Former Pakistan coach Richard Pybus feels that the lack of experience cost Pakistan dear in the test series against South Africa and also defended Dave Whatmore saying that he must be aware of the team’s lack practice in the longer version of the game.
“That’s life at international level, and I am sure Whatmore is also aware of it. I think he [Whatmore] has done well. All you can do is prepare the team and hand over to the captain in the game time.” said Richard Pybus, in a television interview.
“I popped in to watch a bit of the Cape Town test. Overall the [Pakistan] side disappointed in the Tests in South Africa but this is not new though. They lack depth in experienced batters for these conditions while the bowlers weren’t up to the standard even.” added Pybus, who coached the Pakistan team twice between 1999–2001 and 2003.
“If Whatmore was coaching South Africa with players like Smith, Kallis, De Villiers and Amla then he would be called a great coach”, maintained Pybus
Richard Pybus is the first amongst the four foreign coaches appointed so far by the Pakistan Cricket Board from 1999, followed by the Late Bob Woolmer, Geoff Lawson and the incumbent Whatmore.
The former coach also acknowledged that the Pakistan Cricket was suffering from the lack of international events at home.
“It’s really tough if you take away a side’s home advantage but Pakistan have adapted reasonably well. I saw them prepare in Sri Lanka for the T20 and they looked a profession outfit. Pakistan needs to build on continuity of selection, trusting and challenging players to success”, concludes Richard Pybus.
On the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, Richard Pybus hopes to see competitive encounters, adding that with the inclusion of a few players, Pakistan look a more formidable outfit in the limited-over matches.
