Manchester – July 20, 2016: Team Pakistan had a full practice session here at Old Trafford on Wednesday morning, followed by a detailed briefing containing analysis of the performances at Lord’s by Head Coach Mickey Arthur and how he expected everyone to not just keep going but improve on that.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Old Trafford Test match, Steve Rixon, the Pakistan team’s fielding coach, said: “Morale was high after Lords and everyone played a role in the game. The spirit of the team is very high and self-belief is high too.”
Asked about Yasir Shah’s success at Lord’s, he replied, “Most countries around the world play wrist-spinners poorly. A good batsman would play leg-spin well, but not a lot have played him well so far.”
Rixon added: “Lord’s was a reward for a lot of hard work done beforehand. There was a lot of good hard work done at Hampshire. The batsmen had a good hit and there is a settled bowling order.
He added, “I see the ability in this group of youngsters. It is a pleasure to work with this team.”
“Lord’s was a great experience. There were record crowds at Lords' and our guys showed their worth.”
He continued: “The Lord's crowd was great and I hope here at Old Trafford crowds will be the same."
“Our seamers had a role in the last game. Yasir doesn’t have to turn a lot; so it’s far easier to have a strong effect and he is rightly sitting at the top of the world bowlers at the moment.”
Asked about England’s selection problems, he said: “England’s concerns are not an issue for us. We’re happy so far. Jimmy Anderson is a great bowler and a threat to any side. We are expecting a step up from England with Stokes and Anderson coming back. They will add to the England attack. We’re expecting as hard a game here as we’ve have all series."
Speaking about the match, Rixon said: “If we win here happy days. If we lose Birmingham and Oval could create pressure on youngsters; so it is important we keep going.”
Rixon was asked if he could see similarities with the successful New Zealand tour to England in 1999. he replied: I’ve related to Kiwi friends some similarities with what New Zealand team did in 1999.
Speaking the current Pakistan team, he opined: “There has been an overall culture change and preparation has been strong”
Speaking about Mohammad Amir, he said, “Amir can move on now. I congratulate the Lord’s crowd as they embraced him.”
Finally, he said: “I like the mix of players. Misbah is capable of scoring runs in English conditions. We’re mixing experienced players with youngsters. New players will also emerge in a country like Pakistan.
And about the press-up celebration, he said: “It was a one off celebration at the end of game and won’t be seen again. It was initiated by Misbah. None of us knew it was coming. You see it in all sports.”
"The UAE has been very good for Pakistan cricket but we hope to return to Pakistan."
