Pakistan’s World Cup campaign has hit a roadblock, and their bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has openly acknowledged the issue of inconsistent performances among bowlers. In their latest match, Pakistan faced a significant setback with a 62-run loss to Australia, marking their second consecutive defeat following a tough clash with India.
While Shaheen Shah Afridi displayed glimpses of his former self by taking five crucial wickets, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali struggled against the aggressive Australian duo, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. It’s apparent that Pakistan’s bowlers lack a Plan B when faced with challenging situations, a point Morkel emphasized.
Morkel stressed the importance of building partnerships and maintaining consistency with the ball, especially in high-pressure games like the World Cup. He believes that creating pressure from both ends and keeping the stumps in play are essential strategies for success.
The absence of injured pacer Naseem Shah, who had formed a formidable partnership with Afridi, was felt keenly by the team. Morkel praised Naseem’s consistency with the new ball, acknowledging his significant contribution. However, he also noted that Rauf and Ali are adapting to their new roles of bowling with the new ball in powerplays in ODIs.
Morkel recognized the challenges the pacers face with the new ball in India, where the margins are small, and the pressure is immense. Despite the difficulties, he commended Rauf and Ali for their determination and willingness to learn.
For Rauf’s future in ODIs, Morkel suggested improving situational awareness and diversifying his bowling techniques. He emphasized Rauf’s role as a key player and an X-factor for the team.
Amidst these challenges, there was a silver lining with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s resurgence during the match against Australia. Honest conversations and a renewed focus on strategy paid off as Afridi adapted his game, hitting hard lines and varying his pace effectively.
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