining the same support staff for the national side. Reportedly, it is not only Grant Flower who is retaining the post.

The other members of the national team’s support staff are also likely to be given an extension to their contracts. Apparently, the extended contract will be for one more year. The source conceded that the services of Flower in the last three years are valuable despite the fact that the Pakistani team has been guilty of having batting collapses on frequent basis. It is the transition that matters for the management at the moment.

“It is felt that while concerns remain over the inconsistent batting performances but with new players coming in it would be best to retain Flower for another year. But the Champions Trophy performance has changed the situation and head coach, Mickey Arthur is also comfortable with his existing support staff,” quoted the source.

Also, the words of head coach Mickey Arthur seem to be influencing the board. Arthur is very pleased with the current lot of people in the support staff.

Other members of the team management

The other members of the support staff who are likely to get an extension are: Steve Rixon (Australia), bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood (Pakistan), Grant Ludon (Australia) and physio, Shane (Australia).