Mickey Arthur finding his feet with the Pakistan ODI side

Although Pakistan lost the ODI series against Pakistan, incumbent coach Mickey Arthur insists that he is making inroads with the Pakistan One-Day side. Arthur, who made history with the Pakistan side with an impressive 2-2 draw against the Test matches has come crashing back to earth and now find themselves on the brink of a 5-0 loss in the ODI series.

Speaking of the performances in recent time, Arthur said that it was indeed very frustrating and stated that he was in the process of finding his way around the side. “It’s very frustrating,” Arthur said on Thursday (September 2). “There were checks and balances in place. He was put on standby when we selected our one-day squad, he went to the NCA and did his training. He played two 50-over games and 20-over game and was resident at the NCA for a period of a week and a half.”

“I’m finding my way with the one-day team,” conceded Arthur. “I want to give guys opportunities and then we’ll know by the end of the tour who we can and can’t take forward. Irfan was a player of interest and I wanted to have a look at him go. Inzi and I have developed a really good relationship. We speak a hell of a lot. I spent probably 40 minutes on the phone with him yesterday just discussing where we were and possible names who could come in in positions I’ve identified. What I am finding out is who can do a job and who can’t.”

Speaking about the series, Arthur said that England was indeed a good side. “England is a phenomenal cricket team, power hitters all the way down, we haven’t been able to get quick starts and clear the ropes,” he said. “We just don’t have the players to do that within our group of 15 at the moment. Those are things we need to address and bear in mind for the next series. It also gives me an opportunity to decide who we take forward and how we play our cricket. With every game, that becomes clearer and clearer.”

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“They have to conform,” said Arthur. “You would like to think, and I’ve never worked with Umar so it’s all hearsay for me, that he’s learned a lesson,” Arthur said. “I haven’t had any conversations with him yet. He’s a very good finisher. His form in the local T20 competition is very good so he’s putting his hand up and he’s going about his business in a fairly good way. But in terms of other off-field stuff, that will be decided at a later date and we’ll never compromise.”