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Aamir Sohail thinks spinners did not do well

The Dawn
6 October 1998



RAWALPINDI, Oct 5: A dejected Pakistan skipper Aamir Sohail blamed the spin trio for not giving the performance was expected from them as he admitted the brilliant all round Australian performance that completely outclassed the home team.

Aamir Sohail who was talking to the press after conceding the match stated that the 198-runfourth-wicket partnership between Michael Slater (108) and Steve Waugh (157) after the tourists were down at 28 for3 took away the game from Pakistan.

He said that the spinners failed to deliver as the Australians kept building a huge total.

Sohail defended the inclusion of three spinners saying it was a turning track and the Australian bowlers proved it. When asked to comment on who went for the decision of including three spinners for the game, Sohail said that everyone from the selection committee down to the coach and himself were of the same view.

He added that all over the world, no country gives up the prerogative of home wickets. ``When we go abroad, we play on fast pitches.''

On the question of changes for the second Test starting from Oct 15 at Peshawar, Sohail said that obviously they will be thinking about the change. But, added that it won't amount to a drastic changes. One can't overhaul the side after one bad performance, he said.

He talked about picking Mohammad Wasim for the Test who had scored 192 on Zimbabwe tour.

``Good and bad performance go along, if one hasn't done well in one match it doesn't mean he should be removed,'' he said.

The skipper vowed to make a comeback in the next game stating it was not over yet. He said, Pakistan team would learn from the mistakes and would try not to repeat them.

Defeat, he said, was part of the game. There is plenty cricket to be played in the series and we will definitely comeback with a positive approach, Sohail said.

Asked whether there was any pressure on the team of the match-fixing and betting controversy, Sohail said there was no impact of the issue on the players.

He also rejected the view that Australian team had exploited the issue to carve out their brilliant win. ``Australians played brilliantly through out the game and outclassed us. The other matter is being taken care of by the Pakistan Cricket Board.''

Sohail refused to offer any comments on some of the decisions by the umpires especially Peter Willey of England. ``One can derive one's own conclusion by watching the game.''

Wasim Akram's inclusion in the side was regarded as a strength by Sohail who received a barge of questions to comment on the all rounder who did look as fit. ``He made the initial break throughs.''

When asked whether he was staying as captain, Sohail said that it was upto the board to decide. ``If they think I am capable they will keep me.''


Source: Dawn
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