It redounds doubly to New Zealand’s credit that its cricketers adjusted quickly in batting and bowling from fast greentop wickets to slow sand-based UAE grounds. Pakistan could only manage totals of 181, 190, 177, and 294 in their four outings, without any batsman scoring a century. While Pakistan lost the three Test South Africa series 2-0, with one to play, India won a historic away Test series 2-1 Down Under, against a fighting, albeit weakened by the ball-tampering scandal Australia, it’s first since 1947. Winning and morale are inter-dependent and Pakistan batsmen must display spine, skills-set and self-confidence or face relegation to the bottom of world cricket, despite possessing laudable individual talent. Three separate teams for each cricket format, inculcating team spirit, selection on merit and appointment of knowledgeable administrators are essential.

Source: Pakistan Today January 08, 2019 08:14 UTC