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Pakistan cricket team recently suffered another series defeat, this time to Bangladesh in T20I cricket by 2-1. Now, with the Asia Cup and the next edition of the T20 World Cup coming up, their new head coach, Mike Hesson has shared what the sub-continental team need to do in what lies ahead, for improving results. But before one gets into what coach Hesson had to say, it is important to take cognisance of where the Pakistan cricket team sit on the ICC rankings.
The Pakistan white-ball side find itself languishing on the eighth spot on the ICC rankings. But after the recent series loss, Mike Hesson has emphasied on the true need to develop a depth in the white-ball squad especially with such massive competitions lying ahead as the next T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Coach Hesson took over the charge of the team around June, as seen earlier, and his stint began with the team whitewashing Bangaldesh at home in a T20I series 3-0, which was a fine way to begin his assigment. But at Mirpur, Pakistan were humbled, a saga that also involved criticisms levelled at the nature of pitches, especially at Mirpur. What the time, essentially need, at this point of time is a standard of playing, Hesson clearly expressed, that can lead to more competiton from among the ranks in terms of players breaking into the Pakistan line-up.
After struggling early we fought back and showed an ability to learn with experience: Mike Hesson on Pakistan cricket team
The celebrated Dunedin, New Zealand-born Mike Hesson took to X to express what the Pakistan cricket needs to do and urgently so, in terms of its imminent future planning. He was quoted as saying on X, "First 6 games on two contrasting pitches gave us key insights. A young batting group shone with 200+ scores early. Mirpur which is the lowest scoring venue in T20I’s certainly tested our adaptability and after struggling early we fought back and showed an ability to learn with experience."
Having said that, he would also highlight a few positives, "New players stepped up, showing promise and in some instances excelling. Specialist coaches have played a key role in developing bowlers both here and at the NCA," Hesson added. World cricket, it ought to be said, needs not just a strong West Indies, but even a promising and capable Pakistan team, who's looked far more competitive and strong back in the days.
