Mahmood: Pakistan batsmen are afraid of getting out

Mahmood said the batsmen have the talent but need to change their approach and show the heart to get their confidence back. Changing the side ahead of the ensuing ICC World T20, he said, would not help much.

Published : Mar 04, 2016 00:24 IST , Mirpur

Khurram Manzoor walks back after being dismissed.
Khurram Manzoor walks back after being dismissed.
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Khurram Manzoor walks back after being dismissed.

The confidence that typifies Pakistan’s approach in the game is lacking in the batsmen who suffer from the fear of getting out, says the team’s bowling coach Azhar Mahmood. The criticism comes in the wake of the side’s exit from the Asia Cup after losing two of its three games.

“It is all about confidence. If you have a big heart, you can perform well. I also think the batsmen are playing with fear as they are not playing the ball on merit,” Mahmood said on Thursday as Pakistan prepared to play the inconsequential rubber against Sri Lanka.

“We just need to keep working hard, which is the only thing we can do now and hope things get better. Coaches can plan and talk, but the players have to go out and do the work,” he added.

Mahmood said the batsmen have the talent but need to change their approach and show the heart to get their confidence back. Changing the side ahead of the ensuing ICC World T20, he said, would not help much. “I don’t think we should make major changes. Chopping and changing does not help the players. There is no magic wand to change performance overnight. We cannot deny that there are problems and we just need the hard work now and the results will come eventually,” Mahmood said.

“When you win, everything goes well. When you lose, everyone is against you. There are no differences among players. It is just that we need to win a couple of games. If we win the first two games in the World Cup, things will change. We have been playing badly, but it doesn’t mean we cannot play well,” the Pakistan coach said.

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