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Inzamam willing to be Pakistan's batting coach

Inzamam-ul-Haq, former captain and Pakistan's second highest run-scorer in Tests, has offered his services as a full-time batting coach to the national team

Cricinfo staff
01-Aug-2010
Inzamam-ul-Haq wants to offer his expertise to the Pakistan side  •  AFP

Inzamam-ul-Haq wants to offer his expertise to the Pakistan side  •  AFP

Inzamam-ul-Haq, former captain and Pakistan's second highest run-scorer in Tests, has offered his services as a full-time batting coach to the national team. Pakistan's batsmen are struggling on a tour of England, where they were dismissed for 182 in the first innings at Trent Bridge and are 15 for 3 in the second.
"The team definitely needs a full-time batting coach and, if any offer is made to me for this position, I will definitely give it serious consideration," Inzamam told. "They need a batting coach to guide them and it is a responsibility I would look at accepting because Pakistan cricket has given me a lot," Inzamam told Reuters. Pakistan already have in their coaching staff former batsman Ijaz Ahmed, who doubles up as a batting and fielding coach.
The Pakistan batsmen also struggled in the two Tests against Australia in England. They lost heavily at Lord's but managed to draw the series by winning at Headingley after their bowlers dismissed Australia for 88 in the first innings. Their batsmen, however, were unconvincing during the chase of a small target.
"The batsmen are not playing with the required technique and temperament," Inzamam said. "They lack patience and get out after scoring 20 to 30 runs, which is not good enough for Test matches."
Inzamam said the selectors should also consider the retired Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, who is out of favour at the moment, for the Test side. "Even a good batsman requires a year or so in Test cricket to settle down and play long innings. I would advise the selectors to try out a combination of senior and young players. And they should use Younis and Yousuf."