Former Australian batsman and the Islamabad United Coach, Dean Jones has set India’s ace batsman Virat Kohli an example for the Pakistan cricketers to follow if they want to put up an extraordinary performance for their country.
Kohli has been India’s standout performer since his debut in 2008 and is also one of the fittest athletes around. He has drawn comparisons with the likes of Tennis star Novak Djokovic by his trainers as far as fitness is concerned.
“Kohli is the level that the Pakistani cricketers like Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq need to get to,” maintained Jones.
“Just look at the example of Virat Kohli. He’s lifting 150 kilogram weights. The guy has a body fat of less than 8 per cent.” he added
“Pakistanis should work on their fielding aspects and their attitude to every aspect of their game,” added the Islamabad United coach.
Jones said Pakistani cricketers need to take care of their bodies.
The cricketer-turned commentator believed that turning to consulting coaches was not enough for the Pakistan players to rectify the problems they face during their career.
“These boys cannot just rely on the likes of Wasim Akram or myself, or other coaches telling them what to do, they need to sit down and work it out for themselves,” he clarified.
Jones, who unsuccessfully applied for the Pakistan head coach position which was later filled by South African Mickey Arthur, was confident that the Pakistan bowlers will dominate in their upcoming four-match Test series against England.
However, the 55-year-old also believed that blunders in the slip cordon can frustrate Pakistan like it did during the 2010 tour.
“I think the Pakistani bowlers will do very well but they need the support of the slip fielders and that could be a problem,” said Jones.
For Jones, the experience of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan in the middle of a vulnerable Pakistan batting line will be a crucial factor.