Moin lambasts Pakistani batsmen for failing in New Zealand series

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has lambasted the approach of Pakistani batsmen during the Test series against New Zealand, which green-shirts lost by 2-0 last month.

The former captain told media in Karachi that Pakistani batsmen looked lukewarm in both the Test matches and no one opted to play ‘attacking cricket’, which caused Pakistan’s defeat in series against New Zealand, first time after three decades.

“Pakistan was always known for playing fearless cricket, we missed this flare in last two games. No batsman bothered to step out and charge attack against the opponent bowlers,” Moin said.

“I agree that Pakistan is known for being unpredictable, but the reason behind our unpredictable tag was because of our aggressive cricket. We didn’t look aggressive at all there (in New Zealand),” the former chief selector added.

The former wicket-keeper batsman also questioned Mohammad Aamir’s performance and demanded from the left arm pacer to show his worth or get rested.

“Aamir’s inclusion is surely arguable,” he commented when a journalist mentioned that Aamir hasn’t been able to win matches for Pakistan since his comeback.

“He must prove that he’s a match-winner and selection committee must make him realise that there are bowlers like Junaid Khan and Tabish, who can replace him in the national team as they both are in good form,” he said.

Moin added that Younis Khan must score runs in upcoming series against Australia, otherwise it would become difficult for him to survive in the team.

“I will only suggest him to score maximum as he can in the upcoming series. I cannot tell him that his time is over or not, he is player of such a caliber that he would prefer to go himself when he feels that his time is up now,” Moin added.

The former captain also spoke about exclusion of his son from Pakistan’s U19 squad after initially being picked, and blamed selectors for the negligence.

“If my son was over aged, then he shouldn’t have been picked in the first place, this is sheer negligence by the selectors and I hope PCB will question them.”

“I don’t have any grudges against anyone and I don’t find any conspiracy behind Azam’s exclusion from the team,” Moin said.